Registrations open for Maroondah BizMonth!

Maroondah BizMonth

This May, you'll find inspiration, connect with local business, and gain valuable insights from industry leaders and experts at Maroondah BizMonth.

Delivered in partnership with Swinburne University of Technology, you're invited to join the hundreds of businesses that benefit each year from BizHub Maroondah's fantastic program of affordable and free training and events, available both in-person and online.

Key events

Lisa Smith

BizHub Coworking Open Day: 
Work on your own,
but not alone!

At this free Open Day, learn why so many smart businesses choose BizHub Coworking. Enjoy a desk for the day, super-fast WiFi, business mentoring, collaboration and networking opportunities, and even seated massages!
 

Thursday 1 May, from 9am
Venue Realm, Ringwood Town Square
Cost Free, includes lunch, bookings essential

More information

Lisa Smith

Think differently:
Swinburne Business Breakfast
with Lisa Smith

At this business breakfast, learn the secrets of the great innovators. Understand what innovation means for your business and how to create an inspiring culture that inspires with professional thinker and Minds at Work partner, Lisa Smith.
 

Thursday 22 May, 7am to 9am
Venue Karralyka, Ringwood
Cost $65, includes breakfast

More information

David Juma SAAZAA Coffee

Coffee and connect:
A unique networking experience
with SAAZAA Coffee

At this one-of-a-kind networking experience, learn about the art of specialty coffee, from sourcing and roasting to brewing and tasting techniques, a guided coffee tasting and network with like-minded businesses.
 

Wednesday 7 May, 7am to 9.30am
Venue SAAZAA Coffee, Ringwood
Cost $15, includes coffee tasting and pastries

More information

Workshops and events

 

Speaking up! Practical tools to boost your confidence

Learn how to build your confidence, presence, and persuasion skills when speaking in a range of scenarios, from everyday meetings to high-stakes stakeholder conversations. Backed by the latest behavioural science, uncover high-performance tips, real-world applications, and optional in-session networking opportunities to try out your new skills.

This workshop is facilitated by Sarah Denholm. 

Tuesday 6 May, 9.30am to 12.30pm 
Venue Realm, Ringwood Town Square, Ringwood 
Cost $25, bookings essential

Book now In person event

How to build a sustainable marketing strategy 

Learn how to build a sustainable marketing strategy that aligns with your business goals in this exclusive workshop from Melbourne Innovation Centre. Discover proven techniques to define your objectives, identify your target audience, and craft a unique value proposition that sets your brand apart. 

This workshop is presented in partnership with Melbourne Innovation Centre. 

Thursday 8 May, 10am to 12pm 
Venue Karralyka
Cost Free, bookings essential

Book now Online event

Quick wins in accounting and bookkeeping: Boost your business efficiency 

Learn how to enhance your financial management skills and improve your business operations in this hands-on, interactive workshop facilitated by Swinburne University of Technology. Discover how to streamline financial processes and reduce errors with valuable insights into the MYOB platform and accounting best practices, along with strategies that can be applied to any accounting software. 

This workshop is presented in partnership with Swinburne University of Technology. 

Friday 9 May, 9.30am to 11am 
Venue Swinburne Croydon Campus, Croydon 
Cost Free, bookings essential 

Book now In person event

HR essentials for effective business success

Learn how strong HR practices can enhance your business’ culture, performance, and profitability in this workshop hosted by HR Staff ’n’ Stuff. Discover practical strategies for leading, motivating, and managing your team effectively while ensuring compliance with workplace laws.

This workshop is facilitated by HR Staff ‘n’ Stuff. 

Monday 12 May, 9.30am to 1.30pm 
Venue Realm, Ringwood Town Square, Ringwood 
Cost $40, bookings essential

Book now In person event

Unlock the power of generative AI for business efficiency

Learn how to boost your business efficiency with generative AI (AI) in this exclusive workshop from Swinburne University of Technology. Discover how AI can streamline your operations, reduce errors, and save valuable time by integrating it into your business processes. This interactive workshop, facilitated by industry experts, will explore case studies and real-world examples that demonstrate how integrating AI technology has been proven to enhance business success. 

This workshop is presented in partnership with Swinburne University of Technology. 

Tuesday 13 May, 5.30pm to 7pm 
Venue Swinburne Croydon Campus, Croydon 
Cost Free, bookings essential

Book now In person event

Business mentoring sessions

Learn how to improve your business management skills in a personalised online session with a mentor from the Small Businesses Mentoring Service. Discover valuable guidance tailored to your business’s needs, whether you're planning, starting, or growing your business. 
 
This mentoring is facilitated by the Small Business Mentoring Service (SBMS). 
 
Wednesday 14 May, 4pm to 9pm 
Venue Online 
Cost Free, bookings essential 

Book now Online event

Being more Google-icious: SEO and website basics

Learn how to drive more organic traffic to your website and optimise it for success in this informative workshop with small business marketing consultant Jenn Donovan. Discover design basics, blogging, SEO fundamentals, and how to use Google Analytics to attract the right audience and increase website visits. Explore the importance of Google Business Profiles for local SEO and explore how AI is changing the digital landscape, impacting how websites fit into your marketing strategy. Be equipped with actionable insights to improve or create a website that drives growth and boosts your business. 

This workshop is facilitated by Jenn Donovan. 

Wednesday 14 May, 5.30pm to 6.30pm 
Venue Online 
Cost $10, bookings essential

Book now Online event

Kickstart your social media journey with Denh Lay Photography

Learn how to create and manage a professional social media presence in this hands-on workshop with Denh Lay, from Denh Lay Photography. Designed for beginners, discover how to set up and optimise your Facebook and Instagram profiles to reflect your brand or personal image effectively. Explore essential content creation strategies, from promotional to interactive posts, and understand how to create a 1-month content plan to stay consistent and engaged with your audience. This workshop includes two weeks of direct post-session support with Denh Lay.

This workshop is facilitated by Denh Lay. 

Thursday 15 May, 10am to 11am 
Venue Realm, Ringwood Town Square, Ringwood 
Cost $50, bookings essential 

Book now In person event

16 ways to market your business for free!

Learn 16 free ways to diversify your marketing strategy beyond social media in this empowering workshop with small business marketing consultant, Jenn Donovan. Discover the impact of a well-rounded marketing approach and how it can lead to less stress and more success in your business. Explore how to think strategically about your target audience, marketing channels, and time management. Build your understanding of actionable tips and insights that will inspire you to redefine your marketing approach and create more profitable, sustainable growth for your business. 

This workshop is facilitated by Jenn Donovan. 

Monday 19 May, 9.30am to 11.30am 
Venue Realm, Ringwood Town Square, Ringwood 
Cost $25, bookings essential 

Book now In person event

Communicate with confidence, clarity, and impact: Dinner with Carol Fox

Learn invaluable tools to communicate with confidence, clarity, and impact at this interactive Maroondah Business Group dinner event. Discover how effective communication techniques, influential presence-building, and the power of our words can unlock your business potential. Carol Fox, an expert in confident communication with over thirty years of experience, is an accomplished leader in elite sports performance, emergency services, leadership, and teamwork. Carol is passionate about guiding and inspiring organisations toward effective, powerful, community-shaping action. 
 

This event is presented in partnership with Maroondah Business Group. 
 

Tuesday 20 May, 5.30pm to 8.30pm 
Venue Karralyka, Mines Road, Ringwood 
Cost MBG Members $110, MBG Non-members $120,
includes 2-course dinner and arrival drink

Book now In person event

Inclusive hiring, smarter business: Information session with CDERP

Learn how to create an inclusive workplace that enhances culture and drives business success by hiring employees with disabilities in this information session with the Centre for Disability Employment Research and Practice (CDERP). Discover how strategic planning, smart financial investment, and a robust support framework can lead to a more innovative, productive, and financially successful business. Understand how embracing disability hiring can lower turnover, increase employee engagement, and improve your brand reputation while accessing financial incentives. Explore how inclusive hiring unlocks your workforce’s full potential and ensures long-term success for your business. 

This information session is facilitated by the Centre for Disability Employment Research and Practice. 

Thursday 22 May, 5.30pm to 7pm 
Venue Realm, Ringwood Town Square, Ringwood 
Cost Free, bookings essential 

Book now In person event

Navigating retail leases: Insights from the Victorian Small Business Commissioner

Learn your rights and responsibilities under the Victorian Retail Leases Act 2003 in this information session for retail tenants and landlords from Victorian Small Business Commissioner Lynda McAlary-Smith. Discover who is responsible for costs like council rates, maintenance issues, and fit-out removal, along with practical tips for avoiding disputes. Explore valuable lessons from resolved retail leasing disputes and receive guidance on where to turn for help if needed. 

This information session is facilitated by the Victorian Small Business Commissioner. 

Monday 27 May, 5.30pm to 6.30pm 
Venue Online 
Cost Free, bookings essential 

Book now Online event

Grow your business with a standout website

Learn how to create a high-converting homepage that captivates visitors and drives action in this expert-led workshop from the Melbourne Innovation Centre. Discover the ultimate framework for designing a homepage that showcases your brand and services while guiding visitors toward taking action. Understand how to effectively structure your website, craft clear messaging, improve user navigation, and implement call-to-action strategies that increase inquiries, sign-ups, and sales. 

This workshop is presented in partnership with the Melbourne Innovation Centre. 

Tuesday 27 May, 10am to 12pm 
Venue Realm, Ringwood Town Square, Ringwood 
Cost Free 

Book now In person event

Elevate your social media visual content with Denh Lay Photography 

Learn how to elevate your social media content and create visually engaging posts that stand out in this hands-on workshop with Denh Lay from Denh Lay Photography. Discover simple tips and tricks for capturing high-quality photos and videos, along with essential editing techniques to enhance your images for a more professional appearance. Explore how to plan and organise your content for consistency, incorporating creative ideas to keep your posts fresh and engaging. Understand how to streamline your posting process using scheduling tools that save you time while maintaining a strong online presence. This workshop includes two weeks of direct post-session support with Denh Lay.

This workshop is facilitated by Denh Lay. 

Wednesday 28 May, 10am to 11.30am 
Venue Realm, Ringwood Town Square, Ringwood 
Cost $70, bookings essential 

Book now In person event

Maroondah BizMonth is delivered in partnership with Swinburne University of Technology.