Development Opportunities
2025 Mentoring Program
Applications have opened for the 2025 Business Mentoring Program! If you’re a Commerce Ballarat member and business owner that is interested in growth, productivity, and the acquisition of industry-specific knowledge, this program could be an invaluable asset. This program aims to provide guidance and support to local businesses through their own peers. Established businesses can lend assistance to those seeking professional improvement and expansion. It is not essential that applying businesses are new - guidance is awarded at any stage in your establishment's history.
February Biznet Breakfast
Forage & Feast Edition - Celebrating the impact of migration on our food culture
Start your morning with an engaging Biznet Breakfast featuring a panel of inspiring Central Highlands foodies, growers, and producers. Part of Forage & Feast: A Taste of Summer in the Central Highlands (January 13 – February 16), this event dives into the stories, experiences, and passions behind the region’s food scene.
Facilitated by celebrated food writer Richard Cornish, the panel showcases:
Bishal Khanal (Sede Café): Originally from Nepal, Bishal has spent 16 years in Australia, carving a niche in hospitality. Starting as a kitchen hand, his journey led him to work in top resorts and hotels across the country, blending Indigenous ingredients into modern cuisine. Now the proud owner of Sede Café in Ararat, Bishal celebrates his heritage by crafting innovative dishes infused with Nepalese flavors, herbs, and spices, sharing his culture through heartfelt storytelling and culinary expertise.
Gilava Pour (Exotic Bazaar): Born in Irian and deeply connected to her Middle Eastern roots, Gilava moved to Australia with a mission to bridge the gap in authentic, accessible Middle Eastern flavours. She founded Exotic Bazaar to inspire Australian home cooks with bold, traditional tastes, transforming everyday meals into culinary adventures. Her products reflect her heritage and passion for connecting people through the power of flavour.
Mara Ripani (Village Dreaming): A champion of sustainable living, Mara co-founded Village Dreaming, a permaculture farm and Orto Cooking School in Blampied, Victoria. Drawing from her Italian heritage and a background in environmental work, she has a deep passion for growing and preserving food, permaculture, and community connection. Alongside her partner Ralf and their daughters, Mara invites others to learn, share, and celebrate the joys of sustainable living.
Whether you’re looking to spark new ideas, gain fresh insights, or simply connect with like-minded individuals, this event promises to inspire, inform, and delight.
Committee For Ballarat: Future Shapers Program
Applications are now open for a three-month program beginning in March next year - Future Shapers. The Future Shapers program is a journey of confidence, connection, and self-awareness to aid in making an impact in your community as an emerging leader. Run by Committee for Ballarat, this program is an excellent opportunity for development on both a micro and macro scale.
An Insight into the Right to Disconnect
New legislation changes have created a new obligation: The Right to Disconnect. The new law, enumerated by The Fair Work Commission in all Modern Awards, allows employees to ignore work-related communication after hours without fear of reproach and reprimand. The Australian Industry Group (Ai Group) is sending an open invitation to all members to attend an information session and discussion on this latest change to workplace law.
DEVELOPING CONNECTIVITY RESILIENCE
Ever had your internet connection drop out or your EFTPOS machine fail to process payments? Have you considered what you would do if you lost connectivity for an extended period?
Join our upcoming webinar to learn how to develop a "connectivity resilience strategy." We'll guide you through creating a simple yet effective plan to ensure your business stays connected, even during disruptions. Discover various connectivity solutions and ensure your business is prepared for any connectivity challenges. Don't miss out on this essential guide to maintaining your digital resilience.
INDUSTRY CHAT: HOSPITALITY, TOURISM, GROWERS AND PRODUCERS
Come along to hear more about Medieval to Metal and ways to get involved. Get updates from City of Ballarat Events team and Tourism Midwest Victoria. Also take a peek at Luv a Duck's cheeky new branding campaign, and hear about what’s going on a Meredith Dairy.
UNLOCKING BUSINESS EFFICIENCY WITH AI: A PRACTICAL GUIDE FOR SOLE TRADERS AND SMALL BUSINESSES
This workshops aims to help sole traders and small business owners understand the practical applications of AI in their daily operations to create digital and business efficiencies.
Provide a hands-on experience by creating AI support key business documents during the workshop. Participants leave with practical knowledge of AI tools including:
-how to create a logo
-simple marketing collateral
-create tender application template and AI supported calendar management
EMERGENCY READY
Being prepared is the best way for you and your business to survive and recover. We are pleased to offer Hub members a free, online session with SES Ballarat Controller Gordon Hicks and Emergency Operational Readiness Officer Gavin Kelly who will take you through key steps in preparing for the worst and pose questions you may not have thought to ask. You will also have the chance to ask your own questions.