Commerce Ballarat

Cashflow Optimisation for business
2026-08-19 09:00 - 10:00 (Australia/Melbourne)
In this session, you’ll explore the Cash Conversion Cycle (CCC) and why it is one of the most important measures of business cash flow performance. You’ll cover practical strategies to accelerate cash collections and improve supplier payment terms, helping businesses unlock working capital and strengthen cash flow.

Register via email to hello@progressaccounting.au
Presented by Progress Accounting

Compass by Agency 357 a free AI diagnostic tool
2026-08-19 16:00 - 17:00
Feeling overwhelmed by marketing or unsure where to start? Join this free session designed for small businesses to simplify your approach. Learn how to use Compass by Agency 357, an AI-powered diagnostic tool that provides tailored marketing actions based on your business stage and industry. Walk away with clear, practical steps to improve your marketing and start seeing better results without overcomplicating your strategy.
Presented by Agency 357

Corporate Open Day at The Goods Shed
2026-08-19 16:00 - 19:00
Join us for an exclusive showcase of The Goods Shed Events Hall and discover how one of regional Victoria’s most distinctive venues can bring your next corporate event, conference, gala dinner, strategy day, product launch or Christmas celebration to life.

Guests will enjoy an immersive evening exploring our unique event spaces, each styled to demonstrate a variety of event formats and possibilities. Experience our hospitality firsthand with chef-selected canapés, premium beverages, and interactive venue displays while connecting with industry professionals and event specialists.

From intimate boardroom meetings and executive workshops to large-scale corporate functions and end-of-year celebrations, The Goods Shed Events Hall offers versatile spaces, exceptional service and unforgettable experiences – all under one historic roof.

Whether you’re planning your next conference, team event, client function or Christmas party, this is your opportunity to see what’s possible, gather inspiration and experience The Goods Shed at its very best.

We look forward to welcoming you and helping you imagine your next event.

Presented by The Good Shed

Insights Forum on Digital Connectivity
2026-08-20 09:00 - 10:30
In partnership with Telstra, Committee for Ballarat will host an Insights Forum on Digital Connectivity. This session is for local businesses to learn more about the challenges and opportunities influencing Ballarat’s technology ecosystem.
Presented by Committee for Ballarat & Telstra

Psychological Safety & Psychosocial Risk Management Workshop
2026-08-21 07:30 - 09:00
This 90-minute breakfast workshop helps business owners, managers, and HR professionals understand and manage psychosocial risks in the workplace. Focusing on practical solutions rather than theory, participants will learn how to identify hazards, assess risks, and implement effective controls. Attendees will gain simple tools, actionable strategies, and confidence to improve workplace culture, communication, and psychological safety—enabling them to proactively address risks and create healthier, more supportive work environments.
Presented by Safety Xperts
To book email: caylene@safetyxperts.com.au

Innovation Startup Commercialisation Workshop
2026-08-21 15:00 - 17:00
Discover practical ways to grow your business and explore opportunities you may not have considered. In this workshop, innovator and VitalLeads Pro co-founder, A/Prof Venki Balasubramanian Appiah, shares grounded insights on expanding operations, developing new income streams, and overcoming common barriers to growth. He will also introduce FORGE, a 14-week program featuring 36 hours of interactive classes that supports local businesses with mentoring, skills development and connections.
Presented by Federation University Australia

Win More Business
2026-08-24 10:00 - 12:00
Many businesses miss out on tenders, not because they can’t do the work, but because they’re unsure where to start. Whether it’s cleaning contracts, road works, admin support, or joint ventures, these jobs are open to businesses of all sizes and sectors.
At this session, you’ll hear from procurement insiders, successful suppliers, and support experts about what really matters in a winning bid. Plus learn about the Tender Toolkit, a practical resource packed with checklists, templates, and tools to help you get tender-ready.
If you’ve applied once and given up, or never tried at all, this is your chance to re-enter the game with the right support behind you.
Presented by Commerce Ballarat, Simon Coutts of Grantus, Dannielle James of Pipe Pro Directional Drilling/ James Vac Solutions and Claire Wootton of Sovereign Press.
Supported by the City of Ballarat

Small Business Bus
2026-08-24 10:00 - 16:00
The Victorian Government’s Small Business Bus is a “travelling office on wheels” operated by Business Victoria. It tours regional Victoria, offering small business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs free, face-to-face 45-minute mentoring sessions, financial counseling, and wellbeing support.
Presented by Business Victoria

Xero Accounting Software – Tips, Tricks and Automations
2026-08-25 07:30 - 08:45
This session will help improve your Xero knowledge and get you comfortable using additional features within your software. Topics to be covered include: Automating bank reconciliations, creating and using bank rules, getting the most out of your reports, using tracking categories, storing and attaching documents, knowing your customer history, and simplifying payments. Questions are also welcome, with a light breakfast provided.

Register via email to hello@progressaccounting.au
Presented by Progress Accounting

Learn how to measure and quantify your travel emissions and costs
2026-08-25 15:00 - 17:00
An introduction to reducing energy use and lowering costs. Learn how to measure your organisation’s energy emissions, identify quick wins to cut expenses, and understand the costs and potential savings of larger efficiency upgrades.
Presented by City of Ballarat

Connect over Coffee
2026-08-26 09:15 - 11:00
Enjoy a relaxed morning coffee or tea designed to spark conversation, build confidence, and strengthen connections among Ballarat’s business women. Whether you’re running your own venture, leading a team, working for a local business or exploring new opportunities, this is your chance to swap insights, share experiences, and expand your network in a warm, welcoming space.
Grab a cuppa, meet like‑minded women, and leave feeling inspired, supported, and more connected to our vibrant local business community
Presented by Ballarat Business Women

Building Better Businesses
2026-08-26 12:00 - 13:30
Learn how to make informed decisions to protect your business and personal assets in this practical session, with lunch provided, led by Worrells insolvency experts. Explore real case studies to understand how business structures impact liability, identify financial risks, and recognise early warning signs. Ideal for business owners and advisors at any stage, this session offers valuable insights to strengthen your foundations and includes a one-hour CPD certificate.
Presented by Worrells

2026 FEDERATION UNIVERSITY COMMERCE BALLARAT BUSINESS EXCELLENCE AWARDS GALA DINNER
2026-08-27 18:00 - 22:30 | Mercure Ballarat, 613 Main Road, Golden Point, Victoria, 3350, Australia
Join us for a night celebrating Ballarat business as we announce the winners of the 2026 Federation University Commerce Ballarat Business Excellence Awards. Enjoy world-class entertainment, plenty of surprises, and finish with the famous after-party.

September Biznet Breakfast
2026-09-01 07:00 - 08:45
Save the date! More details to come soon…

October Biznet Breakfast
2026-10-06 07:00 - 08:45

CyberBasics
2026-10-13 10:00 - 11:00 | Commerce Ballarat, 119 Lydiard Street North, Ballarat Central, Victoria, 3350, Australia
Small and medium-sized businesses face increasing risks from sophisticated cyber attacks as digital threats evolve. Join Luke, CEO at Lateral Plains, as he shares 8 simple steps that you can take to proctect your small/ meduim business from cyber threats.
You’ll walk away with practical steps that could be the make-or-break between a threat remaining as just a threat, or a threat that turns into a big, expensive problem.
Invest an hour and get prepared, ask questions and add some simple but effective proection to your business.

This session is free for Commerce Ballarat members.

December Biznet Breakfast
2026-12-01 07:00 - 08:45
