5 business tips to help kick start your year
For small businesses, February is a great time to pause, take stock and make a few smart tweaks.
These 5 practical tips can help small businesses work smarter, tap into support and spot new opportunities as the year rolls on.
1. Explore grants and funding opportunities
Victorian small businesses have access to a wide range of local council, state and federal grants and funding programs. Knowing where to look and how to apply can improve your chances of securing support.
Explore federal and state grants
State and federal grants can help with everything from digital skills to business mentoring and industry-specific support.
Save the links below and check back regularly for new opportunities:
- Victorian business grants, visit Business Victoria’s grants and programs
- Australian business grants, visit the Grants and programs finder.
Explore local council grants
Local council grants can give your small business targeted support. Check your local council’s website for new opportunities.
Improve your grant applications
Want your grant application to shine? Follow the rules, set clear goals, budget smart, and match the program’s objectives. First timer or rusty? Help is out there:
- tips on writing grants, read How to write a grant application.
2. Access support from business experts
No matter what stage of your business you’re in, expert advice is always valuable for your business.
One on one support
One on one business advice is available in person and online. In‑person support is available through the Small Business Bus, which travels Victoria to offer free one‑on‑one business advice. Jump online and book a virtual advice session for free expert guidance to help your business from anywhere you wish:
- in-person support near you with the Small Business Bus
- online support with virtual advice sessions
- improve business skills with the Business Skills Mentoring Program.
Digital support
Business Victoria offers live online webinars covering key business topics as well as self‑paced online courses and recorded webinars to build skills and knowledge whenever it suits you:
- online webinars exploring business topics with Business Victoria’s live webinars
- online courses and record webinars at your own pace with Business Victoria’s courses and webinars.
Networking with businesses and experts
If you want to get noticed, swap ideas or find your next business buddy, make sure networking is on your 2026 to-do list. There are big and small networking events throughout Victoria. Find one that suits you:
- Business Victoria’s in-person workshops
- local council networking events
- large scale business expos like SmallBiz Week or SmallBiz Expo.
3. Upskill staff with free training
Free training is available to Victorian small business owners who want to level up their skills and improve their team.
Essential skills training
Language, literacy, numeracy and digital skills are some of the most important qualities for employees. There are educational providers throughout Victoria providing free training for employees:
- language, literacy, numeracy and digital skills training with the Skills for Education and Employment Program.
Industry-specific training
Your business may be eligible for free industry training. These programs help business owners, team leaders and staff members improve skills with new technologies:
- training for manufacturing and construction with the Digital Jobs Program.
Cyber security training
Keep your business out of the digital danger zone and upskill with Cyber Wardens free, government‑funded cyber security training. Access online courses and webinars that teach how to spot scams, prevent attacks and feel confident online:
- cyber security training with Cyber Wardens.
4. Reconnect with customers
Think about how you can grab attention this year. It all boils down to the data you have already in your hands, for quick easy wins to connect with the right customer for you.
Dive into your customer data
How well do you know your customers? Improve your customer engagement by updating customer records, reviewing purchase history and analysing the habits of your customers from last year:
- understand your customers with Identify your customers
- find new data with Where to find statistics.
Get noticed with a smart marketing boost
Put that data to work with smart marketing and updating customer data to connect with them the right way:
- marketing tips with 4 undercover ways to find fresh content marketing ideas.
Review your online experience
Take a moment to step into your customer’s shoes. With this in mind, you may need to update your website content, business hours, product details or online booking systems. The goal here is to make sure everything is clear, update to date and easy to access:
- start a unique marketing plan with 5 creative ways to get your business noticed
- better understand your brand with Brand your business for a competitive edge.
Connect with community
Connect with your local customers and businesses by joining a local trader business association or supporting community causes like sports teams or multicultural events. Building a strong relationship with local businesses and customers can strengthen your brand as a pillar of the community:
- get to know locals with Connect your business.
5. Review your systems, security and subscriptions
Review your systems, software, cyber security and subscriptions. These small changes could save you countless dollars by the end of the year.
Managing your core business systems
How up to date are your everyday business systems and software? It’s always handy to review point-of-sales, booking or invoicing systems to find one that might be cheaper and suits your needs:
- find the right software with Choose business accounting software.
Review security and compliance
Strengthen your security by updating passwords, enabling multi‑factor authentication and reviewing data privacy and customer consent settings:
- protect your business with Manage cyber security in your business.
Check subscriptions and licences
How many of us have personal subscriptions to things we don’t use? This is your reminder to check all subscriptions and cancel the ones you are not using:
- review your business operations with Improve your cash flow.
Small steps to business success
With these 5 tips under your belt, you’re ready to level up your business and make the rest of the year count.
For more on growing your business: