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                    Business Capacity Program 2024

                    Three people next to the Yarra River, two in wheelchairs and one standing

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                    City of Melbourne’s Business Capacity Program is a tailored mentoring program to help local businesses better respond to and understand the value of accessible business and tourism.

                    ​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​As accessible tourism continues to thrive and develop around Australia, implementing inclusive experiences and practices is essential in today’s dynamic business landscape.

                    Through this program, you will:

                    1. Understand the foundations of accessibility within your business
                    2. Learn how to communicate your accessibility features to your audience in order to attract new customers and increase retention of existing customers
                    3. Establish an action plan and create a point of difference without pivoting
                    4. Lead your industry with purpose 
                    5. Reduce barriers for people with access needs who want to engage in your services 

                    Delivered by accessibility experts Flare Access Consulting​, the program is a six-month online course and will give businesses the tools and skills to implement game-changing strategies and inclusive practices in the workplace.

                    The program is free and available to 14 eligible businesses in the City of Melbourne municipality​ that offer services within the visitor economy sector.

                    Expression of interests are now open and close 30 November 2023.​​

                    Learn more about the program​.​​​​​

                    Key dates

                    • ​Expressions of interest open 1 November 2023 and close 30 November 2023 
                    • Selected businesses notified: by mid-December 
                    • Program commences: 15 January 2024 
                    • Program concludes: 28 June 2024  

                    How to apply

                    ​Fill out the online registration form​. Spots are limited.

                    Eligibility criteria

                    ​Applicants need to meet the following criteria: 

                    • Eligible businesses must operate within the City of Melbourne municipality​ and offer services within the visitor economy sector including but not limited to: 
                      • Hospitality such as restaurants, cafes and bars. 
                      • Tourism and recreation including tourist attractions, recreation activities, guided tours and retail. 
                      • Hotels. 
                    • Businesses must be willing and available to commit to approximately two hours per week to the program. This includes: 
                      • Completion of online modules (approximately two hours per month).
                      • Attendance of live workshops or viewing of recordings (approximately three hours per month).
                      • Implementation of activities to review your service, identify barriers and plan solutions (approximately two to five hours per month).
                    • Be willing to incorporate access solutions throughout your customer experience – businesses will be supported to incorporate high-impact, low-cost solutions as well as establish an accessibility plan for the future.
                    • Be willing to commit to offering an accessible service beyond the life of the program.
                    • Be available to participate in program outcome measures including surveys and interviews.

                    What will the program include?

                    The program will run from 15 January to 28 June 2024 and includes: 

                    • Access to five online modules: 
                      • Commitment to inclusion 
                      • ​Construct a culture 
                      • Premises and design – optimise your access 
                      • Inclusive and innovative services 
                      • ​​Connect through communications 
                    • Guest expert strategy workshops – 12 live sessions 
                    • One-on-one sessions with the access consultant 
                    • Access to key toolkits and resources 
                    • Access to a private online community groups 
                    • Direct access to access consultant for six months (additional support as needed) 

                    Will there be other opportunities to be part of the program?

                    City of Melbourne will be evaluating the effectiveness of the program and will make an informed decision on suitable future opportunities.

                    Where can I find accessible tools and resources for my business?

                    ​City of Melbourne has produced a range of accessible toolkits to assist businesses to become more accessible. Visit the Making your business accessible webpage for more details.​

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