Bass Coast Shire Council is opening up new opportunities for mobile businesses, with an exciting 12-month pilot program offering the chance to trade from selected locations across Bass Coast.
From coffee vans and food trucks to mobile wellness experiences and other innovative services, the Mobile Business Pilot Program aims to create new opportunities for local businesses while bringing more life and variety to Bass Coast’s Shire Council managed spaces.
Expressions of Interest (EOIs) will open on Friday, 30 October 2026, inviting mobile business operators to apply to trade from six designated Council-managed locations across Phillip Island, Anderson and Inverloch.
The program is designed to support business growth, encourage entrepreneurship and offer residents and visitors new ways to enjoy some of Bass Coast’s popular destinations.
The selected locations aim to complement existing businesses and commercial areas, while creating opportunities for mobile operators. The pilot will operate at designated sites, with public access to surrounding spaces maintained and no new permanent infrastructure installed as part of the program.
Bass Coast Mayor, Cr Brett Tessari, said the pilot was an exciting opportunity to support local businesses and explore new ways to activate public spaces.
“We know there are some fantastic mobile businesses operating across Bass Coast, whether at markets, events or on private commercial land and this program is about creating more opportunities for them to grow, connect with customers and reach new audiences.
“Whether it’s grabbing a coffee, enjoying something delicious or discovering a unique local offering, mobile businesses can add character and vibrancy to our public spaces.”
“Our established businesses are an important part of what makes Bass Coast such a great place to live and visit. This pilot is about building on that, creating opportunities for mobile operators to offer something complementary and bring even more variety to our communities.”
“We’re excited to see the creative ideas that come forward and how they could enhance the experience for both our residents and visitors.”
Through the EOI process, interested businesses can nominate their preferred trading locations and share details about their proposed offering.
Applications will be assessed against the program’s published criteria, with consideration given to the suitability of each business and its proposed offering for the nominated location. One business will be selected to operate from each available site.
Successful applicants will be required to comply with site-specific operating conditions, including relevant waste management and environmental requirements, to ensure the locations are managed responsibly.
Applications will be assessed against the program criteria, with one business selected to operate from each available site.
The 12-month pilot will also give Council an opportunity to understand how mobile trading works at these locations, including its benefits for businesses, the community and the surrounding environment.
Cr Tessari encouraged mobile business owners to explore the opportunity and consider applying.
“If you’ve been looking for an opportunity to expand your business or reach new customers, we’d love to hear from you.
“This is a chance to try something new, showcase what your business has to offer and help shape the future of mobile trading in Bass Coast.”
Expressions of Interest close Friday, 27 November 2026 with applicants notified of their outcome early December.
To learn more about the Mobile Business Pilot Program, explore the available locations and submit an EOI, visit engage.basscoast.vic.gov.au/mobile-business-pilot-program
