The Victorian Government is backing community-led projects in Western Victoria that will support small businesses and boost the local economy.
Labor Member for Western Victoria, Gayle Tierney today announced that five business chambers and trader groups have received a $20,000 grant each from the third round of the Business Chambers and Trader Groups Program:
- The Anglesea Traders and Tourism Association – Growing business in Anglesea..together project. Networking events and digital marketing workshops. Develop an online portal and new digital business guide.
- Colac and District Chamber of Commerce – SME Business Excellence & Development Network Series. Networking and resource sharing events with keynote speakers. SME facilitated workshops which will cover marketing, social media training, business planning, budgeting and financial sustainability.
- Great Ocean Road Regional Tourism Ltd – Great Ocean Road Digital Health project. A digital assessment of all online channels for businesses followed by coaching sessions.
- Port Fairy Business Association Inc – Commerce Moyne Small Business Festival. The project is to run a ‘mini’ Business Festival for Moyne businesses to reconnect and upskill in the areas of planning, digital marketing, customer service, and staffing for growth. A series of workshops and networking events over 10 days.
- Progressing Cobden Inc – D.I.C.E. (Digital-Inspiring-Connection-Enhancement). The D.I.C.E. project includes digital enhancement featuring a new website with online business directory, networking events to connect businesses and series of mini workshops focused on digital topics.
This innovative initiative is expected to have far reaching benefits for local businesses and the wider community.
Business chambers and trader groups play an important role in supporting small businesses across the state.
The grants enable these groups to deliver projects that connect business communities and help them adapt, innovate and rebuild at a local level.
An overwhelming number of high-quality applications were received for the third round of the program, with 70 successful grant recipients.
Since the Business Chambers and Trader Groups Program was launched in 2020, the Victorian Government has provided $7 million to support more than 300 local business organisations across the three rounds.
Quote options for Member for Western Victoria, Gayle Tierney
“Our local business chambers and trader groups play a vital role in supporting small businesses communities across the state.”
“Congratulations to all five business chambers and trader groups for designing such fantastic projects for their local business communities.”
“This is a great way for small businesses in Western Victoria to connect and collaborate while being part of something that will benefit the whole community.”
Quotes attributable to Minister for Small Business Jaala Pulford
“This program continues to support creative initiatives that fuel the local economy and keep businesses and community connected. I look forward to seeing more of these ideas brought to life in small business communities across Victoria.”