This new program includes grants of up to $10,000 which will enable regional industry groups and chambers of commerce to host networking events and collaborate on ideas that help local economies recover from natural disasters.
Victorian Regional Development Minister Mary-Anne Thomas said the government understood regional communities had been doing it tough with bushfires, drought and the pandemic.
“We are standing by them and this funding will support industry groups with their recovery efforts.
“This program is putting local business collaboration front and centre to help deliver stronger local economies and create more opportunities and jobs for our regions,” she said.
Emergency Services Minister Jaclyn Symes said the program aimed to ensure regional businesses and traders had the support they needed to continue to rebuild and recover.
There are 18 local government areas included in the program with industry groups and chambers of commerce in the Hume, Gippsland, Loddon Mallee, Barwon South West and Grampian regions eligible for direct funding.
The program supports non-for-profit, business membership-based groups to bring to life events that bolster local businesses and industries.
Successful recipients may host events such as guest speakers, workshops, seminars, conferences and industry award opportunities.
The government has invested more than $525 million to bushfire recovery initiatives delivering ongoing support to individuals, families, businesses and regions impacted by the 2019-20 fires.
The program complements funding provided to regional chambers of commerce through grants from the Labor Government’s $5 million Business Chambers and Trader Groups program, which helps businesses collaborate through local initiatives and supports their recovery from the pandemic.
Round two of the Business Chambers and Trader Groups program is now under way to support more business recovery initiatives across the state.
