Victorian Minister for Regional Development, Mary-Anne Thomas, today announced funding to support local business networking and bushfire recovery efforts through the new $500,000 Regional Industry Groups & Chambers of Commerce program.
The program includes grants of up to $10,000 to enable regional industry groups and chambers of commerce to host networking events and collaborate on ideas that help local economies recover from natural disasters.
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.
“We know that our regional communities have 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,” the Minister said.
“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 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.
“We’re making sure our regional businesses and traders have the support they need as they continue to rebuild and recover,” said Minister for Emergency Services, Jaclyn Symes.
The program complements funding provided to regional chambers of commerce through grants from the state government’s $5 million Business Chambers and Trader Groups program, which helps businesses collaborate through local initiatives and supports their recovery from the pandemic.
