The Victorian Government has announced it will invest more than half a million dollars to support local businesses in East Gippsland to expand and create more job opportunities.
Minister for Agriculture, Ros Spence says $530,0000 of funding will be provided for the East Gippsland Business Support Voucher program – delivered by East Gippsland Shire Council.
“We’ve already seen some great projects from businesses and individuals in East Gippsland being supported through the Forestry Transition Program, and we are backing businesses in the local communities across East Gippsland,” said Minister Spence.
The program will provide free vouchers for businesses to access to local professional services to assist them with developing applications for the Forestry Transition Fund.
“The Business Support Voucher Program is a welcome initiative and will be crucial for economic development and job creation, especially in our transitioning timber towns,” said East Gippsland Shire Council Mayor, Tom Crook.
“Council is committed to ensuring that all of East Gippsland’s towns and regions thrive, so we thank the Victorian Government for this funding boost and their commitment to fostering economic development and creating jobs, particularly in our hard-hit regions.”
Recipients can access professional services to focus on areas including:
- starting a business.
- growing their business.
- financial advice.
- operational support.
- marketing and communications.
The voucher program aims to bolster local economies by helping businesses in communities impacted by the end of native timber harvesting. It is primarily aimed at businesses in Nowa Nowa, Swifts Creek and Orbost – although businesses right across East Gippsland can apply.
For more information and how to apply go to eastgippsland.vic.gov.au/building-and-development.