Swan Hill Rural City Council has partnered with Better Building Finance (BBF), to enable Environmental Upgrade Finance to be offered to local businesses in its municipality.
A free business networking event will be held on Wednesday, 17 May from 5.30pm to encourage businesses to learn more about how they can improve their profitability and sustainability and what supports is available to them.
Acting Director Planning and Development Kate Jewell said it would provide a great opportunity for local businesses to hear from the experts.
“Environmental Upgrade Finance is a state government enabled program for[DH1] upgrading existing buildings to be more environmentally friendly, improve their overall sustainability, and address climate change issues.
“Council has joined over 73 existing councils in Victoria, New South Wales and South Australia, supporting their local business community to become more environmentally sustainable.
Local businesses now have the opportunity to take out long-term loans for works, that can then be repaid quarterly, alongside their Council rates.
“Businesses can access favourable and affordable finance terms, and their property provides the loan security,” Ms Jewell said.
Ms Jewell said Environmental Upgrade Finance was a unique opportunity for businesses to access great finance and improve the sustainability of their businesses,.
“This opportunity is certainly one that is worth looking into. Some examples of works that can be undertaken include the installation of solar panels, electric vehicle charging stations, water efficiency initiatives, replacing lighting and more” she said.
“Businesses can apply for commercial buildings on rateable land, as long as their upgrade has a positive environmental benefit,” Ms Jewell said.
“Landlords can also use this finance to make upgrades and share repayments with tenants; the building improves in quality and efficiency, while the tenant may see a reduction in overheads,” she said.
Event details:
Sustainability & savings for businesses
Date: Wednesday, 17 May 2023
Time: 5.30pm to 7.30pm
Venue: Swan Hill Club – 17 McCallum Street, Swan Hill
