The Albanese and Andrews Labor Governments are helping local Victorian businesses affected by 2022 flood events to bounce back with new funding for trader groups to lead local recovery projects.
Applications for Business Groups Flood Recovery Grants open today and will allow trader groups to apply for either $20,000 or $50,000 to design local projects that help boost small businesses in communities affected by recent floods.
The program is part of the $877 million Recovery Support package announced in 2022 and is jointly funded by the Federal and Victorian Governments including under the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA).
Trader groups that support small businesses in flood-affected areas are encouraged to apply to design and deliver a locally led initiative to help boost their local economy.
The program is modelled on the Business Victoria’s and Trader Groups Program (BCTG), which has provided more than 300 grants to business groups since 2020 to deliver local projects that benefit communities.
Footscray Traders Association Committee received a grant in 2022 and used it to deliver events including social media bootcamps focusing on the African business community. They also organised a series of food tours in Footscray to encourage both locals and new visitors to the area.
Murrindindi Food and Wine used their BCGT grant in 2022 to deliver ‘Put Murrindindi on your plate’ which included an online jobs expo, mini jobs expo and collaboration with the online marketplace ‘Buy High Country’. The project connected businesses with suppliers and potential employees while promoting the produce of the region.
Greater Shepparton received a grant and used it to rebrand their ‘Destination Goulburn Valley’ to attract more visitors to the region.
For more information on this grants initiative and to apply, please visit: business.vic.gov.au/businessgroupfloodgrants
As stated by Federal Minister for Emergency Management, Murray Watt:
“These grants are invaluable for businesses hit hard by recent floods to help them get back on their feet. Local business is the life blood of community and the Albanese Government will continue to work with the Andrews Government to provide support to those affected.”
As stated by Minister for Small Business Natalie Suleyman
“Business groups play a vital role in supporting small businesses and communities. They are uniquely placed to help small businesses in flood affected regions to recover and kickstart local economies.”
As stated by Minister for Emergency Services Jaclyn Symes
“Small businesses are some of the first to put themselves forward to help their communities recover whilst being affected themselves – we’re continuing to back a local-led recovery with these grants.”
As stated by Footscray Traders Association former President Stuart Locca-Pope
“Our group has worked across several programs to pull together projects that benefit our businesses from an economic, mental wellbeing and community perspective.”
