The City of Greater Bendigo is delighted to announce that 104 local businesses have been selected to receive grants from the Business Grants Fund, valued at $729,000 in total.
Mayor Cr Dr Jennifer Alden said the Business Grants Fund was a key feature in the 2021/2022 Budget and was welcomed by the local business community to help boost recovery, capability and innovation.
"The City's Business Grants Fund has been a huge success and I'm delighted that $729,000 worth of grants will boost the local economy for businesses seeking new investments, improvements, expansions and collaborative projects - so important for our region's recovery," Cr Alden said.
"The fund was oversubscribed, attracting 343 applications in total and I would like to thank all of businesses who took the time to prepare and submit applications as part of this competitive process.
"Each application was carefully considered based on the eligible criteria for the stream together with the strengths of the submissions as part of the selection process. An independent panel scored applications individually and then together as a group to make the final recommendations for funding.
"A wide range of business sectors applied for the Business Grants Fund from hospitality, accommodation services, creative industries, health and fitness to manufacturing, building and digital services and many more.
"The grants ranged from $2,000 to $15,000 with a strong focus on innovation and collaboration and all businesses had to be located in Greater Bendigo business as part of the eligibility requirements.
"104 grants have been awarded, including six precinct growth grants that will help businesses in one location to work collaboratively to promote their precinct and draw people there to shop, dine and stay longer.
"I wish to congratulate all the businesses who have been selected to receive a grant in their nominated stream. Unfortunately, not all businesses could be funded through this competitive grant program because it was oversubscribed, and I understand they will be disappointed to have missed out.
"The fund process has provided the City with useful data and insights, including the types of projects businesses and industries are seeking funding for and how the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted different industries. The data will influence future City business programs."
The Business Grants Fund was divided into five streams:
- Stream one: Planning, Training and Development up to $2,000 per grant
- Stream two: Launchpad up to $5,000 per grant
- Stream three: Innovation and Growth up to $10,000 per grant
- Stream four: Precinct Growth up to $12,500 per grant to foster businesses collaboration
- Stream five: Research and Development up to $15,000
All grant applicants have been sent an email this morning, Friday October 15, notifying them of the outcome of their submission. Successful applicants will have until March 31, 2022 to acquit their grants. To view the list of successful recipients, visit https://www.bendigo.vic.gov.au/Services/Business/Business-Grants-Fund
