East Gippsland Shire Council, in partnership with the Victorian Government, is launching the East Gippsland Business Support Voucher Program, aimed at assisting small businesses achieve growth, sustainability and resilience.
This initiative, to launch in early September, is particularly focused on three towns impacted by the end of native timber harvesting - Nowa Nowa, Swifts Creek and Orbost - although small businesses right across East Gippsland can apply.
"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," East Gippsland Shire Council Mayor Cr Tom Crook said.
"We are committed to ensuring that all of our 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."
The East Gippsland Business Support Voucher Program can be used by businesses to access professional services by a local, expert provider that provide aid in areas critical to business success, including:
• Starting a business
• Growing a business
• Financial advice
• Operational support
• Marketing and communications
The program also aims to bolster local economies by helping businesses plan to apply for Forestry Transition Fund grants.
The Victorian Government's Forestry Transition Program, including the Community Development Fund, remains available to support communities affected by the end of native timber harvesting. These initiatives are underpinned by Council's commitment to the economic prosperity of East Gippsland's communities and efforts to foster new, sustainable industries.
