Business and Trader groups play an important role in our communities, which is why Council's Business and Trader Group Relief and Recovery Grants taps into local business knowledge to strengthen the resilience of our business community.
From forming new groups and updating digital channels, to expanding marketing possibilities and creating events, the grants go towards activities that build business and trader groups' capacity to support their local communities.
First round grants were delivered to; Belgrave Traders Association, Healesville Street Traders, Lilydale Business and Trading Group, Monbulk Traders Association, Tourism Network Yarra Valley, Villages of Mount Dandenong, Woori Yallock Business Group, Warburton Valley CEDA, Yarra Valley Business Network, and Mooroolbark Traders and Community Group.
"We are very happy to say we were awarded the grant by Council. The grant that we've got will be able to help us do some of the Christmas promotions and other promotions throughout the year," said President of the Mooroolbark Traders and Community Group, Geoff Earney.
"We represent all the traders in the town and hopefully we give all the traders a voice. We have 150 odd traders in the town, so it's our job, we think to be able to give the traders a voice."
Many of the recipients are newly formed Business and Trader Groups, and Mayor Jim Child said it was wonderful to see townships forming new groups.
"Being a part of a networking or trader group is a terrific opportunity to get involved, and really advocate for your business community."
"They're a vital voice into what our communities and businesses need," he said.
A second round of Business and Trader Group Relief and Recovery Grants is expected to be announced and you can keep informed by visiting www. yarraranges.vic.gov.au/Home.
