The Allan Labor Government is investing more than half a million dollars to support local businesses in East Gippsland to expand and create more job opportunities.
Minister for Agriculture Ros Spence today announced$530,0000 of funding for the East Gippsland Business Support Voucher program - delivered by the East Gippsland Shire Council.
The program will provide free vouchers for businesses to access to local professional services to assist them with developing applications for the Forestry Transition Fund.
Recipients can access professional services to focus on areas including:
starting a business.
growing their business.
financial advice.
operational support.
marketing and communications.
The voucher program aims to bolster local economies by helping businesses in communities impacted by the end of native timber harvesting. It is primarily aimed at businesses in Nowa Nowa, Swifts Creek and Orbost - although businesses right across East Gippsland can apply.
The Government has invested $1.5 billion into the forestry Transition to support communities affected by the end of native timber harvesting. For more information visit deeca.vic.gov.au/forestry.
For more information and how to apply go to eastgippsland.vic.gov.au/building-and-development.
As stated by Minister for Agriculture Ros Spence
"We've already seen some great projects from businesses and individuals in East Gippsland being supported through the Forestry Transition Program, and we are backing businesses in the local communities across East Gippsland."
As stated by Member for Eastern Victoria Tom McIntosh
"We're backing small businesses in East Gippsland to create more local jobs that will support the community well into the future."
As stated by East Gippsland Shire Council Mayor Cr Tom Crook
"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."
"Council is committed to ensuring that all of East Gippsland's 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."
