Murrindindi Shire Council has opened its first ever round of Business and Tourism Innovation Grants. This round opens tomorrow, Wednesday, February 14 and closes 3pm Wednesday, March 14.
Shire Mayor Charlie Bisset said the grants will grow investment and jobs and support tourism events, attracting visitors to Murrindindi Shire.
Applications will be considered from locally based groups and organisations and are primarily for once-off or start-up projects or activities aimed at growing an event.
“When Council ran its ‘Have your Say’ campaign a year ago, our community told us very clearly it wanted more focus on economic development in the Shire, including tourism and events,” Cr Bisset said.
“Access to these grants by local businesses and event organisers is one way we can deliver on this and invest in the future of our communities. We have made these grants available to help to start new businesses, help grow existing businesses and to support sustainable events that grow tourism and celebrate our diverse communities.
“These grants also recognise the amazing contribution our local businesses make in creating employment and to our community’s prosperity as a whole. The grants also recognise that our businesses often have great and innovative ideas, but might need a hand to get those ideas off the ground,” Cr Bisset said.
Amounts up to $500 do not require matching contribution, however amounts between $500 to $5000 require matching cash or in-kind.
Applications may be submitted in more than one round and will be decided on merit, taking into consideration Council’s mission, values, objectives and strategies.
Council will not consider applications for activities that could be described as an organisation’s core business, administration or day-to-day operations.
If you are interested in applying for a grant, all the information you need is on Council’s website at www.murrindindi.vic.gov.au/grants.
If you are not sure if your project or idea is ready, then have a look at the Business Support stream which can help with mentoring, financial advice or other services to help you take the next step.
If you would like to discuss making an application there are a number of options available. You can:
1. Come along to our information session at 9.30 – 11.00am on Wednesday, February 21 2018 at the Y Water Centre (please RSVP to grants@murrindindi.vic.gov.au by Monday, February 19, 2018)
2. Book in a one-on-one meeting with one of our officers where you can learn more about the grants process and eligibility. Meetings will be held on Monday 26 and Tuesday, February 27.
3. Phone Council and speak to the Customer Service team on (03) 5772 0333.
“I’d encourage those with a great business idea or an idea about a fantastic event to consider applying for these grants. And if you know someone who you think might be interested, please point them in our direction to have a chat,” added Cr Bisset.
Applications labelled ‘Community Grants Application’ can be submitted via:
- Post to Manager Community Services, Murrindindi Shire Council, PO Box 138, Alexandra 3714.
- Email to msc@murrindindi.vic.gov.au
