The first round of funding opens in a few weeks with Murrindindi Shire Council voting in favour of establishing a Business and Tourism Innovation Grants program – to grow investment and jobs, from new and existing businesses, in the Shire.
Businesses and event organisers will be able to access five streams of funding, from accessing business support services, all the way to a maximum grant of up to $50,000 for projects which will increase jobs and investment in Murrindindi Shire.
The new Business and Tourism Innovation Grants policy was adopted at the Council meeting in Yea on Wednesday, January 24.
Shire Mayor Charlie Bisset said the grants will also support tourism events and attract visitation to Murrindindi Shire.
“When Council ran its “Have your Say” campaign, our community told us very clearly it wanted more focus on economic development, including tourism and events,” Cr Bisset said.
“Since then, Council has been exploring ways to promote investment in our community – not only in dollars, but also in people through employment.
“We wanted to make available funds to help to start new businesses, help grow existing businesses and support sustainable events that grow tourism and celebrate our diverse communities. Providing this grants program for businesses and events is one way we can deliver on this and invest in the future of our communities.
“These grants recognise the contribution our local businesses make to creating employment and our community’s prosperity as a whole. The grants also recognise that our businesses often have great ideas, that are innovative, but might need a hand to get going,” Cr Bisset said.
The model also includes a new stream of funding to support tourism events that increase visitation to the Shire.
“The community can expect to hear more about this great initiative over the next couple weeks – so stay tuned, we will have information on our website, on Facebook and through email to those on our mailing list,” Cr Bisset said.
To be included in Murrindindi Shire’s business newsletter email list please contact (03) 5772 0333.
