Many thanks to the 68 business groups for applying for our Business Association Booster Grants, provided through Small Business Victoria. The current health and economic crisis have compounded the need for additional support.
Mainstreet Australia wished it could give support to all eligible applications!
Following robust examination, the Mainstreet Australia assessment panel made the tough decision on the use of our $85,000, and the following 19 business associations or chambers of commerce have been successful:
1. Belgrave Traders Association
2. Business Horsham
3. Collins St Precinct Group
4. Committee for Maryborough
5. Eaglemont Traders Association
6. Flemington Trader’s Association
7. Hurstbridge Traders Association
8. Kensington Business Association
9. Kyabram Chamber of Commerc
10. Lower Plenty Trader’s Association
11. Macleod Village Traders Association
12. Maling Road Business Association
13. Mirboo Country Development Inc
14. Mooroolbark Traders & Community Group
15. Mt Eliza Chamber of Commerce
16. Paynesville Business & Tourism Association
17. Sunbury Business Association
18. The Myrtleford Chamber of Commerce
19. Watsonia Traders Association
The panel was impressed by the innovation and creativity of the ideas in the successful applications, the recognition of the need to upskill their organisation’s online capabilities and to provide support for their small businesses to pivot to online marketing. Smaller rural communities were particularly impressive as they harness their community’s passion and commitment to work together to ensure the survival of local businesses.
The panel tended to favour associations that had limited budgets but presented a realistic and persuasive application. It looked for ideas that reacted to the current need for swift action but potentially had long term benefits. Business associations that had small budgets, but achievable goals were given priority over those that may have been able to achieve their goal without this grant, favouring small communities that have already battled other hurdles in 2020.
Stay tuned as we share the progress of these grants in action. We look forward to providing further support to main street business groups in the future.
Peter McNabb,
President Mainstreet Australia