Corangamite Shire businesses will benefit from a series of business development and networking events with the help of $10,000 Victorian Government grant, announced today by the Member for Western Victoria, Gayle Tierney MP.
Ms Tierney said The Corangamite Business Development Events Program will encourage local business growth in the Corangamite region through a series of business development activities.
“Surveys conducted by local council have shown that people were unhappy with local economic development and as a response, the new events program will bring a welcome boost to the economy by showcasing local produce and services while also offering networking and training opportunities”, Ms Tierney said.
The program will consist of nine events in total, incorporating the Buy Locally Campaign, which will include a Buy Local Expo and a Local Produce Dinner. A new website, promoting the business events, newsletter and other business tools will also be developed in conjunction with the project.
Included in the program will be a local business trade show, local produce dinner and business development and training sessions, which include home-based business development and networking events.
Council will also provide a range of guest speakers to provide an insight on business development and marketing, and a special highlight will be coffee-making courses provided by South West TAFE.
Ms Tierney said that the Corangamite Business Development Events Program had been developed in consultation with small business operators and local traders associations and that community volunteers would also be engaged.
The Corangamite Shire Council is providing $14,000 in funds, with ticket sales of $9,120 expected to round out the total project cost of $33,120.
Ms Tierney said the Victorian Government’s $10,000 sponsorship of the Corangamite Business Development Events Program would be provided through the Provincial Victoria Local Events Program to the Corangamite Shire.
“The Provincial Victoria Local Events Program is helping to finance events that bring business growth and socio-economic development to towns across provincial Victoria,” Ms Tierney said.
“It is part of Moving Forward, the Government’s $502 million plan to make provincial Victoria the best place to live, work, invest and raise a family.”
“The Government is committed to working in partnership with local councils and communities to drive new growth and investment opportunities across provincial Victoria,” Ms Tierney said.
