The program is part of the $877 million Recovery Support package announced in 2022 and is jointly funded by the Federal and Victorian governments, including under the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA).
The program is based on the Business Victoria and Trader Groups Program (BCTG), which has provided more than 300 grants to business groups since 2020 to deliver local projects that will benefit communities.
Of these groups, Greater Shepparton City Council received a grant and used it to rebrand ‘Destination Goulburn Valley’ to attract more visitors to the region.
Federal Emergency Management Minister Murray Watt said the grantswere invaluable for businesses hit hard by the floods in helping them “get back on their feet”.
“Local business is the lifeblood of community and the Albanese government will continue to work with the Andrews government to provide support to those affected.”
Another group that received a grant was the Footscray Traders Association Committee, who used their grant to deliver events, including social media boot camps, with a focus on the African business community. They also organised a series of food tours in Footscray to encourage both locals and new visitors to the area.
Footscray Traders Association former president Stuart Locca-Pope said the grant helped several projects come together.
“Our group has worked across several programs to pull together projects that benefit our businesses from an economic, mental wellbeing and community perspective,” he said.
Trader groups that support small businesses in flood-affected areas are encouraged to apply to design and deliver a locally-led initiative to help boost their local economy.
