Commerce Ballarat members, and the broader Ballarat business community, will benefit from $50,000 awarded through the Victorian Government’s Grants for Business Chambers and Trader Groups program.

Commerce Ballarat provides critical advice, connections and resources to Ballarat businesses and this grant will be crucial in helping them to support members’ transition to COVID Normal.

This funding will allow Commerce Ballarat to extend and broaden their successful b2b Buy Local campaign, run a series of tender writing workshops and implement other initiatives that will drive local spend.

The Government’s $3 million grants program provides funds of $10,000, $20,000 or $50,000 to business chambers and trader groups across Victoria to help their local business communities recover and start to grow again.

Grant recipients can use funding towards business activation initiatives like facilitating members’ adaptation to COVID Normal, “buy local” campaigns and improving access to programs and services focused on resilience and recovery.

The Grants for Business Chambers and Trader Groups program is part of the $3 billion Business Resilience Package which aims to help businesses impacted by ongoing restrictions to keep going and prepare for COVID Normal operations.

Additional programs in the package include the $822 million third round of the Business Support Fund, the $100 million Sole Trader Support Fund and $87.5 million to support hospitality businesses prepare for COVID Normal reopening across Victoria.

For more information about the Grants for Business Chambers and Trader Groups program, go to: business.vic.gov.au/business chambers.

Quotes attributable to Juliana Addison Member for Wendouree

“We are proud to support Commerce Ballarat with this $50,000 grant. Commerce Ballarat has provided a pivotal leadership role supporting Ballarat businesses, large and small, throughout this pandemic by hosting webinars, sharing information and being a strong advocate to Government.  

“This funding will allow Commerce Ballarat to continue their great work and play a vital role in the recovery of our local economy.”   

Quotes attributable to Member for Buninyong Michaela Settle

“We are investing $3 billion to support business rebuild, which includes a $50,000 grant for Ballarat Chamber of Commerce which will help them support their members locally.”

“Commerce Ballarat are strong advocates for businesses in our community and this grant will help them keep up the work of speaking up and supporting our businesses.”

Quotes Attributable to CEO of Commerce Ballarat Jodie Gillett

“As our local members are aware, we have been 100% focussed and invested in helping support the business community, which for our organisation has also been challenging. Our organisation expects to see a reduction in income from loss of membership fees and sponsorships into the future. This funding will allow us to broaden and extend the marketing of our businesses and deliver additional initiatives and development.”