Ballarat Regional Multicultural Council (BRMC) received $32,500 under the Victorian Government’s Stronger Regional Communities Program to establish a Women’s business incubator.

Member for Wendouree Juliana Addison and Member for Buninyong Michaela Settle today announced the funding at the BRMC Welcome Centre in Ballarat.

The project is among 29 successful initiatives to be announced as part of this year’s program, designed to support community-led projects that make regional Victoria a better place to live, work and visit.

This grant will enable BRMC to set-up and fit-out a women’s business incubator at its Ballarat Welcome Centre. The incubator will provide women from migrant and refugee backgrounds and women over 50 who are at risk of unemployment and underemployment a place to operate their business.

The grant will enable the creation of office spaces that will include workstations, a sewing workshop, child friendly areas, kitchenette and display centre.

The fund is part of the Victorian Government’s flagship Regional Jobs and Infrastructure Fund, a key aspect of the Government’s record $2.6 billion Delivering for Regional and Rural Victoria Program unveiled in last year’s State Budget.

The investment is delivering quality education, health, transport and record jobs – which have never been more important than right now as Victorians navigate the consequences of coronavirus.

Information and guidelines for the Stronger Regional Communities Program are available at www.rdv.vic.gov.au/grants-and-programs/stronger-regional-communities-program.

For more information on the products from the Women’s incubator visit the Twilight Market which highlights many of them  twilightmarket.brmc.org.au

Quotes attributable to Member for Buninyong Michaela Settle

“Refugee, migrant and multicultural communities have so much to offer the Ballarat region. Funding the fit-out of the Women’s business incubator is a way that the Victorian Government can help kick-start local businesses from these communities.”

“The Women’s incubator will be a vibrant hub where local businesses can grow and succeed. I would encourage anyone to go online and see what you can buy from these local entrepreneurs.”

Quotes attributable to Member for Wendouree Juliana Addison

“I’m very proud that the Andrews Labor Government is supporting BRMC’s women’s business incubator with this funding. This innovative program will empower women by creating opportunities and positive outcomes.”

Quotes attributable to Ann Foley Executive Officer Ballarat Regional Multicultural Council Inc.

“This grant from the Victorian Government is a vote of confidence in Ballarat migrant and refugee women’s small business enterprises. The Stronger Regional Communities grant is timely and farsighted. It will assist BRMC to equip training and meeting spaces and fit out the dedicated workshops for our first business-in residences.”

“BRMC is excited to promote the talent of women in our culturally diverse communities, particularly the entrepreneurs from refugee backgrounds who have graduated from our Stepping Stones business program and are launching and developing their businesses in 2020.”