New funding has been announced for trader groups to help local businesses affected by the 2022 floods.
Trader groups will be able to apply for flood recovery grants to lead local recovery projects, helping small businesses bounce back from the devastation.
Applications for Business Groups Flood Recovery Grants will allow businesses to apply for either a $20,000 or $50,000 grant, to design local projects that help boost small businesses affected.
Fraser MP Dr Daniel Mulino, said this grant is for those in Maribyrnong and Brimbank who were devastated by the floods.
“It was a confronting experience door knocking to make sure residents knew what assistance was available and to make sure they accessed it quickly,” Dr Mulino said.
“…In street after street people’s possessions were on their front lawns. People’s lives were turned upside down; and small businesses were unable to operate.”
The importance of small businesses is being acknowledged by Dr Mulino saying they are the lifeblood of the economy.
“Young people often get their first jobs in local businesses such as cafes and retail shops so it is really important that we support these businesses,” he said.
“Small businesses are also more vulnerable when there are shocks such as floods and natural disasters so this support is vital to help them get back on their feet.”
The Business Groups Flood Recovery Grants program is part of the $812 million Recovery Support package announced in 2022.
The program is modelled on the Business Chambers and Trader Groups Program (BCTG), which has provided more than 300 grants to business groups since 2020.
Dr Mulino said the BCTG grant given to the Footscray Traders Association Committee last year was a great example of the scheme’s effectiveness.
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.
Jennifer Pittorino
