The Victorian Government has committed $100,000 to support businesses in Melbourne’s Chinatown, with funding to be directed to a new digital platform and a business awards event.
Minister for Small Business and Employment Natalie Suleyman announced the grant on Sunday, saying Labor would continue to support multicultural enterprises across the state.
The funding will be provided to the Melbourne Chinatown Business Association to develop a website and mobile application promoting traders in the precinct. The platform will feature business profiles, interactive maps, event listings and special promotions aimed at attracting more visitors to the area.
The grant will also support a business awards ceremony later this year to recognise local traders.
More than a quarter of the world marks this season through festivals such as Spring Festival, Tết and Seollal, and Melbourne’s Chinatown hosts annual celebrations that draw large crowds. The association runs a free public festival each year, with more than 200,000 people attending. The event includes a street party, food stalls, cultural performances, live music, lion and dragon dancing and family activities.
The funding forms part of the Government’s $17 million Supporting our Multicultural Traders and Precincts initiative.
“Labor will always back Victoria’s multicultural businesses,” Ms Suleyman said.
She said the funding would “drive visitors to the area – helping local small businesses to grow and thrive.”
Ms Suleyman said multicultural businesses were vital to the state’s economy and that “Labor will always support them.”
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