The Victorian Government has announced two new grant programs offering up to $10,000 in combined funding to business associations, trader groups and local councils, with the aim of supporting small business skills, local promotion and community activities.
Minister for Small and Family Business Natalie Suleyman said the programs would help local business groups provide training, mentoring, events and other initiatives for small businesses across the state.
The first program, the Multicultural Business Skills Fund, is offering $5,000 grants to eligible business associations for projects supporting multicultural small business owners and their workers. Funding can be used for activities including business training, mentoring, advice and information-sharing.
Eligible applicants include trader groups, business chambers and industry organisations. The Victorian Government says the program is part of its $17 million Supporting our Multicultural Traders and Precincts commitment. Applications are now open.
A second $5,000 grant program, the Shop Local Business Fund, will support business associations and local councils to deliver initiatives aimed at promoting Victorian small businesses and their contribution to local communities.
Eligible projects include local business expos and awards, shop local campaigns, online promotions, workshops, and mental health and wellbeing initiatives. Applications are due to open on 3 September.
The government says Victoria has around 735,000 small businesses employing more than 1.3 million people and generating more than $429 billion in annual income.
Suleyman said the programs were intended to provide practical support for small businesses and create opportunities for skills development, networking and local events.
“Small and family businesses are big contributors to local communities and our State’s economic growth,” she said.
“That’s why Labor is backing them with real, practical support right now, to deliver more opportunities for business growth, skills development and local events.”
The announcement also carries a political message, with the government contrasting its small business support with the policies of the Liberal-Nationals opposition. The Liberal Party has previously promoted measures including changes to payroll tax and business fees, alongside programs aimed at supporting small business investment and local shopping areas.
For eligible business associations, the grants provide a relatively small pool of funding that can be directed towards specific projects rather than general operating costs. Under the Multicultural Business Skills Fund, funded projects must engage at least 10 participants from Victorian multicultural small businesses, while applications are assessed against the program’s eligibility and assessment criteria.
The two programs come as Victorian small businesses continue to operate against broader pressures including costs, workforce needs and changing consumer behaviour. The government is positioning the new funding as one way for local business groups to support their members and strengthen connections within their communities.
Information on eligibility and applications is available through Business Victoria.
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