StreetLIFE Program launched in Violet Town
Strathbogie Shire Council is pleased to announce that it has been successful in securing $20,000 from the StreetLIFE Program to boost commercial activity for Violet Town. The funding was announced today, by the Minister for Small Business, Andre Haermeyer to a delighted group of Violet Town business people and residents.
The project will involve the appointment of a part-time StreetLIFE Coordinator for a period of up to 12 months, to carry out a range of business development and promotional initiatives - aimed at encouraging business growth and development in Violet Town.
Mayor of Strathbogie Shire Council, Robyn Machin said, "The Violet Town Action Group is a proactive and determined group of business operators and community leaders in Violet Town, who are committed to revitalising their local business community; business growth and development; and improving economic conditions within the town. The Strathbogie Shire Council, will work in partnership with the Violet Town Action Group, and individual business operators to deliver a StreetLife Program for Violet Town, which revitalises their business community."
In July 2006, the Victorian State Government called for Expressions of Interest for its StreetLIFE Program. The program offers matched funding for projects that promote small business growth and development. The StreetLIFE program assists business communities to identify and develop local economic development strategies to promote improved small business performance and economic growth. Grants, resources and project assistance have been offered in the past to local government, trader associations and Chambers of Commerce to work with the small business sector and the broader community in small towns, and regional areas.
In order to address the need to grow existing businesses and attract new businesses to the town; it is anticipated that the business development and promotions activities will include: business development workshops, skills development workshops, networking, partnership development; increased business support; promotional activities, and marketing initiatives.
Chairperson of the Violet Town Action Group, Howard Myers said, "One of the challenges facing Violet Town businesses is the downturn in business activity due to the drought conditions. This StreetLIFE project is very timely for our business community, as it will help us to improve opportunities in our local economy."
This project (ie. "Revitalising the Violet Town Business Community") has been identified at the grass-roots level, by the local business operators and community leaders. Furthermore, the Violet Town Action Group has given a significant cash and in-kind contribution towards this project, as a demonstration of their willingness to address the issues facing their community.
For more information: Marli Kelly on 0409 410 178 [31 October, 2006]
For details/interview call the Editor on (03) 5798 1858