Business recovery support from Strathbogie Shire

10 Feb 2021

Two principal business representative groups in the Strathbogie Shire will receive COVID-19 recovery funding to assist local businesses.

Go Nagambie and Euroa Chamber of Business and Commerce will be the recipients of $30,000 each from the economic development funding of Strathbogie Shire Council.

This funding will assist businesses that have struggled as a result of the pandemic and to provide professional services to support their recovery.

It will also be used to provide free membership for 12 months to all registered businesses in the Shire and their surrounding localities.  

Strathbogie Shire Mayor Cr Chris Raeburn said this will allow these businesses to seek support and assistance from within their own business community and to encourage business owners to network within their own areas.

Go Nagambie’s funding will be used through businesses in the Nagambie, Avenel, Mitcheltown and Graytown areas.

The Euroa Chamber’s funding will be shared across Euroa, Longwood, Strathbogie, Violet Town and Ruffy and surrounding area businesses.

“Many businesses have been hit hard by the lockdown of our communities during the pandemic,” Cr Raeburn said.

“Businesses in the arts, recreation, tourism and hospitality sectors saw many having to close completely for extended periods. Other businesses in the personal care industry like hairdressers were also forced to close.

“There are 1400 businesses in the Strathbogie Shire with the vast majority being small business with less than 10 employees.

“Businesses of this size often do not have the resources or support networks to assist them in recovering from a crisis of this scale.

“Council is committed to helping our business community in every way it can.”

The funding also has the capacity for local businesses to plan events and attract customers to the region.

All local businesses are encouraged to contact either the Euroa Chamber of Business and Commerce at business.euroa@gmail.com or Go Nagambie at executiveofficernltc@gmail.com to enquire about free membership.

Chris-Raeburn