Grant stirs creative juices

A $20,000 grant will help central Dandenong food businesses make the most of the revitalisation happening around them.
City of Greater Dandenong last week received the cash through the State Government’s Streetlife program for a Food Retailers Capacity Building pilot.
The council’s retail development co-ordinator Leanne McCready said 10 businesses would take part in an individually tailored mentoring program.
“Support may cover core retail management skills, business planning, visual merchandising, customer service, marketing, HR issues and technology,” she said.
“The pilot project – which has the potential to be extended across the municipality – helps build on Greater Dandenong’s identity as a ‘foodie destination’ with involvement in the Melbourne Food and Wine Festival, Good Food Month plus our ongoing food and cultural tours.”
Streetlife is a four-year program that supports Victorian businesses through grants to develop targeted projects to improve competitiveness and economic outcomes in shopping precincts.
Small Business Minister Louise Asher said retail was the state’s second largest employer and a key economic driver.
“The Streetlife program recognises that local retailers have experienced a number of challenges over recent years, including a tough local climate, online retailing and restrained consumer spending,” she said.