Business word on the street

BUSINESS and trader associations can get their hands on up to $20,000.
Applications for the State Government’s revamped Streetlife program are now open.
Innovation, Services and Small Business Minister Louise Asher last week said improvements to the funding program followed consultation with stakeholders and feedback from MPs.
“Streetlife provides grants to improve core retail management skills and develop local marketing and customer attraction strategies to boost foot traffic, sales, investment and employment,” she said.
“The Streetlife program will now be offered on an ongoing basis and will no longer have a fixed closing date.
“This approach will ensure that applicants can apply at a time that suits both their budget and their project schedule rather than at a fixed time.
“It also allows the assessment panel to provide feedback directly to applicants where applications may need to be developed further.”
Established business and trader associations can now apply for grants of up to $20,000, up from $5000 in earlier rounds, provided they can match 20 per cent of the grant.
“Existing grants of up to $5000 for working groups looking to establish new business and trader associations will continue,” Ms Asher said.
She said council-owned retail precincts could now apply for Streetlife funding through their local council.
“Streetlife will also focus more strongly on supporting productivity and skills, with particular emphasis on digital marketing, retail systems management, customer service and financial management,” she said.
Visit www.business.vic.gov.au/streetlife for more information.