GREATER Shepparton City Council’s COVID-19 Quick Response Grants have helped several local businesses achieve success by transitioning online during the height of the pandemic.
The grant was introduced in April 2020 as one of 21 measures in Council’s Stage One Economic Response to COVID-19 Package.
The grant, aimed at small to medium businesses in Greater Shepparton, aimed to help improve the e-commerce profiles of local businesses to ensure they could continue trading during the uncertainty of COVID-19.
The grant funded projects of up to $3,000 and could be used for website design and development, e-commerce platforms, online content development, digital marketing and promotion, improving social media presence or mentoring and training in online activities.
A total funding pool of $170,000 saw 60 local businesses receive support via the program. The successful businesses were from a range of industries including tourism and the visitor economy, hospitality, beauty therapy, professional services and retail. Some of the businesses supported via the program included James Seymour Architecture, BelCibo and Co, Asthetique Skin Care and Australian Wine and Food P/L.
BelCibo owner, Belinda Amodio, said the grant ensured they were able to keep staff employed during the lockdowns last year.
“Proceeds from the grant were invested in our website and social channels which enabled us to keep customers updated with our service offering during the COVID-19 impacted periods,” she said.
“When we were forced to move to takeaway only we were able to relay this information and keep customers ordering, which kept our staff employed throughout each lockdown.”
Mayor, Cr Kim O’Keeffe, said Council were extremely pleased to see several local businesses benefit from the grant, not just during the height of the pandemic but also now during economic recovery.
“We received a fantastic response last year from businesses applying to receive a Quick Response Grant,” she said.
“Council were pleased to be able to provide local businesses with some funding to ensure they could maintain trade during a tough time.”
For more information about Council’s grants, visit: greatershepparton.com.au/grants-and-funding.
