Tuesday, 11 August 2020

Early stage businesses in the Latrobe Valley region will be supported to take the next step in growing jobs with support from the Victorian Government.

Members for Eastern Victoria Harriet Shing MP and Jane Garrett MP today announced over $1.9 million in funding from the Business and Industry Capability Fund, part of the Latrobe Valley Authority’s Business Support Service pilot program.

The Business Support Service focuses on each businesses’ needs, with dedicated support staff known as concierges based at Latrobe City Council, Wellington Shire Council, Baw Baw Shire Council and the Latrobe Valley Authority.

By working closely with their local concierge, Gippsland Free Range Eggs, Scarlet and Grace, and Guardian Facilities and Property Management are among 195 businesses across the Latrobe Valley region to receive funding for skills and capability building initiatives, infrastructure, equipment and business activities.

Gippsland Free Range Eggs has received funding to expand and streamline egg production at their Willow Grove facility. The $50,000 grant will help purchase of equipment to accommodate another 900 hens to meet increased demand in Gippsland and Melbourne.

All-natural candle and diffuser manufacturer Scarlet and Grace have received $12,000 for specialist wax melting machines and equipment which will help them meet growing market demand. The Sale-based start-up was established in 2018 following completion of the Start Up Gippsland Program.

Established in 2019, Traralgon-based Guardian Facilities and Property Management offers services in facilities and commercial property management. The company, which is also a GROW Gippsland Compact Member, have received a $4,851 grant for a website upgrade to improve their national market presence.

Local businesses can access a range of support services by contacting their local concierge. To find out more about the Business Support Service pilot program visit lva.vic.gov.au.

Quote attributable to Member for Eastern Victoria Harriet Shing

“We’re giving early stage businesses in the Latrobe Valley region a leg-up with dedicated concierges working side-by-side with them to make sure they get what they need.”

Quote attributable to Member for Eastern Victoria Jane Garrett

“This funding complements the significant work underway by the concierges to build our local businesses’ capability and leverage their unique strengths.”

Quote attributable to Latrobe Valley Authority CEO Karen Cain

“The Business Support Service is a great partnership with local Council, providing businesses in the Latrobe Valley with the right support for them – whether that be through referrals, counselling or funding to help reach their  potential.”