15 August 2024

In this newsletter - help shape small town streetscapes, apply for local Christmas celebration and event grants and learn about the Victorian Aboriginal business investment program. Plus read up on managing customer debts, and check out free live webinars coming up.

Small town streetscapes

Small towns are the heart and soul of our Shire!

Council is working on plans to improve streetscapes in Baringhup, Fryerstown, Metcalfe and Sutton Grange as part of our capital works programme. We want to hear from businesses and community members in these towns about what improvements you’d like to see.

Would you like more street furniture? Do you need access improvements? How about native plants or public art?

Tell us how we can improve the streetscapes in your town by heading to the Shape website by 15 September to make a submission.

Village Business Expo

Village Business is an organisation for small town businesses. Join them to celebrate and connect with small and micro businesses from the Loddon Campaspe region with an expo in October. Showcase your business, gain insights from industry experts, and participate in interactive workshops. Network with 300 attendees, including business owners, investors and media. Secure your spot as an attendee, exhibitor, or sponsor and support the growth of local enterprises! 

When: 8 October 2024, 11.00am - 5.00pm
Location: Maldon Golf Club

Victorian Aboriginal Business Investment Program

The state government is offering two programs for Aboriginal owned and operated businesses with economic connections to regional Victoria. 

The Aboriginal Business Support Program offers grants of between $5 and $10k and aims to improve daily operations and help the financial sustainability of the business. 

The Aboriginal Business Growth Program offers grants of between $10 and $100k and aims to support projects that will help businesses to expand. 

Businesses can apply for both grants.  

Applications close: 6 September 2024

Artwork credit: Daikota Nelson, Playground Mural (detail), 2024, Norwood Hill Recreation Reserve, photo by Craig Gaston.

Community Christmas Celebration Grants

Would you like to help your community celebrate Christmas this year? For the third year, Mount Alexander Shire Council is proud to support community Christmas celebrations with community grants, and applications are now open. Businesses are welcome to apply.

Funds can be put towards decorations, music or entertainment, hiring of equipment, food, Santa visits and other events and celebrations.

There is one activity or event per township, so check in with other community organisations in your area before making an application.  If you have any questions, please contact the Venues and Events team on 03 5471 1700 or email us at events@mountalexander.vic.gov.au

Applications close: Monday 2 September 2024

Managing overdue payments and debt recovery

If you have ever needed to chase up an overdue account you'll know it can be an uncomfortable but necessary part of running a business. Business Victoria has a comprehensive guide on how to recover debts and preserve business relationships at the same time.

Learn about the steps you can take to get paid, use handy email templates and scripts for phone calls, and bear in mind banned debt collection practices.

You can also read up on how best to prevent customer debt, such as outlining expectations to new customers, efficient invoicing and training your staff in financial policies and procedures.

Event Grants

Another community grant opportunity!

Mount Alexander Shire Council allocates funds each year to support events in the local community that align with the community vision and the goals in our Council Plan and other strategic directions. 

Round 1 Event Grant has just opened for events being held in the first half of 2025. The Council aims to support inclusive events that foster community, economic and/or cultural development in the Shire. Funds can be used for a wide variety of event production costs for not-for-profit and commercial events. Businesses are eligible to apply.

If you have any questions, or need help with your application, please contact the Venues and Events team on 03 5471 1700 or email us at events@mountalexander.vic.gov.au

Applications close: Monday 9 September 2024

Live Webinars with Business Victoria

The latest round of FREE webinars are up on the Business Victoria website. Learn new skills to start, build and grow your small business. Upcoming sessions:

• 20 August Winning Government Grants and Tenders - grow your business confidence in engaging with the government through practical tips and strategies for tender responses, quoting, and grant applications.
• 22 August Advanced Strategies to Taking Your Business Online - master digital strategies and tools needed to operate in a digital world.
• 27 August Maximising Your Marketing - essentials for successful marketing: customers, competitors, branding, and your unique selling proposition.
• 29 August Generating Cashflow - learn to identify cash flow drivers, understand the cash conversion cycle, and improve your business forecast.

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Mount Alexander Shire Council
email: business@mountalexander.vic.gov.au  web: www.mountalexander.vic.gov.au

Mount Alexander Shire Council acknowledges that the traditional custodians of this
land, the Dja Dja Wurrung and Taungurung peoples, proudly survive. We acknowledge their continued practice of custom and their close cultural, spiritual, physical, social, historical and economic relationship with the land and waters that make up
their country, which includes Mount Alexander Shire.