6 February 2026

Welcome to this edition of Business Link. There’s plenty here for all local businesses - from free creative business workshops and a major economic outlook briefing, to funding opportunities and CBD works updates. We’re also sharing the latest bushfire recovery supports and practical help for businesses directly affected, as we continue to support recovery across our shire.

Additional $160 Million Committed to Support Fire Recovery

A new $160 million support package has been announced for those affected by the January bushfires. Highlights include a $500,000 priority rebuild of the Harcourt Cooperative Cool Store and the following services for business owners:

• Free Clean-up: Removal of fire-damaged structures for uninsured or underinsured properties.
• Mental Health Support: $6.9 million is being invested to expand free local wellbeing services.

Local Support for Bushfire Clean-up Efforts

Following the recent bushfires, there is an opportunity for local businesses and tradespeople to assist with the recovery phase. Emergency Recovery Victoria (ERV) has engaged Forge Solutions to coordinate clean-up activities within the impacted areas.

Forge Solutions is seeking qualified trade subcontractors, suppliers, and assessment providers to support these programs. Local operators can register their interest, as the recovery effort aims to engage businesses from within the impacted community to help stimulate the local economy.

Mostyn Street Footpath Works

Council has engaged a contractor to renew damaged asphalt footpaths between 31 and 53 Mostyn Street in Castlemaine. These works will improve safety and accessibility within the CBD.

To minimise disruption to trade and customer access, some components of the construction will be carried out at night. Council and the construction team will coordinate closely with affected businesses to manage access throughout the project.

📅 Commencing Monday 16 February 2026 - Duration: Approximately two weeks

Fundamentals for Creative Entrepreneurs - new ticket release

Additional free tickets have been released for the Business in Practice workshop series next Wednesday. This day of professional development is designed for artists, makers, and creatives in the early stages of establishing their business.

The program includes workshops on marketing, intellectual property, and AI, alongside a panel session with local creative champions. Attendees can book into individual sessions or attend the full day.

Business Victoria’s small business bus will also be on-site from 12.00 pm to provide one-on-one free walk-up business advice and support to attendees.

📅 Wednesday 11 February 2026
🕔 10.00 am – 7.30 pm
📍Castlemaine Goods Shed, 21 Kennedy St, Castlemaine
💲Free

Tomorrow Makers IGNITE Program

Social entrepreneurs looking to launch or scale a purpose-driven business can apply for the AMP Foundation IGNITE program. The 12-month initiative helps social enterprises become market-ready and commence trading.

Successful applicants receive a grant of up to $110,000. The program also provides access to expert mentors and professional development workshops.

Program details:
📅 Submit an EOI by 16 February 2026

Tiny Towns Fund - deadline extended

Round 3 of the Victorian Government’s Tiny Towns Fund is currently open, with the deadline extended to Wednesday 4 March 2026 to support communities recovering from the recent bushfires and floods. The fund offers grants between $5,000 and $50,000 for community-driven infrastructure and capacity-building projects.

Funding is available for community projects like hall renovations, new playgrounds, public art, or walking trails. You can also apply for activities that bring people together or celebrate local culture. Successful projects should improve town facilities, attract visitors, or make it easier for the community to connect.

📅 Deadline: Wednesday 4 March 2026

Support after the January 2026 Victorian bushfires 

Emergency Recovery Victoria has collated a list of currently available supports, which you can access here.

Council has also compiled local information and updates on the January fires and heat events, available on the Mount Alexander Shire Council website:
January 2026 fire and heat updates | Mount Alexander Shire Council

January Bushfires - Business Support Day - Harcourt

Mount Alexander Shire Council and the Harcourt Progress Association (HPA) have teamed up to arrange a dedicated support day for local businesses impacted by the recent bushfires. This event is designed to help owners navigate the practical first steps of recovery and address immediate challenges.

The day will allow one-on-one sessions with service providers, business advisors and agencies and a group discussion on long-term business and economic recovery strategies. Lunch is included, providing a chance for local business owners to connect and support one another in a relaxed environment.

Confirmed attendees include:

• Maree Edwards MP
• Agriculture Victoria and Business Victoria
• Rural Financial Counselling Service and Anglicare
• Workforce Australia
• Business Mount Alexander
• Representatives from Mount Alexander Shire Council

Event details:

📅 Monday 23 February 2026
🕔 11.00 am – 3.00 pm
📍Harcourt Leisure Centre, Binghams Rd, Harcourt
💲Free (includes lunch)

Bushfire Insurance Claims Support at Harcourt Leisure Centre
Wednesday 11 February

The Insurance Council of Australia (ICA) and several insurers will be available at the Harcourt Leisure Centre next Wednesday (11 February) from 11:00am–3:00pm to support fire‑impacted residents and business owners.

Community members can drop in at any time for one‑on‑one conversations about their insurance questions or claims.

The ICA will also hold a general community briefing and Q&A at 11am, where the ICA will share useful general insurance information and answer broad, non‑case‑specific questions about insurance.

Representatives from the following insurers will be attending to answer your queries

• IAG – covering RACV, CGU and WFI brands
• Hollard – covering Hollard, CommBank, Australian Seniors and everyday insurance (Woolworths) brands
• Suncorp – covering AAMI, APIA, Shannons, Suncorp, and Vero brands
• QBE/Elders – covering QBE and Elders brands
• Allianz – covering Allianz, NAB, Great Southern Bank, Hume Bank and Westpac

Event details:

📅 Wednesday 11 February 2026
🕔 11.00 am – 3.00 pm
📍Harcourt Leisure Centre, Binghams Rd, Harcourt
💲Free (includes lunch)

Dispute Support for Bushfire-Affected Businesses

Local businesses navigating the aftermath of the bushfires may find themselves facing commercial disagreements. The Victorian Small Business Commission (VSBC) offers low-cost, impartial dispute resolution to help operators resolve issues without the stress and cost of the court system.

The VSBC can assist with disputes involving supply chain interruptions, unpaid invoices due to financial loss, and retail lease disagreements regarding rent or repairs for damaged premises. They also provide mandatory farm debt mediation for primary producers. Preliminary assistance is free, and most cases are resolved before reaching formal mediation.

Tell us how your business has been affected by the current fire event

We want to know if your business has been affected by the current fire event in our region.

Council wants to know how many businesses have been impacted, and to what extent. We can connect you to support services and advocate on behalf of shire businesses for state and federal support.

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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.