17 September 2026

In this edition of Business Link - Wellbeing Economy Business Fund opens soon, plus lots of other funding opportunities, your input on a new business training day, and the Great Vic Bike Ride is coming to town.

News

Wellbeing Economy Business Fund opens on Monday

Council invites local businesses, trader and farmer groups, business associations, First Nations enterprises, and aspiring entrepreneurs to apply for grants of up to $5,000 through the new Wellbeing Economy Business Fund.

Council established the Wellbeing Economy Business Fund to back practical, business-led ideas that strengthen local capability and build a thriving economy that's good for our people, places and environment. Projects need to deliver a real, direct benefit to local businesses and to our community. We're looking for projects that create a multiplier effect and leave a lasting legacy.

An online information session will run on Teams on Monday 21 September 2026 at 11.00am. You can find out more about the program and ask questions.

Join online: www.teams.microsoft.com/meet/460976343725545

Applications are open: 21 September to 9 October 2026.

To discuss your project idea, contact the Business Team on (03) 5471 1745 or business@mountalexander.vic.gov.au

New funding application portal for bushfire-affected community

Council's Bushfire Recovery Team has helped establish a common funding application portal for bushfire recovery projects.

The portal enables community groups, businesses and organisations to submit one application for consideration by multiple funding bodies, including Council, state and federal governments, Community Bank Maldon & District, and Business Mount Alexander. By simplifying access to funding, reducing duplication and connecting projects with the most appropriate funding source, this initiative will make a practical difference for those recovering from the January bushfires.

If you have a project you'd like funded, you can submit an overview of your initiative for the funding bodies to explore, review and consider.

Help shape our February business training day

We're planning a business training day for Mount Alexander Shire businesses and aspiring entrepreneurs in February and we'd love your input.
What topics would help your business most?
Who would you like to hear from? And what format would make it worth attending?

We want to hear from you, our business community!

The Great Vic Bike Ride is coming to our region

From Monday 23 to Friday 27 November 2026, the TAC Great Vic Bike Ride will bring thousands of riders to regional Victoria, travelling through communities including Bendigo, Castlemaine, Trentham and Creswick.

Riders will stay two nights in Castlemaine from Monday 23 November, providing a great opportunity for local businesses, community groups and residents to get involved, welcome riders and make the most of the visitors coming to the region.

Bicycle Network will be holding a community information session in Castlemaine to share more about the event, including the route, timings, road impacts, opportunities for local businesses and community groups to get involved and fundraise.

When: Tuesday 22 September 2026, 6.00pm - 7.00pm
Where: Ray Bradfield Rooms, 33 Forest St, Castlemaine VIC 3450
 

Card payment surcharge changes are coming on 1 October

From 1 October 2026, businesses will no longer be able to apply surcharges to card payments. This includes Visa, Mastercard, eftpos and American Express transactions.

The new rules only apply to card payment surcharges. They do not apply to hospitality sector weekend or public holiday surcharges or other types of fees, for example booking fees.

Businesses will still incur card processing and payment costs, but lower interchange fee caps are expected to reduce these expenses, particularly for small businesses.
Now is a good time to review the impact of the changes on your pricing and operating costs.

Training

Indigenous Business Australia

Indigenous Business Australia (IBA) provides services to assist and enhance economic development opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

If you're starting or growing a business, IBA's range of tailored workshops can assist business owners in meeting the challenges faced at each stage of the business life cycle. 

• Your business and IBA
  29 September 5.00pm - 8.00pm

• Building blocks for business success
  1 October 5.00pm - 8.00pm

• Create a lean business plan
  8 October 5.00pm - 8.00pm

Funding

Mount Alexander Shire Council event grants - applications open now

Council's event grants program provides support for local events that contribute to community, economic and cultural development across the shire. The program prioritises events that are inclusive, accessible, environmentally responsible, safe and compliant.
Funding can assist with costs such as venue hire, equipment hire, waste management, marketing and traffic management.

Applications are now open for events that will be held in the first half of 2027.

• Tier 1 – Local community events: up to $1,000 
• Tier 2 – Community and regional events: up to $3,000  
• Tier 3 – Strategic events: up to $5,000

For more information contact the Events Team at events@mountalexander.vic.gov.au

Applications close: 25 September 2026

National Science Week Public Event Grants 2027

The National Science Week Public Event Grants program provides grants to support public science engagement activities delivered during next August's National Science Week, Australia’s annual celebration of science.

Funding is available to individuals and organisations for events that encourage public participation in STEM, engage underrepresented groups, celebrate Australian scientific achievements, and inspire interest in science among young people and the wider community.
The program aims to increase public engagement with science and foster innovative approaches to science communication.

How much: Amounts between $5,000 and $20,000
Applications close: 6 October 2026
 

Festivals Australia - new funding round now open

Festivals Australia is an Australian Government funding program that supports arts and cultural projects at festivals and significant one-off community celebrations in regional and remote Australia. The program supports activities such as performances, workshops, exhibitions, installations and parades that encourage community participation and audience engagement. 

How much: No minimum or maximum stipulated. The program funds projects totalling $1.4 million each year.
Applications close: 13 October 2026
 

Apply for the 2027 Rural Women's Award

The AgriFutures Rural Women’s Award recognises and supports women making a difference in rural, regional and remote communities. It celebrates inclusive, innovative and courageous leadership across rural industries, businesses and community initiatives.

For more than 25 years, the award has empowered women to grow projects, influence change and strengthen the future prosperity of rural Australia.

Grants are provided to a winner in each state and territory for their project, business or program, and they receive access to professional development opportunities and alumni networks. 

How much: $15,000
Applications close: 4 November 2026
 

2027 Bob Hawke Landcare Award

The Bob Hawke Landcare Award recognises individuals, groups or organisations that demonstrate leadership in landcare, sustainable agriculture and natural resource management. Eligible nominees must have inspired others, promoted sustainable farming practices, supported conservation outcomes, or led community action to address environmental challenges. 

How much: The winner will receive $30,000 for a landcare project
Applications close: 31 January 2027

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Mount Alexander Shire Council
Email: business@mountalexander.vic.gov.au  Website: 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.