Small businesses across Victoria will be supported to become more resilient as the Andrews Labor Government provides more grants for business chambers and trader groups.

Minister for Small Business Jaala Pulford today announced applications are now open for the third round of the Labor Government’s Business Chambers and Trader Groups Program while at the Mainstreet Australia Conference 2022.

Up to 60 eligible business chambers and trader groups can access grants of $20,000 as part of the $1.2 million dollar fund, with the funding to be used to help businesses adapt, innovate and rebuild.

The previous two rounds of the program have already provided $5.6 million through more than 230 grants to local business organisations.

Regional business chamber Business Mount Alexander used their grant from round two of the program to build their ‘Creative Connections’ initiative.

The grant helped them to promote the economic benefits of the arts in regional communities by hosting a series workshops and networking events with local creatives.

Meanwhile, the Belgrave Traders Association helped develop and evolve the Belgrave Food Garden, with a food exchange program that reduced food waste and taught people about sustainability.

The annual Mainstreet Australia conference brings together representatives from business communities and chambers to share ideas, experiences and learnings that will support their local businesses and town centres to flourish into the future.

Applications are open until 28 August 2022. Local business organisations including those supporting multicultural and Aboriginal businesses are encouraged to apply.

For more information and details on how to apply for this latest round of the Business Chambers and Trader Groups Program, visit business.vic.gov.au/businesschambers.