Chambers and Trader Groups Program

Application is open for the Business Chambers and Trader Groups Program Round Three. The Business Chambers and Trader Groups Program Round Three provides funding for locally-led initiatives that support small businesses. Unincorporated organisations and organisations with an ABN registered after 30 June 2021 will need to have a local council enter into the grant agreement on their behalf.

Eligibility

Round Three of the program supports business chambers and trader groups to run locally led initiatives between October 2022 and 30 April 2023 that:

• enable local business collaboration
• educate, inform and empower small businesses
• support small businesses to build digital capability
• help members transition into recovery and restart.

To be eligible to apply for a grant, the business chamber or trader group must:

• be based in Victoria
• be a not-for-profit membership organisation with a membership of businesses that operate in Victoria
• service a specific Victorian geographic area or specific Victorian multicultural or Aboriginal business communities
• have the core purpose of acting for its members
• hold a current Australian Business Number (ABN)
• be registered with the responsible federal or state regulator or local council
• (if applicable) have completed all contractual obligations required for the previous round of the program.

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Benefits

Up to 60 grants of $20,000 each are available for business chambers and trader groups to deliver activities or programs that build business community participation across Victoria.

Grants will be awarded on a competitive basis, with up to 60 grants of $20,000 available.

The grant will be paid in two milestone payments as follows:

• 80% when the grant agreement is executed
• 20% once the project is completed and the final report has been submitted.

Grant funds must be used by business chambers and trader groups to support their members by undertaking activities such as:

• supporting and encouraging local business collaboration activities
• business skill development, networking, and resource sharing
• upgrading digital channels to better support members
• helping members adapt to a COVID-19 operating environment
• supporting or advancing the community.

The program of activities may be virtual or face-to-face, and take any format, for example:

• success story networking
• workshops and short courses
• online training and webinars
• employee skill and capability development
• in-language business events
• app licensing or website development
• cyber security scenarios exercises
• digital business expos.

These examples are not exhaustive. Groups are encouraged to submit a proposal that addresses the needs of their local business community.

Program guidelines

Business Chambers and Trader Groups Program Round Three Guidelines (PDF 341.14 KB)

Business Chambers and Trader Groups Program Round Three Guidelines (DOCX 1551.65 KB)

Application process

Please read all the information on this page, including the program guidelines and frequently asked questions (FAQs) before submitting your initial proposal.

For further assistance please go to the Contact us page or call the Business Victoria hotline on 13 22 15. If you require a translator, please let the operator know and they will call the Translating and Interpreting Service for you.

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