Business boost for Strathbogie

SUPPORTING local business – it’s the common phrase that’s been a focus for the past year among the doom of the COVID-19 pandemic, but efforts are underway to continue the local business morale up into 2021. Go Nagambie and Euroa Chamber of Business and Commerce will be the recipients of $30,000 each from the economic development funding of Strathbogie Shire Council. The offer also extends out to any new or existing local businesses outside the Euroa district who want to be a part of the chamber, which means locally owned companies in Violet Town, Longwood, Strathbogie and Ruffy can join the chamber. Go Nagambie’s funding will be used through businesses in the Nagambie, Avenel, Mitcheltown and Greytown areas. Euroa Chamber of Business and Commerce president Steph Swift said the push to expand beyond the urban areas of the region could bring a great opportunity to grow the local economy. “This is a fantastic opportunity for us to engage with the business community shire wide and we are looking forward to all the opportunities it will bring the group and its members,” Ms Swift said. “The committee will look at creating ‘sub branches’ for the other towns, to divide our time where it’s required and create points of contact for these towns.” While the past year had seen stumbling blocks for local businesses, Ms Swift said events like the Twilight Christmas event held towards the end of last year would boost confidence. Part of the funding will go towards workshops and training programs targeted specifically to the chamber’s members’ needs. “We hope to organise all types of networking events, providing ample opportunities for members to see the benefits, whilst keeping it all within the local business community and creating opportunities to generate business across the board.” Strathbogie Shire mayor Chris Raeburn said the $60,000 will encourage business owners – particularly those who have a small amount of employees - to seek local support from other business owners. “Many businesses have been hit hard by the lockdown of our communities during the pandemic,” Cr Raeburn said. “Businesses in the arts, recreation, tourism and hospitality sectors saw many having to close completely for extended periods. Other businesses in the personal care industry like hairdressers were also forced to close.” Cr Raeburn said there were 1400 businesses in the Strathbogie Shire with the vast majority being small business with less than 10 employees. “Businesses of this size often do not have the resources or support networks to assist them in recovering from a crisis of this scale. “Council is committed to helping our business community in every way it can.” Ms Swift is encouraging business owners from Euroa, Strathbogie, Longwood, Ruffy and Violet Town, who wish to be part of the chamber, to head to visiteuroa.org.au or send an email to business.euroa@gmail.com. All local businesses in the Nagambie, Avenel, Mitchelltown and Greytown who wish to enquire about free memberships can contact Go Nagambie at executiveofficernltc@gmail.com.