Minister for Small Business Jaala Pulford has commended the Shepparton community for the resilience and commitment that had allowed the city to weather the coronavirus storm and emerge ready to recover and thrive.
Minister Pulford Minister today met with local business owners at the Shepparton Motor Museum, learning their stories including details of the October outbreak that put the region at the centre of the state’s pandemic efforts.
Thousands of Shepparton residents presented for testing as the outbreak was brought swiftly under control, winning the praise and admiration of the Victorian population.
The Andrews Labor Government has helped Shepparton businesses stay on their feet through the coronavirus pandemic with $19.3 million worth of grants paid to more than 2,300 businesses.
The Shepparton Motor Museum received $30,000 from the three rounds of the Business Support Fund, which provided direct financial support to eligible businesses that faced restrictions. Over the three rounds of the Business Support Fund, more than 132,000 unique businesses have been paid grants topping $2.5 billion.
Megan Lloyd from Total Ballet was the recipient of a $3,000 Sole Trader Support Fund grant, to assist with the costs of operating a commercial premise while her business remained closed due to restrictions required to help slow the spread of the virus. Eligible Victorian sole trader businesses are able to apply for these grants to help them continue to operate by contacting Business Victoria.
Shepparton Chamber of Commerce and Industry received over $100,000 in grants which has provided improved support for hundreds of small businesses across the Greater Shepparton region.
The Labor Government’s Wellbeing and Mental Health Support program is also assisting the Shepparton Chamber to better support local business owners, after Engagement Manager Kaye Hanson participated in free St John Ambulance Mental Health and Crisis Support Training.
The training provides crucial mental health insights for people who engage with businesses on a regular basis.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Small Business Jaala Pulford
“Shepparton businesses have been through so much this year and it’s fantastic to see how so many have reached a position where they can be confident about the future.”
“We’ve stood by businesses like the Shepparton Motor Museum and sole traders like Megan Lloyd at Total Ballet and we congratulate them on their resilience and dedication to their business dreams.”
Reviewed 16 December 2020