Committed to driving meaningful change

AS the Member for Geelong and Parliamentary Secretary for First Peoples, Christine Couzens believe in fostering progress for women and advocating for their voices.

“I recognise the persistent issues of gender inequality and domestic violence, and I am committed to driving meaningful change by enhancing safety and empowering women,” she said.

“The list of women driving positive change and demonstrating leadership in Geelong is extensive; it is a real privilege to be part of that.

“What I find very rewarding is the connection I share with women in business who are delivering supports, initiatives, creativity, inclusivity and opportunities for the Geelong community to thrive.”

The Victorian Government has established a range of supports you can find on the Business Victoria Website.

Some of these are:

LaunchVic To support women in business, the Victorian Government recognises the need to provide support to women. Eligible women can apply to LaunchVic to co-invest between $50,000 and $300,000 in early-stage capital.

Every dollar is to be matched by $3 in private investment, unlocking up to $40 million to help start-ups led by women gain traction and scale quickly.

The fund is open to local and international angel networks, early-stage venture capitalists focused on seed investments, family offices and individuals.

Nominated start-ups for co-investment must be 50 per cent owned by at least one woman, or have a 30 per cent ownership stake by women, including one woman in an executive role.

First Peoples Tourism Industry Strengthening Program Through the First Peoples Tourism Industry Strengthening Program, Victoria’s 12 Registered Aboriginal Parties (RAPs) can apply for up to $300,000 each.

The funding will support RAPs to enhance their capability and capacity to engage in tourism-related economic development activities, enabling a strategic First Peoples-led approach to identifying and implementing priority tourism initiatives.

Applications for the First Peoples Tourism Industry Strengthening Program will close at 5pm on April 10.

Distillery Door Program The $20 million Distillery Door Program will focus on developing skills, increasing tourism opportunities, expanding businesses through infrastructure investment and develop and grow exports, supporting employment and economic opportunities across Victoria.

The Business Growth Fit-for-Purpose grants will provide direct funding for tailored projects designed to help distillers take the next step in the development of their business.

Applications close on March 25 at 5pm.

As part of International Women’s Day celebrations, Ms Couzens is supporting the Celebrating Djilang First Nations Women’s Event at Murran Hub on March 7 from 4pm. This event will honour the resilience and accomplishments of Geelong’s First Nations women who are creating positive change within the community. Attendance is free, but bookings are essential. Head to trybooking.com/CZAAE

She is also hosting an International Women’s Day Lunch with special guest speaker Carley Scott at Provenance Winery on March 8 from noon.

Bookings are essential. Head to bit.ly/3QkoTpK

For more information, head to facebook.com/ccouzensalp