Funding boost for Business Festival

COMMERCE Ballarat’s B31 Ballarat Business Festival has received $30,000 in funding from the state government.

The funding, double the amount provided in 2018, will support the running of the annual month-long festival in August.

Jodie Gillett, Commerce Ballarat’s CEO, said B31 Ballarat Business Festival which is not in its 14th year is an important opportunity for business to focus on the back end.

“We appreciate the continued support of the City of Ballarat and the State Government,” Ms Gillett said.

“We are thrilled with the news that in 2019 the State Government funding will increase while the red tape has been significantly reduced. These changes will allow us to deliver a more comprehensive program of development and networking opportunities.”

Planning is underway for the festival with the aim to have each work day in August allocated one, in some cases two, events.

Ms Gillett encourages Ballarat businesses owners, managers and staff to take time out to attend the festival in order to give their business a little TLC.

Member for Wendouree Juliana Addison said small businesses are the heart of Ballarat’s economy and she is proud to support B31 Ballarat Business Month.

“By providing support and opportunities for local businesses to grow and prosper, more jobs will be created for the Ballarat community,” Ms Addison said.

The funding is part of the government’s drive to provide small businesses with localised support and access to tools and information that will help them grow and prosper.

Commerce Ballarat provides networking and advocacy services to businesses in the greater Ballarat area.