Commerce Torquay wants to give businesses a kick start

COMMERCE Torquay will use state government funding to help local businesses keep recovering from the effects of the coronavirus pandemic.

The new program, Kick Start Torquay, will provide grants to Commerce Torquay members who are Torquay-based hospitality businesses.

Funds are now available and will continue to be available until April 30th or when funds are exhausted.

Kick Start Torquay will provide grants of up to $2,000 to partially cover the cost of engaging trades to carry out repairs and maintenance on key business assets such as ovens, refrigeration, electrical, plumbing equipment and coffee machines.

Commerce Torquay members are now invited to apply for funding – via the Department of Jobs, Precincts and Regions – through the application form at torquaycommerce.com.au.

If your business is not a member, you are invited to join and you will still be considered for funding. Full terms and conditions are also available on the website.

The Commerce Torquay board has continued to work on initiatives and programs to support both its members and the broader Torquay business community through a challenging 12 months.

In a statement last week, the board said it was continuing to advocate to and work with Surf Coast Shire council and Great Ocean Road Regional Tourism to provide support, training and promotional opportunities.

“The Visit Victoria tourism campaign is doing great things in promoting the Surf Coast and Torquay as a tourism destination,” the statement said.

“The Surf Coast Shire Council have also been doing great work on their Inspired by the Surf Coast initiative which is a buy local marketing effort designed to encourage people who live in the local area to support their many local businesses by shopping and spending locally.

“This is especially important during COVID lockdowns when travel and tourism is restricted.

“In discussions with some of our members, we identified members were also concerned about dealing with unexpected costs associated with the potential breakdown of key equipment during critical peak operating times.

“This feedback led to us seeking funding from the state government to support our members to deal with these costs, and through the hard work of our board in seeking out appropriate grant funding, we are able to deliver the Kick Start Torquay initiative.”

Commerce Torquay also hopes to resume running events this year – the first of which will be a breakfast networking event at Bomboras on March 2 from 7.30 am. All are welcome. Register at torquaycommerce.com.au/events.

Membership to Commerce Torquay is open to all businesses in the 3228 postcode or who offer services into the 3228 postcode.