Local Impact Business Grants

Council launched a new grant program recently to support local businesses, business groups, farmer networks and community organisations working with business.

These grants fund small, practical projects with amounts up to $5,000, to be delivered by June 2026, that create lasting improvements for local businesses and help build a stronger, fairer and more sustainable economy across Mount Alexander Shire.

These grants support initiatives that align with the Council Plan 2025-2029 and the Economic Development Strategy 2024.

Projects were assessed by a panel of Council officers using a weighted scoring system that evaluated impact, strategic alignment, and a business filter. A key priority for the panel was identifying a "business multiplier effect" where Council’s grant support generates wider reach through local supply chains, increased visitor spending, or the use of local consumables and people. Of the 13 applications, six were funded to achieve a diverse mix of projects across the Shire.

The following projects were successful:

• First Nations Leadership and Cultural Education: Harcourt Farming Co-op ($5,000), in collaboration with Murnong Mummas, is developing a bushfoods education program. This includes culturally informed signage and accessible seating, creating a replicable model for embedding First Nations knowledge into local food businesses.

• Digital Capability and Economic Resilience: Business Mount Alexander ($5,000) is delivering a "Digital Upskilling" series. These workshops provide small businesses with practical training in branding, online visibility, and AI tools to reduce costs and improve sustainability.

• Community Wealth Building and Local Trade: Business Mount Alexander ($5,000) is also leading a shire-wide "Buy Local" campaign. In partnership with local media outlets, this project uses a rewards card system to encourage residents to shop locally and keep economic value within the Shire.

• Environmental Sustainability and Regenerative Practice: Ecoimagine (auspiced by Castlemaine Community House) ($5,000) is developing a "Regenerative Business Toolkit." Through co-design workshops and cultural input from Dja Dja Wurrung speakers, this project will produce a digital guide to help local businesses adopt circular economy practices.

• Food Security and Agricultural Skill-Building: Long Road Olive Co-operative Ltd ($5,000) is hosting the "Best Backyard Bonanza" workshop series. These sessions focus on orchard productivity and composting, with profits funding community olive oil processing to improve local food security.

• Health, Wellbeing, and Crisis Response: Lifeline Loddon Mallee ($5,000) is providing "Accidental Counsellor" training. This initiative specifically addresses bushfire recovery, equipping small business owners and their staff with the skills to support customers in crisis and maintain professional boundaries.

Congratulations to all successful applicants. Council looks forward to sharing the results of the projects.