Local Impact Business Grants

Council ran a pilot grant program in 2025/2026 to support local businesses, business groups, farmer networks and community organisations working with business.

These grants funded small, practical projects with amounts up to $5,000, that were delivered by June 2026, that helped build a stronger, fairer and more sustainable economy across Mount Alexander Shire.

These grants supported 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, developed a bushfoods education program. This included 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) delivered a "Digital Upskilling" series. These workshops provided 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) also led a shire-wide "Buy Local" campaign. In partnership with local media outlets, this project used 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) developed a "Regenerative Business Toolkit." Through co-design workshops and cultural input from Dja Dja Wurrung speakers, this project produced 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) hosted the "Best Backyard Bonanza" workshop series. These sessions focused 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) provided "Accidental Counsellor" training. This initiative specifically addressed 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.