Ten projects share $49,325 to grow a local wellbeing economy
Published on 04 November 2026
Ten local projects will share in $49,325 through the first round of Mount Alexander Shire Council’s new Wellbeing Economy Business Fund.
The fund supports small, practical projects that help local businesses thrive while improving the wellbeing of our people, place and environment. It brings several of Council’s former business funding programs together into a single annual fund.
The first round drew 21 applications seeking almost $100,000, showing strong demand from the local business community.
“Every one of these projects lifts more than one business,” said Mayor Toby Heydon.
“Whether it’s a shared equipment kit, a mentoring program or a shopfront art trail, Council’s contribution is multiplied by the time, skills and money local businesses and groups are putting in themselves.
“It’s also great to see projects from Harcourt, Chewton and other towns across the shire alongside Castlemaine, including support for Harcourt’s ongoing recovery from the fires.”
Projects were assessed on their benefit to local businesses, how far they multiply Council’s investment, their contribution to community wellbeing, the lasting legacy they leave, and the applicant’s ability to deliver.
Projects will be delivered between November 2026 and June 2027.
Successful projects
Business Mount Alexander – Tastes map refresh: An updated shire-wide map of local food and drink producers, with a new online database to keep listings current.
Startup Central Victoria – Startup mentoring program: Mentoring, pre-accelerator support and local events for early-stage businesses across the shire.
In Cahoots Group – Shared screen and sound kit: AV equipment for a shared Lyttleton Street room, free for local music and arts hosts.
Lady Adventurer Creative Projects – Music business skills workshops: Expert-led workshops and a toolkit to build the business skills of local musicians, co-funded by the Victorian Music Development Office.
Married on a Monday – Harcourt business hub: Converting former motel rooms on Harcourt’s main street into office and health service spaces for small businesses.
The Hub Foundation – Food organics collection trial: Working with YIMBY to collect food scraps from Castlemaine cafés for composting on local farms.
Rotary Club of Castlemaine – Business mentoring program: Workshops and one-on-one mentoring for small businesses from volunteer Rotarians.
Castlemaine Community Investment Co-operative - Hub tenant directory and workshops: A professionally photographed directory and skills workshops for small businesses based at The Hub.
The Fringe Thing – Fringe shopfront art trail: Pairing local artists with businesses to bring shop windows to life during the Castlemaine Fringe.
Cat Howell Consulting – Small business process improvement program: A pilot helping up to 15 local businesses improve their day-to-day operations, with a reusable toolkit for others to use.
The Wellbeing Economy Business Fund will run annually. Businesses and groups interested in future rounds can subscribe to Council’s Business Link eNewsletter.
For more information, contact Council’s Business Team on 5471 1745 or email business@mountalexander.vic.gov.au.
Photo by Penny Ryan