South Gippsland Shire Council’s COVID-19 Visitor Economy Grants are now open and tourism businesses located in South Gippsland are encouraged to apply.

South Gippsland Shire Council’s COVID-19 Visitor Economy Grants are now open and tourism businesses located in South Gippsland are encouraged to apply.

The grants are part of South Gippsland Shire Council’s $2M Community Support Package and aim to assist tourism businesses that are open to the public and rely on the visitor economy. Eligible businesses will receive a grant of $1,000 (ex GST) that can be spent on essential business fees, services or materials.

South Gippsland Shire Council’s Chair Administrator, Julie Eisenbise expects that the funding will provide much-needed support for many tourism businesses.

“Tourism businesses have been significantly impacted by COVID-19 due to travel restrictions which have resulted in little to no visitation to our region. We are aware than many of our tourism businesses are doing it tough right now and we hope that these grants will provide a small amount of immediate relief.

“The scope of the Visitor Economy grants has been deliberately kept broad to help provide support where people need it most. The funds can be used on services such as financial or legal advice, or on materials to help make businesses COVID-safe or on marketing or industry development. We do expect, however that funds should be spent locally. Spending money in South Gippsland means that other people and businesses in our community can also benefit,” said Ms Eisenbise.

The Visitor Economy Grants open are open until 5pm Friday 18 September or until the $100,000 allocation is exhausted. Applications will be assessed as they are received. To apply, please visit: www.southgippsland.vic.gov.au/covidsupport