News & Information

StreetLife Project to Benefit Business

13 December 2004

The Colac Otway Shire, in partnership with Otways Tourism and the Apollo Bay Chamber of Commerce have been successful in obtaining $40,000 matched funding from the Victorian Government StreetLife program over a 2 year period to implement initiatives that benefit business and increase visitation in the region.

Colac Otway Shire's Tourism Coordinator, Georgina Wheeler said that the Leap into Business in Colac Otway StreetLife program was a "wonderful" opportunity for the business community to benefit from activities that will run throughout the Shire.

"StreetLife will create opportunities for business operators to improve their business skills and knowledge," Ms Wheeler said.

StreetLife is a two year statewide program run through the Department of Innovation, Industry and Regional Development. The funding aims to encourage small business and economic growth through implementing innovative local strategies.

The project will be managed by a steering committee including representatives from the key stakeholders and will meet monthly to monitor objectives and provide direction for the project.

The Shire and committee have appointed a StreetLife Officer, Lisa Hathaway, who will work part-time in achieving the objectives of the project.

"This is a fabulous opportunity for the Colac Otway Shire business community to band together and I am thrilled to be a part of this exciting project. I look forward to getting out and about and meeting the small business owners within the Colac Otway Shire," Ms Hathaway said.

Some of the initiatives will include:

• Workshops and networking events.
• Business Services Kit for niche markets.
• Update Otways website.
• Support growth of local business groups.
• Enhance communication.
• Survey of visitor satisfaction.

Source: Colac Otway Shire media release