Supporting our local business community during tough times

Supporting our local business community during tough times

Published on 27 March 2020

Council is developing new, responsive and innovative ways to support and promote local businesses in the face of the coronavirus outbreak.

Options are being investigated to see how Council can assist directly with relief for rates, fees and charges. Council is also advocating to other levels of Government for the need for assistance with rates relief.

Additional new and innovative supports include:

Baw Baw Business Recovery Service

A new Baw Baw Business Recovery Service has been launched, delivered through Council’s Economic Development team. The service offers an experienced and dedicated resource to help impacted local businesses navigate through all the Government resources and information available, ensuring the right assistance is easily obtained.

To get in contact with the Baw Baw Business Recovery Service, local businesses can email [email protected] or call 1300 BAW BAW.

Be Kind to Business Baw Baw

Another community-focused campaign called Be Kind to Business Baw Baw has been launched to encourage the community to continue to support local businesses in the face of the restrictions of the coronavirus pandemic.

The campaign aims to highlight and promote the innovation and spirit of our local business community and encourage residents to continue supporting local businesses in alternative and safe ways.

The campaign encourages community members to continue supporting their favourite local businesses by:

Buying local: Shop online with local businesses. Lots of our local businesses have a website for shopping online and lots of great products on show via their Instagram and Facebook pages. If they aren’t online give them a call - you might be able to buy your favourite product over the phone! Buying a gift card: Buy one now and enjoy it later. It helps businesses keep cash flowing and it’ll be a great reason to get out and celebrate when things open up again. Showing love: Send your favourite local businesses a message, or leave a review and show our businesses how much they mean to us. Treating yourself: Never has there been a better time to order takeaway from your favourite place - give them a call, many places are offering pick up or delivery.

Additionally, local businesses that register with Council to participate in the campaign will receive promotional support through Council’s existing online channels. Registration for businesses is free.

All local businesses are encouraged to contact Council to participate in the campaign. To register, local businesses can email [email protected] or call 1300 BAW BAW.

Quotes attributable to Mayor Cr Danny Goss

“As our community responds with precautions to prevent the spread of COVID-19, many local businesses are really feeling the impact of social distancing. In the face of these challenges, it has been so amazing to see local businesses and residents respond to changing situations so quickly. By supporting local businesses wherever you can, you are helping to keep our economy resilient and ready to bounce back.”