Chamber grant to support businesses

South West Development Commission has provided the Busselton Chamber of Commerce with a $5000 grant in recognition of the valuable work it does supporting local businesses.

The funding announcement comes after chambers around WA reported a loss of income from memberships and events due to the COVID-19 pandemic, threatening their viability.

SWDC chief executive Mellisa Teede said the commission understood the pressures and was pleased to provide relief in the South West.

“We are aware of the vital work carried out by the chambers and business associations and want to help them support their local business communities,” Ms Teede said.

“SWDC support is reinforcing the business support network right across the South West. We want businesses to come through this crisis, to keep people in jobs and to underpin their local economies.”

Busselton Chamber of Commerce and Industry chief executive Michael Smart said the grant would allow the chamber to continue to roll out new business initiatives.

“The commission recognises that we have been acting as almost an insurance policy for businesses, helping them with accounting, occupational health and safety and online marketing similar to a business adviser,” he said.

“We’ve been able to help businesses experiment or adapt to keep their business open and viable. All businesses needed that support so that is why we opened up our membership.”

The Commission will continue to work with the business community over the coming months, focusing on economic recovery and stimulus activities.