The Victorian Government has announced increased support for mental health and wellbeing for Victorian small businesses.
Small Business Minister Natalie Suleyman launched the second round of Mental Wellbeing of Business Communities Grants, providing grants and specialist training for business communities across the state.
Ms Suleyman said the increased support would help small businesses to thrive.
“We’re proud to be leading the nation by investing in the wellbeing of small business owners,” she said.
“Delivering another round of this program will build on the fantastic results we’ve already seen in business communities across the state and offer new groups the chance to start the wellbeing conversation and deliver real benefits for their community.”
Up to 45 eligible business chambers, trader groups and industry associations can access grants of $15,000 as part of the Labor Government’s $28.9 million wellbeing and mental health support for the Victorian Businesses Initiative.
More than 70 business communities have received funding under the first round of the program, delivering wellbeing projects that have supported an estimated 11,000 workplaces and 44,000 workers.
Boort Tourism and Development president Sophia Herrington worked with the community during the first round to develop a voucher program for business owners to have a coffee at a local café, or café workers to attend the cinema, to encourage them to take a break and connect with loved ones and colleagues.
Ms Herrington said the first round of the program was successful.
“A key lesson that stuck with me from the wellbeing training is that there is no one magic strategy that will help every person to be well, which is why getting everyone’s input was instrumental to the success of our program,” she said.
Business groups that apply for round two can nominate up to three representatives to complete one day of free mental health and wellbeing training, as well as receive coaching to develop their funded wellbeing project.
Applications close at midnight on Friday, May 12 or when allocations are exhausted. For more information, visit business.vic.gov.au