Twenty-four Victor Harbor businesses will share in just over $79,000 worth of grants from the City of Victor Harbor to help them deal with the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic

The Business Support Grants were one of many measures adopted by the council to help its community, enabling Victor Harbor businesses to apply for up to $5000 funding support to be used to assist with adaptation initiatives, cashflow and business planning.

The council received applications across many business types, including restaurants and cafes, health and beauty services, transport and logistics, tourism and retail.

Projects funded under the program have included such things as website developments enabling businesses to serve their customers differently; physical changes to restaurants and cafes; and purchase of plant and equipment that allows for alternative products and services.

City of Victor Harbor Chief Executive Officer Victoria MacKirdy says the COVID-19 pandemic has placed significant pressure on the local business community, particularly those in tourism, food and hospitality, and direct service sectors.

“The situation we are in is something we have never experienced and the council has thought outside the square in order to provide meaningful support for its business community,” she says.

“We know there are businesses doing it tough, and this program aims to help them navigate through the challenge at the same time as helping to put things in place to future proof operations.”

“In designing the grants program we worked closely with Business Victor Harbor to make sure that the program we offered was going to suit the needs of our community.”

Ocean Street business All Sweets and Treats was one of the successful grant recipients. Owner and operator Justin Thompson says he was grateful to receive the financial support.

“The funds will be used for developing a website and online store, allowing us to serve more customers, not just those that walk into the shop.

“We have a very small floor space, meaning that we quickly exceed the density restrictions that have been in place. The new website will allow us to diversify our business ensuring that we can get through this challenging time and thrive on the other side.”

The full list of grant recipients are on the City of Victor Harbor website.