2024: City Economic Development and Marketing Grants drive business outcomes

Food and wine businesses are set to benefit from $36,625 in funding through four initiatives designed to show off their prowess or help build products and services. The cash from the City of Busselton’s commercial, industrial and holiday homes differential rates fund will go towards a new regional produce showcase hub at the Origins Market, a marketing campaign designed to highlight the attraction of the Prince Street boutique shopping area, the Craft Beer Trail and a program for winegrowers who want to complete training and certification in sustainable, organic winegrowing. Mayor Phill Cronin said it was heartening to see such a strong field of high-quality applications, all focused on delivering programs specifically within the City of Busselton. “I am delighted to see business and industry partnering to look at creative ways to bolster the local economy through thoughtful and sustainable initiatives,” he said. “I am especially impressed with their focus on long-term sustainability and building momentum for the immediate, medium and longer-term future.” The “#PrinceStreetBusselton” campaign is being touted as a development that will support a group of more than 20 family owned and operated small businesses in Prince Street. Meanwhile the Craft Beer Trail will encourage more visitors to enjoy new experiences based around the area’s world class beer and food. To support the Craft Beer Trail videos will be created by a local videographer and launched in the lead up to the South West Craft Beer Festival which is being held at Signal Park, Busselton on March 16. For those working in the wine field, the certification initiative is part of national program Sustainable Winegrowing Australia that aims to support the local wine industry to enhance economic benefits, while actively reducing its environmental impact. All four initiatives were successful applicants in round two of the city’s economic development and marketing grants. Round three grants open on March 1 and are open for three weeks, closing March 21. For more information, the city’s economic development team can be contacted on 08 9781 0444 or by emailing economicdevelopment@busselton.wa.gov.au.