A total amount of $172,000 has been allocated in grant funding to 50 of the area's small businesses in a move that, according to Mayor of Liverpool Wendy Waller, is aimed at helping proprietors pivot their operations or upgrade online strategies. She added:
“Council has also amended hardship provisions for rate payments, given rent abatements to many Council tenants, established a ‘Support Local’ campaign and helped businesses strengthen their online presence.”
The grants will assist firms throughout the greater City of Liverpool area with $106,000 going to 28 businesses within the city centre and $66,000 to businesses further afield.
Outlets such as Liverpool's Out of Office Espresso cafe, which is to receive $5,000 under the scheme, is set to use the funds to help create an order system online and to initiate business reorientation and rebranding, according to owner Michael Tran.
Meanwhile, CEO of ACE Nurse School Annissa Bhutia said the grant will be put toward providing the entity's e-learning accreditation training for aged care. The need for flyer printing services to promote products and services is often another key area that can benefit from grants such as those being provided by Liverpool Council.
Mayor Waller encouraged community members to support and visit local businesses.