Gippsland › Latest news › Darren Chester MP
East Gippsland small businesses can apply for support from $1M LaunchME program
Small businesses in East Gippsland will have access to services to help grow and sustain their businesses through the LaunchME program.
Local MP Darren Chester said $1 million was being invested to support small business growth as part of the region's bushfire recovery. "Aspiring entrepreneurs in East Gippsland will have access to coaching, mentoring, microfinance and other resources to kick start or develop their businesses," Mr Chester said.
LaunchME is a program focused on creating economic opportunities for vulnerable communities by delivering business support and microfinance services to support the development of microenterprises, with support from the Victorian State Government and Commonwealth Government
Joint funded program
Mr Chester said, "Small businesses are the heart of our region and providing more support for locals to start their own business helps to boost our economy and support local jobs. Good Shepherd Australia will provide one-on-one mentoring and business coaching over six months to aspiring business owners and entrepreneurs. I encourage those in East Gippsland to check their eligibility and decide if they would benefit from some additional resources and support." Mr Chester said.
The LaunchME program is jointly funded through the $700 million Commonwealth-State Local Economic Recovery program in response to the 2019-20 Black Summer bushfires. For further information, to check eligibility or register interest visit LaunchME Victoria website.
Pictures from Good Shepherd website.
Source: http://gippsland.com/
Published by: news@gippsland.com
Latest News
Baw Baw Council adopts 2025/26 Budget to deliver services, new initiatives, and essential capital works
Melina Bath slams Labor for underfunding fire preparedness and using treasurers advances to dodge scrutiny

Thirty-six new Australians welcomed in Bairnsdale ceremony celebrating East Gippsland's growing cultural diversity and community

Understanding groundwater and managing a vital resource wisely during dry conditions in Southern Victoria

Baw Baw Shire Council meeting snapshot held on Wednesday 11 June 2025

Gippsland V/Line passengers short-changed as government refuses full bus replacement to Southern Cross Station

Unlit East Gippsland intersections spark safety fears as locals demand action on incomplete road upgrades

Lakes Entrance, Paynesville, and Marlo announced as finalists in the Top Tourism Town Awards cast your votes by 27 June 2025

Latrobe City Council recognised by Local Government Professionals (LGPro) for disaster readiness and recovery

Tim Bull calls for Benambra to be included in top-level drought support amid ongoing hardship
