ARA Streetlife program to support local retailers in 2014

PEAK retail industry body the Australian Retailers Association’s (ARA) announces the $6 million Streetlife program is available to trader associations and Council-owned retail precincts, along with municipal councils, who can now directly apply for grants of up to $20,000 on an 80:20 matched basis.

 

Applications for the Streetlife program are also now open on a continuous basis as opposed to annual competitive rounds.

“Streetlife funding allows retailers across Victoria to develop targeted projects that improve the competitiveness and economic outcome of their local shopping precincts, and the ARA is pleased to see equivalent funding now available to trader associations and Council-owned retail precincts.

“The Streetlife program also incorporates support provided by the ARA and Mainstreet Australia that includes training, mentoring and other resources for small retailers. These additional activities and resources are designed to extend the benefits of the program to many more retailers and local shopping strips each year," ARA Executive Director Russell Zimmerman said.

The Streetlife program allows the ARA’s education arm, the ARA Retail Institute, to support retailers on their journey to growth and success.

“Small Business Minister Louise Asher should be congratulated for her ongoing support of the retail sector in Victoria which remains the state’s largest private employer.

“The world is changing, and the consumer is connected, empowered and looking to retailers to offer them the best and most relevant service they can across multiple channels. Retailers need to be educated to ensure they’re riding this wave of change with successful business operations.

“The funding of the Streetlife program shows a commitment from the Victorian Government to growth across both retail and small business. As the direct link between government and industry, and as the peak retail industry body, the ARA will play a key role in implementing this program.

“The ARA is also calling on other state governments to look to the Streetlife program as a blueprint for retail growth, assistance and much- needed funding for the retail industry to remain viable and relevant into the future,” Mr Zimmerman said.

To find out more about the Streetlife program contact Sophie Carson - This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it  

Since 1903, the Australian Retailers Association (ARA) has been the peak industry body representing Australia’s $265 billion retail sector, which employs over 1.2 million people. The ARA ensures retail success by informing, protecting, advocating, educating and saving money for its 5,000 independent and national retail members throughout Australia.

Visit www.retail.org.au or call 1300 368 041.

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