The Andrews Labor Government is helping Latrobe Valley businesses affected by the closure of the Hazelwood power station and Carter Holt Harvey saw mill tap into the massive e-commerce market to find new customers.
Minister for Small Business Philip Dalidakis today visited Morwell workwear business Ausworkwear & Safety – one of more than 50 local businesses taking part in the government’s Latrobe Valley Supply Chain Transition Program (LVSCTP).
Ausworkwear & Safety is a family-owned business that has been operating for 22 years in Morwell as regional Victoria’s largest independent retailer of safety apparel, footwear and equipment.
The business, which has 40 employees, has been affected by the closure of Hazelwood and is taking part in the LVSCTP to develop new markets for its products.
Ausworkwear & Safety received $16,000 through LVSCTP to develop a business transition plan, which set out a plan for the company to use e-commerce to sell its goods to buyers around Australia and beyond.
The company now has approval for further funding of up to $55,000 to upgrade its website and carry out the customer development, training, data upgrades and search engine optimisation it needs to launch into the e-commerce market.
The LVSCTP is a $5 million fund that is providing tailored support to businesses affected by the closure of significant Latrobe Valley companies.
The program is focused on retaining jobs and industry capability in the Latrobe Valley and supporting the local economy into the future.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Small Business Philip Dalidakis
“We’re supporting supply chain businesses so they can retain jobs and expertise in the Latrobe Valley and keep the local economy strong.”
“We’ll never abandon the Latrobe Valley and will continue to support the area through this transition phase.”
“With support from the Andrews Labor Government, Ausworkwear is opening up new markets so it can continue to prosper and employ local people.”
Quote attributable to Member for Eastern Victoria Harriet Shing
“We’ll continue to support businesses in the Latrobe Valley as they transition and grow – helping businesses such as Ausworkwear access online and global markets will increase jobs, investment and enterprise throughout Gippsland."
Reviewed 19 August 2020