- Minister for Jobs, Innovation and Trade
The Andrews Labor Government is helping small businesses thrive thanks to the latest round of the Boost Your Business Voucher Program.
Minister for Jobs, Innovation and Trade Martin Pakula today visited Geelong’s Little Red Roaster Company, one of the new batch of businesses receiving voucher funding.
The Little Red Roaster Company is one of more than 70 small to medium enterprises across Victoria to have received funding to tap into new markets and create local jobs.
The vouchers are presented to eligible businesses in the categories of Asia Gateway, Food Innovation, Social Enterprise, Advanced Manufacturing, Defence, Aerospace and Security, Entrepreneurs with a Disability, and Victoria-Israel Innovation.
The program gives businesses the chance to explore research and development opportunities, create new products, identify new markets and create local jobs.
The growing Geelong company will use its voucher to create a coffee roaster which is cloud-based and therefore able to be managed remotely, giving small roasters the ability to roast quality coffee under the Little Red Roaster brand around the nation.
More than $1.8 million has been provided in this round of vouchers, and more than $7.8 million since the program began in January 2018.
As stated by Minister for Jobs, Innovation and Trade Martin Pakula
“These vouchers are an excellent way for small and medium businesses to take the next step in their journey, ultimately leading to a stronger economy and more jobs for locals.”
“We’re getting on with the job of supporting our innovative local businesses and we’re proud to back initiatives that turn an idea into reality.”
As stated by Member for Geelong Christine Couzens
“This is a great local success story for Geelong and our region and it’s great that we can play our part in giving businesses that winning edge right here in Geelong, which is fast becoming an innovation hub.”
