Dear all,
It has been a while since my last email; I figured you’re all pretty busy so I’ll leave you to it. What a cracking couple of months it has been. Woohoo! Anyway, there is some important info and a time-critical request in this one. Fairly soon I’ll give you an update on all things DMT (what we’ve been doing) but for now, I wanted to get this out to you.
The first bit is a request from VTIC to complete a survey. It is designed to get your input, to help understand the current situation and inform the future needs, as we continue to move out of crisis mode and into recovery mode. It’s asking for the views of those on the ground, so this is your chance to shape policy at a federal level.
There are also a couple of opportunities detailed below via VTIC (wellbeing program and business think tank), as well as a ‘building audiences fund’ for those in the creative space.
That’s it for now. We’ll be in touch again soon-ish.
Read on!
State of the Industry Survey
Each state has a Tourism Industry Council and they are compiling data to help formulate a submission to the Federal Government. The submission will focus on the current situation facing tourism operators across the country and what support programs might be needed post-JobKeeper to save the sector.
They are seeking specific information and advice from the industry (that means you) to assist in quantifying both the need for any support program post-March, but also in suggesting potential design elements of such a program.
This is your chance to help shape the ongoing recovery work.
I know you’re busy, but I urge you to fill in this brief survey by midday on Friday 12 February so we can ensure the situation on the ground in Victoria is well-represented in our submission.
Sorry that this has a degree of urgency but it just landed in my inbox.
Small Business Wellbeing Project
VTIC has been selected as one of ten organisations in Victoria to be part of the Small Business Wellbeing Project. It is open to VTIC members and is part of the Victorian Government’s $26 million Wellbeing and Mental Health Support program for small businesses.
What does the program offer?
- Free and confidential one-on-one access to a highly experienced wellbeing and mental health consultant*
- Free financial counselling and business advice.
Who is this available to?
The project will run until the end of June 2021. During this time, you, your family, and any staff member can access these services – it’s free and confidential.
How can you access these services?
VTIC has a new team member – Danielle Hose, Mental Health/Wellbeing Clinician, and Consultant (see below a message from Dannii) – who is looking forward to connecting with you in the next few months. Remember that you, your employees, and family members can access this service, so just contact Dannii on:
Email: consultation@vtic.com.au
Phone: 03 7035 5732
Business Think Tank Program
This is a tourism-specific business incubator that will help tourism operators emerge from the a tough 2020, to enhance new ideas and grow.
The program is free of charge to successful applicants (value of $2,000) but limited to 18 businesses. Based on demand, VTIC might extend the program into another round of sessions. Again, the program is open to VTIC members only.
Applications close on 17 February 2021.
View full details here.
Building Audiences Fund
Creative Victoria’s new program, ‘Building Audiences Fund’ is now open.
Professional creatives and small businesses working in any creative sector are eligible for funding of up to $20,000 to support innovative, COVIDSafe marketing strategies.
Eligible businesses include micro to small sized businesses spanning arts, music, design, and screen.
Funds can be used to support the implementation of new marketing projects and strategies designed to build and re-establish audiences in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic. These can include;
- implementing integrated e-commerce and promotional strategy
- a marketing campaign, concept, or idea that targets new audiences for your work (eg a campaign designed to attract a different demographic of audience or customers from those you usually reach); or
- activating a targeted marketing plan that demonstrates new ways to reach more people.
Creative Victoria’s Audience Research Toolkit is also available to help you understand your current audience, identify gaps, and plan strategies to expand your reach.
The Building Audiences Fund opens for applications from 28 January and closes at 5.00 pm on 25 February 2021.
OK, that’s from me for now. This was a bit of a copy-paste-edit from the various emails I have received in the last week but there’s some useful stuff here. As I said, a more comprehensive update from me will come in due course. Like you, we’ve been making hay while the sun shines so it’s busy times here. Hope it still is for you too.
Cheers
Steve and the DMT Team
