The Australian Retailers Association (ARA) has confirmed the evolution of its $6 million Streetlife program.
The Streetlife program, designed to support local retailers in 2014, has extended its selection criteria, with trader associations, Council-owned retail precincts and municipal councils now also eligible to apply for grants of up to $20,000.
Grants will now also be provided on a 80:20 matched basis, with applications for the Streetlife program now also open on a continuous basis as opposed to annual competitive rounds.
Commenting on the evolution of the Streetlife project, ARA executive director Russell Zimmerman said the changes will serve to further improve the retail sector and assist retail businesses.
“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.”
Zimmerman added that the Streetlife program also allows the ARA’s education arm, the ARA Retail Institute, to support retailers on their journey to growth and success.
“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,” Zimmerman said.
For more detail on the Streetlife program contact Sophie Carson – sophie.carson@retail.org.au