A new program has been launched to help Melbourne’s business community gain the skills needed to recover and thrive in the post-COVID-19 landscape.
The new Roadmap to Recovery Program, delivered by RMIT’s Activator in partnership with the City of Melbourne, will provide 21 small businesses affected by the pandemic to gain further innovative, entrepreneurial, and agile skills needed to develop new market opportunities and re-engage their customer base.
The three-month program will provide small-business owners with tools and services to help build their businesses further, including yoga and meditation activities, migration and legal services and others from the retail, events, health and beauty, property and tourism sectors.
The program is also modular in design to be flexible and adaptive as possible, with a focus on skill-building, mentoring, and business regeneration.
Participants will also have an opportunity to work with industry experts and mentors to identify and test new market opportunities, develop new business strategies and learn about emerging technologies and trends.
“Longer-term economic sustainability for small businesses in the CBD and Docklands is crucial for a vibrant and thriving city environment and we are committed to supporting them to get there,” Matt Salier, Director of RMIT Activator, said.
“Small businesses are telling us they need foot traffic to return. While this might be out of our control, we can help businesses identify, test and launch products and services that will set them up to withstand fluctuations in traditional retail and service models.”
The program is part of a $10 million Inner-City Business Support Fund in partnership with the Victorian Government.
“The City of Melbourne’s top priority is to support local businesses and get our economy thriving again,” Melbourne Lord Mayor, Sally Capp, said.
“We are partnering with a number of expert providers to offer one-on-one advice from industry professionals, mentoring and skills-building programs and online learning resources. The Roadmap to Recovery program is a great way for local business owners to build their skills to get through these incredibly challenging times.”
CBD and Docklands business owners have welcomed the initiative, among them Thomas Jajesnica, owner of Mr Meditate.
“Within 10 days of COVID-19 restrictions, my business ground to a complete halt and all bookings were postponed without any certainty of future dates,” Jajesnica said.
“The goal is to pivot according to market needs. A clear direction in my industry is for online and hybrid learning. It allows for cost efficiency and allows remote workers access and engagement. I’m excited about professional assistance in conceptualising and executing on new ‘go to market’ strategies.”
