Go Local Clunes
Home or gardenware gifts, ethically-produced meats, the freshest fruits and veggies, your pick of great coffee, a pot&parma and so much more. It’s time to remind ourselves of the value of buying local!
While we all know how rich and varied the landscape of our local businesses are, the pandemic has shifted our focus online, while the rise of living costs and supply chain issues have made us consider travelling further afield to larger stores – and as a result, regional businesses are doing it tough. But in Clunes, the town decided to get together to make sure that as the holiday season (I know right?!) hits, going local isn’t left to chance.
Starting soon and running until the end of January, people in Clunes will be reminded of the value of buying local, through a series of initiatives created by Clunes Neighbourhood House (and its social enterprise BOOM Clunes), Creative Clunes and the Clunes Tourist & Development Association and funded by the Victorian State Government, Business Chambers and Trader Groups. This project was first discussed in August this year, informed by the contributions of the businesses and traders.
Meeting of businesses and traders held by CTDA in August 2022.
Involving a range of best practice 'Go Local' campaign features (see below) what is super important, is that this initiative is not just confined to local retailers. Professionals, tradies, farms or accommodation - anyone who operates a business in Clunes - can register to be involved. In fact, the more businesses who register, the better result for everyone!
Shop and Win!
Go Local Clunes sees local shoppers being rewarded with their chance of a monthly cash prize of $200 PLUS $100 weekly vouchers to local businesses. Winners will be announced online and on the community notice board in Collins Place. Watch out for the counter packs arriving in stores soon. As soon as they hit the shops, the weekly competition will begin!
In-Store Event Funding
For the local businesses, this initiative also includes funding for in-store events held between November to January. Designed to create lots of activity over the holiday season, businesses holding in-store events can secure $200 of funding to help build loyalty and sales. It could include bringing in an expert to demonstrate a product of your business or radio advertising to promote a special in-store event - the options are only limited by your imagination and the funding. (It’s available until funding runs out!). If you don't have a shop front, but your business still wants to hold an event, no worries. You are still eligible to apply.
Content, Storytelling and Local Training
In addition, local businesses can opt for a social media and storytelling content package to help market online. Businesses can opt to work with a network of diverse writers (including locals). Working with the Clunes Tourist & Development Association, this project will also deliver a series of social media training opportunities to assist businesses better market themselves in the future.
Business Directory
This project builds on resources already available in town, including the Clunes Tourist & Development Association business directory. All businesses who register will then be listed on this directory. A handy tool for any local looking to find a local business!
To find out more about Go Local Clunes visit www.boomclunes.org/golocal or contact the Go Local Officer, Victoria on 0420 432 931. Information packs are available online or can be below.
According to small town survival expert, Peter Kenyon from Bank of Ideas, tipping small towns towards a boom (rather than a bust) takes proactive leadership, an understanding of the importance of relationships and regular, meaningful conversation, a positive mindset, a balance of focus, strong economic development behaviours and healthy community building practices. Go Local Clunes is a perfect example of our town utilising all of these traits and resources in order to achieve a shared vision. Studies show that communities who invest in projects like this become stronger and more resilient, as if each experience builds confidence in their ability to effect change at a local level.
