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State Member for Benalla Bill Sykes has announced Benalla Rural City will be offered a $20000 grant as part of the first round of funding under the Victorian Government’s $6million four-year Streetlife program.

‘‘Benalla Rural City Council is one of 32 councils and trader associations across Victoria that will be offered grants under Streetlife to support local initiatives aimed at revitalising trading activity in main street business districts,’’ Dr Sykes said.

‘‘The council will deliver the ‘Benalla Businesses CARE’ program as a suite of activities designed to upskill local retailers in the use of online technologies.’’

In addition to the proposed funding for Benalla Rural City Council, the government will offer a $5000 grant to the Benalla Business Network to support its education program, Benalla Businesses — Moving into the Digital Age. Through workshops and online training sessions, businesses will learn how to gain a competitive edge through websites, social media, QR codes and other digital tools.

This round of Streetlife funding will distribute more than $500000 during the next six to 12 months to help councils and trader groups in working directly with small retail businesses to develop marketing strategies, new skills and online capabilities.

Councils are eligible for grants of up to $20000 on an 80-20 co-funding basis, while business and trader associations qualify for up to $5000.

The individual grants are invested into new local projects tailored to the specific needs of retail businesses in community shopping precincts.

Dr Sykes said the government’s support of retail businesses in Benalla through the Streetlife grants will be an important boost for the regional economy.

‘‘By working in conjunction with Benalla Rural City Council and the Benalla Business Network, shopfront traders will have access to new tools and resources that they can adapt to build a stronger and more sustainable future for their business and the local community,’’ he said.

■For more information on the Streetlife program and how to apply for funding, visit business.vic.gov.au/streetlife