General News
19 January, 2023
Go Local campaign a boost for Clunes business
A project to promote Clunes businesses has proved to be a hit, attracting visitors over both the booming Christmas period and quieter summer months. The six-month Go Local Clunes project brought together the Clunes Tourist and Development...
A project to promote Clunes businesses has proved to be a hit, attracting visitors over both the booming Christmas period and quieter summer months.
The six-month Go Local Clunes project brought together the Clunes Tourist and Development Association (CTDA), Booktown Festival organisers and Creative Clunes who utilised
Business Victoria funding, starting with Christmas and summer shopping incentives — combining a peak shopping time with a traditionally quiet period.
“Through our partnership with the CTDA they funded a $100 voucher prize each week and a cash draw of $200 each month until the end of January,” BOOM Clunes chief entrepreneur Lana de Kort said.
“The incentive offers a little bit for everyone. Prizes include local vouchers, which gives back to businesses. The significance of the prizes and the ease in which people can participate (unlimited entries) is great value.”
Go Local includes two other initiatives designed to help strengthen businesses in the new year — a social media and content package plus training program for businesses, and in-store event funding to help small businesses add to the buzz in town.
“These events add to our town’s calendar, providing visitors and locals with a Clunes experience and a reason to shop. They also provide businesses with a chance to try something new to help them thrive,” Ms De Kort said.
“Go Local Clunes is proving to be a great model that has strengthened our ability to collaborate.
“We’ve documented the project along the way, including our learnings, so that others can replicate it and add their own twist.
“It’s hard enough to run a business at the best of times, so doing it together, and linking with others who are giving it a crack, seems to be a great way to go.”