Deadline to apply for local Optus business grants approaching

By Murray Silby

Apr 20, 2023

**Closing:** Vice-president Optus Business Sean Casey addresses local business owners and operators at the Optus Business Plus Roadshow in Shepparton in March. The application period for local business operators to apply for an Optus grant is closing soon. Photo by Sam Dagostino

The window of opportunity for local businesses to secure an Optus grant is fast closing, with the deadline being Sunday, April 30.

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The grants were announced at an Optus roadshow event in Shepparton in March.

A total of $15,000 is being offered to five businesses in the form of $3000 each to help them carry out an audit of the technology they use and then to upgrade it with the aim of improving productivity.

“Optus recognises that the current economic landscape is challenging for many Aussie small businesses and we see tech grants as a way to not only support SMBs today, but future-proof them by providing technology solutions and knowledge to continue to evolve their business in the way they want,” vice-president Optus Business Sean Casey said.

The grants are being offered in co-operation with the Shepparton Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and applications can be lodged at https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/Y2N7WT6

**On the move:** State Member for Shepparton Kim O'Keeffe is moving the location of her electorate office from the current 5 Vaughan St.

O’Keeffe on the move

State Member for Shepparton Kim O’Keeffe is moving her electorate office in the city.

It’s believed her current office at 5 Vaughan St has been the base for previous members for more than two decades, but due to compliance demands of the contemporary environment, Ms O’Keeffe is walking just a block or so up to 318 Wyndham St, which is the old RACV building next to Legal Aid Victoria.

A spokesperson for the Nationals member says if all goes to plan, the new office should be up and operating for constituents to visit by June or July, or if things don’t go to plan, in early August.