Ararat Rural City Council’s Grow Me The Money Program is gaining momentum, with five businesses saving money by implementing more sustainable practices.

Ararat was one of 10 councils selected by Victorian Employers’ Chamber of Commerce and Industry to help promote the program, which saved businesses an average of $6600 last year by identifying ways to use less resources and generate less waste.

Five businesses – Ararat Bakery, Astor Cinema, Ararat RSL, Ararat Retravision, KHS Construction – have already started the 12-month program.

Lois Faragher from Ararat Bakery said the business signed up to the program with the hope of introducing new operating efficiencies to their business.

“This seemed a great opportunity to do something important in terms of our carbon footprint and at the same time help us create a more efficient business,” she said.

Ararat Rural City economic development officer Bruce Marshall said many businesses were conscious of their environmental footprint and eager to begin implementing environmentally friendly practices.

“We were impressed with the feedback from previous participants, and would love to see another 50 businesses in the Ararat region join the program,” he said.

A ‘Carbon 101’ business seminar will be on March 16 to give a greater insight into the program. The seminar will provide an overview of carbon management concepts and explain what carbon trading, carbon emissions and climate change means for small to medium-sized businesses.

The free seminar will begin at 6.30pm at Gum San Great Hall, Ararat. Bookings are essential. For information phone 5355 0218 or email bmarshall@ararat.vic.gov.au.