Businesses in Greater Shepparton will be able to apply for up to $2,000 in funding to help revitalise their shopfronts, after Council approved the establishment of the Shopfront Improvement Grant Program at the February Council Meeting.
The grant program was established by Greater Shepparton City Council to assist with improvements to shopfronts to support the amenity of local business, and the ongoing revitalisation of the Shepparton CBD and the commercial areas of main streets within small towns.
The Shopfront Improvement Grant Program will offer grants of up to $2,000 with a $1 for $1 matching investment from the applicant, with a budget of $30,000 being allocated for the 2021/2022 financial year to introduce this grant program. The grant program also forms part of Council's Greater Shepparton Economic and Social Response to COVID-19 Package Stage 3 Support Response Plan for 2021/2022.
Mayor, Councillor Kim O'Keeffe said the objectives of the funding were to attract new investment opportunities and support business growth and diversity within the Shepparton CBD and the main streets of small towns.
"We are hoping this new grant program will help revitalise the main streets across Greater Shepparton, making them more inviting and appealing places to do business and shop," she said.
"The funding will also support landlords to retain and attract tenants, improve the marketability of the region and promote Greater Shepparton as an attractive place to work, live, visit and invest."
Improvements that may be funded as part of the grant program include the painting of external shop frontage, repair or replacements of eaves and verandas, creative graphic design and signage fabrication, and the installation or upgrade of lighting.
"Council hopes the Shopfront Improvement Grant Program will complement our recent investment in McLennan Street, Maude Street and the Maude Street Mall revitalisation projects and encourage further investment from the private sector," Cr O'Keeffe said.
"The grant will also provide assistance for businesses and landlords to recover from the ongoing impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic as we work through our recovery. I encourage any eligible business owners to apply."
