The City of Ballarat is extending the opportunity for businesses to choose how they operate outdoors, as our City officially welcomes back visitors from Melbourne.
Council voted on Wednesday night to rollover more than $750,000 in funds from its Business and Community Support Grants package to continue to assist those businesses and groups severely impacted by COVID restrictions.
This assistance is in addition to State Government cash vouchers of $2000 announced this week and available to Ballarat businesses through the COVIDsafe Outdoor Activation Program.
The City is encouraging businesses to suggest ways they might be able to maximise their outdoor footprint and is seeking expressions of interest from, but not limited to, the hospitality sector, for seating pods.
These pods could be used for outdoor waiting rooms or outdoor consultation spaces, as well as expanded outdoor dining.
The EOI will help the City to gauge demand for pods to be installed adjacent their businesses, for those willing to give up footpath and car parking space.
Any other ideas or requests for support in expanding outdoor trading areas are also welcome, with Council willing to assist wherever possible.
Due to popular demand, the City of Ballarat will be delivering another round of infrastructure installation (wind barriers and umbrella sockets) for the busy summer months and beyond.
These opportunities will remain open for as long as possible over Summer, however businesses are urged to get their initial expressions of interest in prior to 9am Tuesday 9 November to maximise their opportunity of accessing the resources available.
And high on the agenda is the need to engage our talented artists, entertainers and creators to complement Ballarat's outdoor activities with vibrancy and fun.
If you are an entertainer, musician or creative and would like to get involved, please contact our events team on 5320 5500.
