A new local business has made the most of Ararat Rural City Council's Façade Grants Program to give its Barkly Street premises a welcoming new look.
Just Better Care, which offers independent living care and NDIS support coordination, has expanded into Ararat, adding to its existing offices in Horsham and Warrnambool.
The business was able to upgrade the exterior thanks to Council's Façade Grants Program, which offers up to $10,000 in matched funding (2:1) for eligible businesses to upgrade and improve the appearance of their shopfronts.
Ararat Rural City Council Mayor, Cr Jo Armstrong, said she was pleased to see a new business taking advantage of the program as part of its establishment in Ararat. She said this is one of the ways that Council actively attracts new businesses to town, as well as support existing ones.
"Ararat has a strong tradition of providing a broad range of care services to its residents, so we're delighted to welcome the team at Just Better Care," Cr Armstrong said. "I'm pleased that Council could provide some cost relief to help them smarten up the shopfront with their nice, bright branding."
Cr Armstrong encouraged other new, expanding or relocating businesses to explore the Façade Grants Program.
"A refreshed façade - whether it's a coat of paint, new signage or lighting - not only benefits individual businesses but also enhances the overall appeal of our retail precincts," she said. "These visible improvements can attract more foot traffic and foster a greater sense of pride in our local shopping areas."
