Northern Grampians Shire Council has introduced a funding stream that will allow businesses to improve their shopfronts.
Part of the long-running Business Assistance Scheme (BAS), the new Business Beautification Program has been designed to encourage business owners, operators and landlords to enhance the presentation of their building or business in retail and commercial areas within Northern Grampians Shire.
The Business Beautification Program ties into the Retail Action Plan which highlights business presentation as a priority. The program works on a 1:1 co-contribution basis with council providing up to $3,000 in matched funding.
Stawell Ward Councillor Karen Hyslop said she was pleased to see council throw their support behind the initiative.
"This idea originally came from StawellBiz. Not only did council support the move to improve commercial facades in Stawell, they saw such value in the program that they've rolled it out across the shire," said Cr Hyslop.
"I'm really looking forward to seeing the further beautification of our commercial precincts. Not only will the streetscape be more appealing, the shopping experience as a whole will be improved."
Businesses with street frontage, located in the commercial area of a town within the Northern Grampians Shire will be eligible to apply for funding through the program. Works may include minor repairs to the facade, minor repairs to structural elements and awnings, new or improved verandahs, installation of new business signage and installation of store lighting that is visible from the street.
