The first rebate in the McGowan Government's $5 million COVID-19 Activating Alfresco program has been made to a local patisserie in South Fremantle.
Patisserie La Vespa on South Terrace will receive a $5000 grant, which will be used to purchase new furniture as it extends its alfresco area.
The Activating Alfresco Rebate Program allows small businesses, including cafés, bars, pubs, restaurants and hotels, to apply for a rebate of up to $5,000 for the cost of alfresco purchases. These could include furniture, weather protection, art, and lighting.
To date, more than 400 applications have been have been received from across the State, including regional hospitality businesses in the South-West, Great Southern, Wheatbelt, Mid-West and the Kimberley.
The Activating Alfresco program is a key part of the McGowan Government's $67 million COVID-19 Business Assistance Package, enabling eligible businesses to expand their COVID-safe dining out spaces.
Since December, the McGowan Government has provided $420 million worth of COVID-19 related business support, with a total of $1.7 billion provided since the start of the pandemic.
For more information on the Activating Alfresco program visit www.dlgsc.wa.gov.au/Activating-Alfresco-Rebate-Program.
As stated by Local Government Minister John Carey:
"The Activating Alfresco program is a fantastic way to give small businesses such as Patisserie La Vespa a lift, revitalising their outdoor area and re-activating our spaces.
"We know during COVID more people have wanted to dine outdoors, and these grants will not only support small businesses by assisting them to expand their alfresco footprint, but help activate our local streets.
"The rebates have already enabled several Western Australian small businesses to expand their operations, supporting their growth and adding vibrancy to our neighbourhoods.
"We've seen a lot of interest to date from across the entire State, but I want to encourage eligible small businesses to consider applying for a rebate to expand their alfresco area, and give more Western Australians the confidence to dine out in a COVID-safe environment.
"I have long championed activating our streets and support more alfresco dining and Local Government's need to be playing a significant role in assisting small businesses to grow by cutting red tape and facilitating more outdoor and street dining.
"I know many Local Governments have been working hard in this space, and I want to give them a shout out for facilitating positive outcomes for small businesses in their community."
As stated by Fremantle MLA Simone McGurk:
"It's fantastic to see a local Fremantle business is the first to receive a grant through the $5 million COVID-19 Activating Alfresco program.
"Patisserie La Vespa has been a popular spot among Fremantle locals and people visiting the area for many years, and this $5000 grant from our Government will support them to expand their operations as they rebound from the impacts of COVID-19.
"I'll be there for coffee and cake this weekend."
