Deadline: 23-Oct-22
The Bass Coast Shire Council is now inviting applications for its Shopfront Improvement Rebate Program to assist eligible organisations to renew their shopfront to improve the vibrancy of individual shops, stimulate economic growth and enhance the look and feel of local commercial districts.
The Shopfront Improvement Rebate Program will assist businesses and service providers in Bass Coast to improve the appearance of their shopfronts and outdoor spaces. Vibrant and attractive streets, shops, and public spaces play a key role in creating prosperous town centres.
Some examples of the works that can be completed as part of the program include:
- External signage and A-frames
- Improved accessibility
- Replacement of outdoor furniture and umbrellas
- Planter boxes, fencing and display of goods infrastructure
- Painting of the shopfront/façade
- Minor repairs to structural façade elements, awnings, and verandas
- Installation of store lighting visible from the street
Funding Information
- Applicants can seek 100% of the total project cost, up to $2,000 inclusive of GST (a maximum of $500 exclusive of GST can be attributed to landscaping). A contribution by the submitting organisation is not required, however will be viewed positively during the assessment.
- Multiple approved works can be funded in one application up to the allocated funding. Applicants can ask for up to $2,000 for their project.
What can be funded?
- Examples but not limited the following activities:
- Shopfront displays
- External signage
- Painting of the shopfront/façade
- Minor repairs to structural façade elements, awnings, and verandas
- Installation of store lighting visible from the street
- Improved accessibility
- Lighting (visible from the street)
- A-frame signage
- External display of goods
- Tables, chairs, umbrellas, and other outdoor dining infrastructure
- Redecorating exterior walls
- Upgrades to windows and doors
- Enhancing entranceways of shops
- Awning/canopies
- Exterior architectural and/or artistic features
- Landscaping (to a maximum of $500)
- Façade painting and murals
- Façade visual design
- Fixed signage
- Any combination
What can’t be funded?
- Building, local laws and planning application costs
- Application fees
- Business marketing or promotion (except for signage)
- Operational or administrative costs
- Works started before applications close on 23 October 2022.
- Projects based outside of Bass Coast
Eligibility Criteria
- An applicant must:
- Be a small business that employs 10 or less full-time equivalent* employees or have an aggregated turnover of less than $1 million.
- Operate a business that has street facing shopfront or footpath trading or can demonstrate high foot or vehicle traffic or potential for growth.
- Be a properly constituted legal entity and willing to accept legal and economic responsibility for the investment.
- Submit professional invoices for the activity;
- Hold appropriate permits from Council departments for project.
- Not have a financial debt with Council, including any previous unacquitted grants. Please note, businesses on payment plans with Council will be considered.
- Not be a Local, State and Federal Government agency or department. Be based within the municipality of Bass Coast.
Note: Full Time Equivalent (FTE) is not headcount. 1 FTE is considered 38 hours of work over a week’s period. If 1 part-time employee works 20 hours per week and another part-time employee works 18 hours per week, both employees equal 1 FTE.
For more information, visit https://bass-coast.smartygrants.com.au/Shopfront-Improvement-Round2
