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Shopfront improvement rebate returns in Bass Coast with applications due by 19 November 2023

Third Shopfront Improvement Rebate program with a $50,000 budget to enhance town accessibility, and safety, benefiting local businesses and suppliers. Applications open on October 9, 2023, with grants up to $2,000 available to successful applicants.

By news@gippsland - 29th September 2023 - Back to News

Bass Coast Shire Council is running another round of its highly successful Shopfront Improvement Rebate programs designed to further enhance the visual appeal of our towns as well as improving accessibility and safety. This will be the third round of the program with $50,000 in the latest budget ready for businesses to improve vibrant and attractive streets, shops, and public spaces.

The third Shopfront Improvement Rebate program is allocating $50,000 to enhance town aesthetics, safety, and economic vitality based on previous successful rounds

Flourishing local businesses

These factors play a key role in creating prosperous town centres and over the last couple of years this program has received very positive feedback from businesses. Previous rounds have seen 67 completed projects across Bass Coast with over 21 local suppliers being used during the previous round alone.

The direct investment with local suppliers exceeded $169,000 for our region and generated for local painters, sign writers, cabinet makers, designers, electricians and more. This program has been established to assist eligible businesses to refresh their shopfront to improve the vibrancy of individual shops, stimulate economic growth and enhance the look and feel of local commercial districts.

Promoting artistic initiatives

The Mayor, Cr Michael Whelan said, "We're keen to see more creative projects by local artists to help brighten our streetscapes and further revitalise our business areas. Having fresh buildings helps to enhance the visual appeal of our area, as well as provide further economic growth in the region. We strongly encourage businesses to apply. Vibrant and attractive streets, shops and public spaces play an important role in creating prosperous town centres."

We will be focusing on highlighting the more creative projects to encourage businesses to select projects that add interest to our main business centres. Applications open on Monday, 9 October 2023 and close Sunday, 19 November 2023.

Program work examples

Successful applicants will be eligible for up to $2,000 from the funding pool of $50,000. Some examples of the works that can be completed as part of the program include:

• Painting of the shopfront/facade
• 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/facade
• Minor repairs to structural facade elements, awnings, and verandas
• Installation of store lighting visible from the street

Council is offering a visual merchandising workshop for businesses interested in applying for the rebate.

Create a standout shopfront

Join Maja from Phillip Island Graphic Design to learn how you can create a standout shopfront! This workshop covers the key elements to ensure your shopfront will get noticed. Attendees will go in the draw to receive a one-on-one consultation session with Maja to talk about all things shopfront.

• Wednesday, 1 November
• 9.30am to 11am
• Phillip Island Visitor Information Centre, 895 Phillip Island Tourist Road, Newhaven
• Register to attend the workshop

To know more, visit Shopfront Improvement Rebate Program page.

Pictures from Bass Coast Shire Council website.

Source: www.gippsland.com

Published by: news@gippsland.com