Building façade improvement program to attract business

Published on 18 March 2019

Building façade improvement program to attract business

Applications are open for the 2019-2020 Building Façade Improvement Program to increase the appeal of businesses across Colac Otway Shire.

Colac Otway Shire Council will offer grants of up to $2,000 on a dollar for dollar or in-kind basis, to local businesses and shop owners wanting to improve the appearance of their shop fronts.

Mayor Jason Schram said Council had received a good response to last year’s Building Façade Improvement Program.

“It’s great to see businesses that were successful in securing grants last year making improvements to their shopfronts in Colac. This year we’ve expanded the program to businesses across the entire shire, so we’re hoping businesses in our small towns and Apollo Bay will also apply,” Cr Schram said.

“The Building Façade Improvement Grants provide businesses with an opportunity to freshen up their shopfront, thereby improving the appearance of shopping strips across the shire, which has positive flow on effects in attracting customers and visitors to the region.

“By improving shopping strips’ appearance and making a town inviting to visit, we’re hoping to encourage people to stop and shop, rather than travelling through.

“We also hope making shopping strips more attractive will encourage residents to spend locally too; supporting local traders benefits businesses and the economy of the whole region,” Cr Schram said.

Applications for Council’s annual grants program provide opportunities for clubs, event organisers, community groups, schools, organisations and businesses to apply for funding from four categories: Community Grants Program; Community Events and Support Program; Small Grants Program and the Building Façade Improvement Program.

Activities which the Building Façade Improvement Grants might be used for include, but are not limited to:

• Exterior painting of retail business building façade.
• Cleaning the existing façade.
• Removal or replacement of redundant signage, air conditioning units and hoardings.
• Minor repair, maintenance or reinstatement of missing elements.
• Minor repairs to existing façade tile or stone accents.
• Minor repairs to structural façade elements and awnings.
• New, repairs and replacements of verandahs.
• External signage.

Applications for the 2019-2020 Colac Otway Shire Grants Program close on Friday 12 April 2019. Guidelines and details of how to apply online are available at www.colacotway.vic.gov.au/Apply-for-a-grant