Council
14 March, 2024
Businesses to cash in on shire grants
CORANGAMITE Shire Council has officially funded businesses in Terang, Camperdown and Lismore through its inaugural Business Assistance Scheme (BAS) allocations.
The monthly funding was put to council for the first time since its recent launch, with four applications put before councillors at the recent Ordinary Meeting of Council.
All four applicants applied for the Business Façade Improvement funding stream, which provides support to businesses with street frontage to undertake façade improvements and enhance the visual appearance and function of the building.
Among the successful applicants was Murfett Whiting and Electrical in Terang, which was granted $3000 for the installation of a ramp and handrails, and an electric sliding door for accessibility.
Camperdown Nursery and Mart was granted $1364 for cleaning and painting works, while BELEAF Gardens and Gifts in Lismore received $1300 for the installation of new signage, two planter box signs and three door graphics.
Tania Maree’s Flowers Camperdown also received funding for the installing and designing of new signage, valued at $500
Councillor Laurie Hickey said the BAS was a “great system”.
“I’m very pleased to see that those businesses have accessed the business assistance scheme,” he said.
“It’s a great way to be able to help businesses in the community.”
There are three other funding streams available to businesses through the scheme.
The Creative Industries and Placemaking stream allows for the creation and delivery of inclusive and vibrant projects in public spaces.
The Community Enterprise stream encourages entrepreneurs to develop their skills, build their economic capacity employment opportunities through the delivery of projects across the shire.
The Fees and Enabling Infrastructure stream aims to reduce upfront costs for businesses to encourage significant community development within a short timeframe.
Cr Jo Beard said the policy, which was adopted in September last year, was a “great way” to improve what Corangamite Shire Council had to offer and combine multiple funding streams.
“One of the holding back details that we had with the previous grant funding streams was that it was only once a year, whereas this is now ongoing so each month we can hopefully see some applications come to the table,” she said.
“We’re going to be able to support and be of more benefit to businesses across Corangamite Shire, which is a great thing, a lot more inclusive.”
Mayor Kate Makin shared Cr Beard’s sentiment.
“Businesses ideas don’t come around every 12 months – they come when they come, so it’s great that we can adapt to that and have grants and opportunities to support these businesses as the idea arises,” she said.
“I know that it’s hard thinking 12 months ahead when you want to put in for an application for a grant.
“This is a bit more flexibility and a bit easier for those businesses out there to obtain some funding from the council. which is great.”
Businesses looking for more information are encouraged to visit www.corangamite.vic.gov.au/Business/Business-Assistance-Scheme