THE Southern Grampians Shire Council (SGSC) have announced the launch of the Business Façade Improvement Program for local businesses interested in improving the visual appearance and function of the building.

Open to all businesses in the Southern Grampians with street frontage, the program will offer up to $3000 in funding for physical works to help local businesses make impactful improvements such as painting, cleaning, signage updates, repairs, and minor maintenance works.

As a further incentive, the council will waive planning permit fees to encourage participation (relevant building permit fees still apply).

SGSC mayor David Robertson said the program had been introduced off the back of feedback from the community.

“The implementation of a façade program has been suggested to Council Officers and Councillors from various businesses owners over the last few years,” he said.

“We also heard through our consultation on the Small Towns Strategy that a number of buildings in our townships were in poor condition.

“This program will help businesses to undertake necessary works to improve the look and feel of their businesses and our streets.

“It will also complement the Hamilton CBD Streetscape works currently being designed by Council and ensure any improvements to businesses align with Council’s vision to strengthen the heritage and character of the town.”

The program will provide dollar-for-dollar matching grants, meaning council will match business investment up to $3000 excluding GST.

To be eligible for the program, applicants must complete a Business Façade Improvement Program application form online, including all associated documentation and application forms, and must also obtain the building owner’s consent if necessary.

If successful, businesses will have until the end of May 2025 to complete all proposed works and will need to submit all associated documentation including invoices and proof of works to receive reimbursement.

All claims must be submitted by the end of May 2025 so the grant can be acquitted in the correct financial year.

“We encourage all our Southern Grampians Shire businesses to get on board with this program and help us improve the look and feel of our township retail precincts,” Cr Robertson concluded.

Applications for the annual program will open July 1, 2024.

For further information, contact economic development support officer, Daniel Shaw at dshaw@sthgrampians.vic.gov.au