The Council also approved requests for extensions to acquittals from the 2019/20 funding round.

As a result, $70,000 was specifically allocated for four projects from last financial year that were unable to proceed due to COVID-19.

A total of $270,000 has been therefore been approved to help more city-based businesses, traders and property owners benefit from the Business Improvement Grants program. This is more than double the normal budget for this program.

Eligible applications received for 2020/21 program, and the acquittal extensions, were endorsed at the first Ordinary Council Meeting of elected members on 3 November.

Two funding categories were offered this year – 

  • Up to $20,000 (match funding eligible)
  • Up to $10,000 (no match funding)

The program supports projects that include capital works, improvements to safety and amenity such as CCTV, activation of underutilised space, façade and awning improvements, lighting enhancements, retail fit-outs, and helping businesses expand outdoor dining and alfresco improvements. 

In September, Picabar in Northbridge opened a beer garden as part of a significant refurbishment funded by the last financial year’s round of the Business Improvement Grants Program.

This enabled the venue to increase capacity from 200 to 500, while ensuring aesthetic consistency to the building’s 145-year history.

In addition, Small Business Quick Response Grants funding were boosted in August from $50,000 to $350,000 as part of the COVID Economic Development Rebound Strategy.

These grants provide unmatched funds of up to $5000 to eligible businesses.

More than 20 grants have been approved to date, with more coming in, to help small businesses navigate the impact of the pandemic.

For more detail on business grants and eligibility visit Business Grants.