Business Facade Improvement Program

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The Business Facade Improvement Program provides grants of up to $5,000 to eligible local businesses with a visible street frontage.

We are committed to supporting our local economy and making our shopping precincts attractive and inviting.

The Facade Improvement Program (FIP) will support businesses, with visible street frontage, to upgrade their facades. The program is designed to enhance the appeal of our municipalities commercial and shopping precincts.

Generally, funding is provided for the following types of improvement works:

  • Repainting of building facade and windows
  • Installation/upgrade of business signage
  • Renewal of exterior lighting or awning/structure
  • Digital displays
  • Repair or replacements of verandahs
  • Improvements to frontages (eg. servery windows, bi-fold doors or large windows) - excluding security screens and doors
  • Cleaning of existing facade and removal of redundant signage/air conditioning units or hoardings
  • Minor repairs, maintenance or reinstatement of missing elements of the facade
  • Limited permanent interior improvements (if visible from the exterior) 

Funding limit
Up to $5,000 excluding GST for eligible business

  • Businesses will be required to contribute 50% to the cost of improvements
    E.g. if the total cost of works is $8,000, then the business would be eligible to apply for $4,000 from the FIP.

 

Who is eligible?

Grants will be available to small to medium businesses to enhance their street appeal. To be eligible for funding, applicants must:

  • Have an active Australian Business Number (ABN)
  • Be located within a commercial/township area of the municipality that has street frontage
  • Be a property owner or tenant with a lease agreement (with a minimum one year remaining) - If applicant is leasing, building owners consent must be obtained
  • Proposed works must be approved by Council to be in line with design guidelines and heritage streetscapes (where applicable)
  • Applicants must have submitted all required information with completed application form to be considered
  • Improvements works to be undertaken by local trades/businesses where possible
  • Projects must be on private property and not on or impacting public assets such as nature strip, footpath, garden beds, etc
  • Must not be an Australian Charity and/or Not for Profit (NFP), political organisation
  • Project cannot start prior to program launch date with completion expected to be completed within 6 months
  • Only one grant awarded per property
  • Not be a current Council employee, contractor, Councillor and/or their immediate family member

Meeting the eligibility criteria is not a guarantee of funding. The decision made by Council is final. Council will not be responsible for any expenses incurred as a result of an applicant’s anticipation of successful funding.

What could be funded?

Eligible works

  • Repainting of building facade and windows
  • Installation/upgrade of business signage
  • Renewal of exterior lighting or awning/structure
  • Digital displays
  • Repair or replacements of verandas
  • Improvements to frontages (eg. servery windows, bi-fold doors or large windows) - excluding security screens and doors
  • Cleaning of existing facade and removal of redundant signage/air conditioning units or hoardings
  • Minor repairs, maintenance or reinstatement of missing elements of the facade
  • Limited permanent interior improvements (if visible from the exterior)

Non-funded activities

  • General business expenses such as wages, rent, insurance etc
  • Security system such as locks, CCTV, security doors, grills, roller doors etc
  • Any works carried out inside the property
  • Non fixed items such as A-frame signage, planters, tables, chairs, moveable lights, heaters, etc
  • Any activity applied for without a supporting written quotation
  • Costs associated with permits, licences or any other similar expense payable to Swan Hill Rural City Council, State or Federal government bodies
  • Any works that have been completed or have already commenced prior to the outcomes of the application being advised

Need help?

If you require further assistance please call our Development Support Office on 03 5036 2333.