$50,000 BUSINESS IMPROVEMENT GRANT (BIG IDEAS!) LAUNCHED

Published on 23 February 2021

BIG Ideas Open.png

For immediate release.

It’s time for local businesses to think BIG in Gilgandra Region, with the Business Improvement Grant (BIG Ideas) Program launched.

Gilgandra Shire Council has allocated $50,000 towards the BIG Ideas Program, which has been established in order to assist with economic development opportunities and investment in businesses in the Gilgandra Region.

Acting Mayor, Ash Walker says the BIG Ideas Program is an exciting opportunity and a unique chance for our Region’s businesses to gain financial support and consider possible ways to make changes and grow.

“Local businesses have the chance to make some real changes to boost their business; inside, outside or online. This is the first time Council has offered a business support program in this form and we are looking forward to seeing the outcomes” said Cr Walker.

Council’s Marketing and Communications Manager, Kathryn Larkin says the BIG Ideas Grant applications is a timely and exciting initiative for business’ reflection and future planning.

“With applications now open, we encourage businesses to use feedback from the BIG Ideas survey as part of the 2020 Shop Local promotion to assist in defining their projects and the need for change, or opportunity for improvement” says Mrs Larkin.

Adding,

“It is a unique time for our businesses and Region, as we emerge from many of the unexpected challenges of 2020 and the preceding years of drought. It is a great time to think BIG as we head into 2021.”

Funding will be provided to property owners and authorised tenants for infrastructure or initiatives that support the improvement of local businesses.

The BIG Ideas Program has the following objectives:

  1. Business growth To support the growth of business in the Gilgandra Region by encouraging new investment, and greater employment opportunities.
  2. Sustainable economy To encourage business innovation and enhance the diversity of the Gilgandra Region’s retail mix.
  3. Premise and precinct activation To support private sector initiatives that complement Council’s and the Gilgandra Region’s activation and revitalisation projects, including Gilgandra’s Activation Blueprint.
  4. Investment promotion To promote the Gilgandra Region as an attractive place to work, live and invest.

Grants will be considered in one competitive funding round, for business improvement projects or initiatives.

There are two funding categories:

Stream 1: Up to $5,000 (ex GST) - Non-matched funding.

Stream 2: Up to $10,000 (ex GST) - Matched funding ($ for $).

“We look forward to working with our local businesses on the Grow Gilgandra opportunities, and seeing some of the ideas come to life over the next few months” says Cr Walker.

Applications will be open for ten weeks, opening Monday, 22 February and closing Monday, 3 May 2021 at 9am.

Interested businesses should review the information on Council’s website and contact the Marketing & Communications team to discuss your ideas. Funded projects must be completed by 30 June, 2022.

Applications are to be submitted online at www.gilgandra.nsw.gov.au/grow.

Find out more about Grow Gilgandra, and the key initiatives available to local businesses through our website www.gilgandra.nsw.gov.au


- ends –


Contact:        

Kathryn Larkin

Marketing and Communications Manager

6817 8800

Tagged as: