Business Improvement Grant - Successful Applicants Announce

Published on 05 July 2021

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Gilgandra Shire Council has allocated $101,887 towards the BIG Ideas Program, which was established in order to assist with economic development opportunities and investment in businesses in the Gilgandra Region. 

A total of 20 applications were received from local businesses for the Business Improvement Grant (BIG Ideas), with over $148,000 in funding requested and an estimated business contribution of $260,000.

Mayor Doug Batten noted that “the number and quality of applications received exceeded all expectations, and as a result Council made the decision to combine its 2020/21 and 2021/22 budget allocations for the program. Adding “We are particularly pleased with the $260,000 investment commitment by local business’s to match the grant funding and we are keen to support the positive momentum in our local business’s after the impact of the prolonged drought and COVID restrictions”.

Marketing and Communications Manager, Kathryn Larkin said “All applications went through a rigorous assessment process to ensure they met the objectives and terms and conditions of the grant program. From this process 16 projects were recommended for funding and endorsed by Council’s Economic Development Committee. Not only will the projects approved for funding have a positive impact on the services available to our community but they will also support the revitalisation of our streetscape, ensuring we are continuing to create a vibrant and welcoming environment for tourists. It’s a good mix of businesses in various locations throughout Gilgandra including the highway entrances to town and the Miller Street CBD – which is exciting to see!”

Adding “These projects will help encourage new business investment, and support our activation and revitalisation blueprint for Gilgandra and our Region. It will increase our offering to locals, and provides our local businesses with a great opportunity to grow their business model and capitalise on the significant increase in regional travel.”

The BIG Ideas Grant is part of the overall Grow Gilgandra Program which includes Councils Shop Local Promotion, business workshops and training, business signage project, and the promotion of the Gilgandra Region including the recent launch of the regional website and associated radio advertising. Find out more about the Grow Gilgandra Program and the suite of initiatives designed to support our local businesses here.

A complete list of successful business and projects can be found here(PDF, 192KB).

 

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