Show us your BIG Idea!
Published on 03 October 2023
Business Improvement Grant (BIG Ideas) Program re-launched + Activation Programs Supporting Local!
For immediate release.
It’s time again for local businesses to think BIG in Gilgandra Region, with the Business Improvement Grant (BIG Ideas) Program re-launched!
In line with the Gilgandra Activation Blueprint, Gilgandra Shire Council in collaboration with the Economic Development Committee has committed a total of $150,000 this financial year to offer a suite of initiatives, ‘Activate Gilgandra’, designed to support and encourage our local businesses and community groups, including $50,000 towards the BIG Ideas Program!
The BIG Ideas Program recognises that local businesses actively contribute to the vibrancy of our region, and has been established to assist with economic development opportunities and investment in businesses in the Gilgandra Region. Funding will be provided to property owners and authorised tenants for infrastructure or initiatives that support the improvement of local businesses.
Acting, Activation and Communications Manager Merscia Kouroulis 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 their business.
“After the successful launch of BIG Ideas in 2021, we’re really excited to be able to provide this program once again to our local businesses, where they have the chance to make some real changes to boost their business; inside, outside or online.”
The first round of funding saw a total of 20 applications received from local businesses with projects that included painting and façade upgrades, interior rejuvenation, and new offerings to some businesses.
“There is a lot to be celebrated about what the businesses under the first round of BIG Ideas have achieved, they all lend themselves to making the Gilgandra Region an attractive place to live, enjoy and grow!”
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 $).
Applications are now open and will close at 11am on Monday, 13 November 2023.
Interested businesses should review the information on Council’s website and contact the Activation & Communications team to discuss your ideas. Funded projects must be completed by 30, June 2025.
Applications are to be submitted online at:
https://www.gilgandra.nsw.gov.au/Grow/Activate-Gilgandra/Business-Improvement-Grant-BIG-Ideas-Program.
Other initiatives and programs that will be provided under Activate Gilgandra
within this financial year include:
- It’s GREAT Program (Watch this space!)
- Grow Gilgandra Program
- Business Training and Networking Initiatives, including Styled by Gilgandra Region
- Business Signage project
- Shop Local campaign
“We look forward to working with our local businesses and the community on the Activate Gilgandra opportunities, and seeing some of these BIG and GREAT ideas come to life” says Miss Kouroulis.
Find out more about Activate Gilgandra, and the key initiatives available to local businesses and the community groups through our website: www.gilgandra.nsw.gov.au.
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Contact: Merscia Kouroulis
Acting Activation and Communications Manager
6817 8800
2023-10-03-BIG-Ideas-Program-Re-launched.pdf(PDF, 366KB)