17 August, 2020

Gunnedah Shire Council has announced a new round of the Business Partner Program targeted at street beautification and activation.

The additional round is part of the second phase of Council’s Community Resilience Business Recovery Package - Invigorate Gunnedah.

Invigorate Gunnedah saw a boosted allocation of $200,000 towards the Business Partner Program and the addition of the new round, supporting local businesses wanting to improve the appearance of their premises to apply for grants of up to $1,000 for signage and façade upgrades.

Projects eligible under the new round of the Business Partner Program include:

• Installation of new or improved business signage; and
• Painting or upgrades to the façade.

Business Partner Program Advisory Group chair Cr Ann Luke said the increased contribution to the Business Partner Program will allow more businesses to access the program during difficult times.

“Since its inception the Business Partner Program has delivered nearly $300,000 in funding to almost 100 local businesses. The boost to the program through Invigorate Gunnedah will help more businesses adapt and innovate, ensuring they are on the front foot when this pandemic passes,” Cr Luke said.

“Vibrant shop fronts will encourage more people to stop and spend locally. The grants also have flow on economic benefits for local tradespeople completing the upgrades and their suppliers as well.

“In such an uncertain year, programs such as this allow for us to focus on the positive things and plan for the future. I encourage all businesses with commercial facades or signage to consider if there is a project they could use this grant for.”

Applications are now open and will close on September 30, 2020. For more information and to apply online visit https://gunnedah.smartygrants.com.au/BPP2021SF.

ENDS

Media contact: Eliza Gallen (02) 6740 2100.