Flinders Shire Shopfront Improvement Grant Round One

Guidelines for the Flinders Shire Shopfront Improvement Program 

The Shopfront Improvement grant is a Flinders Shire Council initiative which supports the revitalisation of building facades of small businesses across the Flinders Shire region. The goals of this program are to increase the economic opportunities for small business through increased patronage, support the preservation and improvement of building facades and make more attractive commercial streetscapes across townships in the Shire.

Council’s Shopfront Improvement grant seeks to work in partnership with business owners and operators to facilitate and support the revitalisation of commercial facades and improve access to commercial buildings.

Shopfront Improvement Grants are a matched grant, meaning that for every dollar requested, the applicant must have at least equal that amount to put toward the project. The types of matching contributions that are accepted include in-kind contributions (such as donated supplied, materials or services), volunteer time (such as labour) and direct cash input to the project. All contributions must have a dollar value and be visible in the project budget.

The contribution made by Council cannot exceed 50% of the total costs of the upgrade – up to $5,000 per building

Applications will only be accepted within the set rounds. No out of round applications will be accepted. An extra round may be called if budgeted funds were not expended. Only one application will be accepted from each business on their own behalf per funding round. The level of assistance available is limited by Council’s budget decision and its priorities. No applicant can be guaranteed funding nor can any applicant be guaranteed to receive the full amount requested.

• The decision of Council on funding applications is final.
• Financial Support from the policy may require compliance with specific conditions before payment. Should these conditions not be met by the specified date, Council reserves the right to revoke the offer of support.
• Flinders Shire Council requires relevant acknowledgement of financial support for your project.
• All successful recipients will be recorded in a grants register which Council will have the right to publish as they see fit.
• Council will not approve in-kind support or the waiver of hiring of Council  plant or equipment. These costs are to be included in the amount that  businesses are seeking the funds for.
• If approved, businesses will be required to sign a formal agreement and submit an invoice Council for the approved amount once works have been completed.

• Have an ABN registered in the Flinders Shire Council area
• Trade from a shopfront in Flinders Shire (Hughenden, Prairie, Torrens Creek or Stamford)
• Be a property owner or a tenant holding owner’s consent
• Business must be a small business – employing under 20 employees
• Businesses are encouraged to shop locally when undertaking beautification works.
• We would welcome proposals where a number of nearby businesses would like to collaborate to enhance the street appeal.

• Businesses which have been awarded Business Assistance Grant or Shopfront Improvement grant in the previous 12 months
• Businesses located on Brodie Street between Gray and Flinders Street are not eligible due to the Brodie Street rehabilitation project which will cover these shop fronts.

• Painting
• Removal of redundant signage, air conditioning units and hoardings
• Improvements of advertising, signage and banners (shopfront only)
• A public art project
• Window front presentations
• Improving accessibility for all users
• Greening elements, planter pots etc.
• Repairs to structural facade elements and awnings
• Creative Facade treatments e.g. vertical gardens or new timber panelling
• New repairs and replacements of verandas
• Other external facade works that might be proposed by a landlord/business owner that reflects the intent and purpose of the fund.
• Internal and external display lighting
• Improvements to frontages to interact with the street
• Adding external materials and treatments that provide attractive detail, such as texture or tiling
• Improving accessibility for all users

• Improvements that have already been completed
• Rental fees
• Routine maintenance or cleaning
• Purchase of buildings or extensions
• Business relocation
• Development applications or other statutory fees
• Power and water costs
• Overheads and service charges involved in running your business
• Food and beverage items
• Internal shop fittings including display shelves and painting
• Staffing or operational costs
• Standalone advertising signage improvements

Council may contact you following receipt of your application to discuss the project or to request additional information. If your proposed improvement requires Development Approval you will be asked to submit a Development Application (fees apply). Applications are assessed on their merits and there is no guarantee that Council approve a contribution towards the costs of your project.

Contact:

Economic and Tourism Development Advisor 

Flinders Shire Council

PO Box 274

HUGHENDEN QLD 4821

P (07) 4741 2900

E tdo@flinders.qld.gov.au