Following the success of the Façade Grants Scheme last year, applications will be opening again for more business owners who want the opportunity to give their business a facelift.

Valued at up to $5,000 on a $1:1 basis, the grant offers local businesses the ability to maintain our great heritage buildings and refresh their stores. Budgets for this round of grants is $50,000.

Ararat Rural City Council CEO Dr. Tim Harrison Stated, “I am very pleased to see the Façade Improvement Grants scheme returning again for the 2020 year.” Adding that “In such a difficult and uncertain year, schemes such as this allow for us to focus on the positive things and help lift the spirit of our local businesses, who may be having an especially difficult time.”

The 2019 grants saw many local businesses receive funding to keep our streetscapes vibrant. Dr. Tim Harrison said, “Our 2019 recipients put these funds to great use, freshening up their paint, updating their signage or just for some maintenance and repairs.”

All Applications will be accessed by an internal panel from the Ararat Rural City Council and those that are successful will be notified by Chief Executive Officer. CEO Dr. Harrison is looking forward to seeing new applications, “It will be great to read through the applications and get excited about the next round of changes coming to our towns!”

The grant is eligible to a wide range of businesses across the entire shire, if they have street frontage, and are located within the council area, they are encouraged to place an application.

Applications are opening again from Wednesday, 5 August and will close on Friday, 30 October 2020. 

Ararat Rural City Council Facade Grant Guidelines