Opportunity in Hindmarsh
The first round of a revised 2021-2022 Hindmarsh Shire Council Business Assistance Grants program is open for applications.
Since their 2016 inception, the council’s business assistance grants have helped eligible businesses generate employment opportunities and grow and attract new business to the shire.
Hindmarsh mayor Ron Ismay said the council had revised the program for the 2021-2022 financial year in recognition business owners had individual needs, particularly in the climate of COVID-19 lockdowns and restrictions.
“With a new criteria and format, the 2021-2022 grant program aims to be flexible in order to support the individual needs of business owners,” he said.
“Because of the new criteria, the council strongly encourages business owners to review the guidelines and criteria to determine their eligibility and to contact council staff who will be happy to assist with any queries they might have prior to submitting an application.
“Funding provided to businesses in previous grant rounds has assisted with staff training, development of websites, signs, marketing and improvements to shopfronts.”
The Hindmarsh council has allocated $20,000 towards the program in its 2021-2022 annual budget and an additional one-off $20,000 COVID-19 recovery allocation.
The 2021-2022 business assistance grants program offers support and help across two tiers of funding categories.
The tier-one category helps existing businesses to undertake small projects to a value of up to $1000 without a co-contribution from the business.
Projects might include enhancing business growth by improving employee skills; creating or updating business, marketing or succession plans; or developing websites or socialmedia platforms.
Tier-two grants aim to help existing businesses with projects costing more than $1000.
Successful tier-two applicants will receive $3 from the council for every $1 co-contribution from businesses up to a maximum of $3000.
These projects might include help to expand a home-business base to commercial premises, relocation of businesses from other municipalities into Hindmarsh Shire, or upgrades to business premises.
Business operators can apply on a Hindmarsh Shire Council website, www.hindmarsh.vic.gov.au or download an application form.
Round one of the program closes at 5pm on September 17 and more information is available from council community development officer Matt Sherwell by calling 5391 4444 or emailing grants@hindmarsh.vic.gov. au.