After Dark Activation Grants to boost night-time economy

Published on 29 September 2021

Kingswood Music Band

Frankston City Councillors have unanimously voted to support the Invest Frankston After Dark Activation Grant Program.

At their 20 September Council Meeting, Councillors voted to adopt the Invest Frankston  After Dark Activation Grant Guidelines and commit funding of $120,000 towards the grant in the 2022/23 annual Budget.

Deputy Mayor Nathan Conroy said Council is dedicated to proactively assisting Frankston City businesses emerge from the COVID-19 pandemic, adding: “Enhancing Frankston City’s night-time economy through the establishment of a night-time activation grant will make an important contribution to the City in terms of economy, image, reputation, and in improving the experience of residents and visitors.

“The Invest Frankston After Dark Activation Grant is a new grant program aimed to support Frankston City’s transformation into a vibrant, diverse, inclusive and safe destination after dark,” Cr Conroy said.

Cr Conroy noted: “A thriving and dynamic night-time offering comprises a range of experiences including dining, performances, live music, events, shopping, nightclubs, twilight markets, sporting events and delivered by a range of diverse businesses and community groups. In turn, this attracts visitors and entrepreneurs, creates jobs and drives economic development.

“With a funding pool of $120,000, matched-fund grants of up-to $30,000 will be available to financially assist local businesses, creative agencies, community groups and entrepreneurs build a vibrant night time economy by developing new and interesting experiences and destinations that encourage ‘a good night out’ in Frankston’s City centre,” Cr Conroy said.

Cr Conroy said the anticipated outcomes of the grant program include greater diversity of business offerings at night, a safer, more vibrant and engaging City centre after dark, a greater range of cultural activity offered in unexpected ways in new venues and spaces, and an increased quantity and quality of live music and performance venues and programming.

Applications for Invest Frankston After Dark Activation Grants are scheduled to open in July 2022.

Cr Conroy said Frankston City Council’s Invest Frankston campaign is attracting business and investment to the municipality, adding: “The campaign is reaping rewards, with Council currently facilitating over 100 business and investment enquiries through both the Business Concierge and Investment Attraction specialist services.”

For more information about Invest Frankston, please visit https://investfrankston.com/ 

Some Council Community and Business Support Grants are currently open for applications. For more information, please click here.

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