New grants to attract businesses and boost Frankston City economy

Published on 21 May 2021

Frankston City Council, in partnership with the State Government, is offering new Shopfront Activation Grants to attract new businesses to vacant shopfronts across Frankston City.

Deputy Mayor Nathan Conroy said: “The grants are designed to financially assist with transforming properties into confident, sustainable and attractive spaces that create new business for Frankston City and surrounding suburbs.”

The State Member for Frankston, Paul Edbrooke MP, said: “I’m proud that the State Government, in partnership with Council, is offering a new grant program specifically to attract new businesses to vacant shopfronts across the city.”

The Shopfront Activation Grants are for up to $20,000 per business.

Both the existing Kerbside Dining and Facade Improvement grant programs, delivered in partnership with the State Government, are open again in 2021.

Kerbside Dining Grants

Cr Conroy said the Kerbside Dining Grants are designed to brighten and stimulate the city centre, by activating the streets with increased outdoor dining.

“This will be achieved by supporting new and existing food and drink businesses to increase alfresco outdoor dining opportunities. Council and the State Government are working together to provide grants worth $2000 each and city centre-based businesses can now apply for funds towards outdoor furniture and fittings.

“To support this investment, Council in partnership with the State Government, is offering matched-fund grants to assist in exterior facade renovations of buildings located within the Frankston City centre,” Cr Conroy said.

Facade Improvement Grants

Cr Conroy said the Facade Improvement Grants of up to $5000 are designed to encourage and facilitate business owners, operators and landlords to enhance the presentation of their building or business in the City centre.

“This investment and contribution to enhanced amenity can have a significant effect on the attractiveness and marketability of the surrounding area, therefore supporting and inspiring further business investment,” Cr Conroy said.

The Hop Shop co-owner Ed Cox said receiving Facade Improvement and Kerbside Dining grants provided a huge boost and helped him start the popular business in Playne St, Frankston last year.

“We knew there were a lot of young families coming to the area – we thought it was the right time for Frankston to get a venue that was more than your regular pub,” Mr Cox said.

Shopfront Activation, Kerbside Dining and Facade Improvement Grants are open from Monday 24 May and close Friday 25 June.

For more information about the Vacant Shopfront Activation Grants, please visit https://www.frankston.vic.gov.au/Business/Business_Grants/Vacant_Shopfront_Activation_Grants_Program

For more information about the Facade Improvement Grants, please visit https://www.frankston.vic.gov.au/Business/Business_Grants/Facade_Improvement_Grant

For more information about the Kerbside Dining Grants, please visit https://www.frankston.vic.gov.au/Business/Business_Grants/Kerbside_Dining_Encouragement_Grant