Council grants to help eight Frankston City businesses thrive

Published on 16 June 2022

Perpetual People

Eight local businesses will share in $228,000 to help grow their enterprises and enhance the economy thanks to the 2022 Invest Frankston Business Grants.

Initiatives such as a work experience programs for people with disabilities, an earth centre and a new marketing agency are among the projects to receive funding as part of the popular program which saw 18 businesses apply this year.

The businesses were chosen by an independent panel and were assessed based on their plans to generate new and sustainable employment and upskilling opportunities, enhance Frankston City’s reputation and economic growth, testing demand for other businesses to follow.

Frankston City Mayor Nathan Conroy called the businesses recently to deliver the exciting news.

 “Sharing this news was very rewarding, each business so deserving in that they will all bring a significant boost to the community and to our economy,” Mayor Conroy said, adding that it was a pleasure to hear about each project.

“I’d like to congratulate our successful recipients and thank them for the important contribution they make to our city. Our businesses work exceptionally hard, their passion is inspiring and these innovations are ensuring our satellite city continues on its path to a thriving economy.”

Demonstrating plans for enhanced support and work experience to people with disabilities, The Perpetual People Co in Frankston were awarded just over $28,000 to help launch a gardening program and a sports program.

Owner Prini Swinton-Lee said the team were really excited to be awarded the grant.

“It’s going to do so much good to the people that we support,” Ms Swinton-Lee said. 

“It opens up the opportunity for our clients to work in the community as well as become self-sufficient such as learning to grow their own fruit and veggies at home.”

For The Living Earth Co’s Simon and Tracy Miller, being awarded a $30,000 grant to create an “Earth Centre” inside their Station Street, Frankston, retail shop was a game changer.

“Honestly, without this grant, our vision to make The Living Earth Co a destination may not have been possible,” Ms Miller said.

“This will be a space like a forest that customers can walk into, with The Living Earth Co the centre stage and the Earth Centre offering clothing, giftware, books, crystals, services and classes, we are so excited.”

Other successful projects include The Commute’s new co-working content studio, Little River Coffeehouse’s ideas for a meeting and corporate area and Sea Breeze Dentist in Seaford’s expansion plans.

A grant will also be awarded to help Young Folks Digital relocate to Frankston from Mornington and occupy a vacant premises on Thompson Street.

Grant applications were considered by an independent assessment panel comprising of experts with backgrounds in accounting, marketing, innovation, strategy and proprietorship.

Since the program’s inception in 2012, as the Small Business Grants Program, 60 grants have been awarded which have contributed to more than $350 million to the local economy. This year alone the grants will equate to a little over $163M in output to the local economy.

Invest Frankston Business Grant Recipients 2022:

  • The Perpetual People Co - $28,245 – Work experience programs for people with disabilities
  • The Living Earth Co - $30,000 – Forest themed Earth Centre
  • The Commute - $30,000 – Co-working content studio and outdoor events space
  • Little River Coffeehouse – Meetings and function room and employment of more staff
  • Hotel Lona - $30,000 – Private dining room and staff locker room area, hire of local musicians
  • Sea Breeze Dentistry - $30,000 – Technological aids to change conventional ways of dental operations and delivery of training programs
  • Ash Marton Realty - $30,000 – Façade upgrades and new community space
  • Young Folks Digital - $25,000 – Relocation to Frankston and refurbishment of vacant premises

For more information about investment opportunities and business support, follow Invest Frankston on Facebook, Instagram or LinkedIn or sign up to the eNewsletter at investfrankston.com

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