Boost for local economy thanks to Invest Frankston Business Grants
Published on 16 May 2023
The successful Frankston City Council grant program has helped 75 innovative and sustainable business ideas come to life, delivering around 650 jobs and contributing to more than $200m to the local economy since 2012.
This year the program was offered to help businesses in manufacturing, retail, health, professional services and hospitality businesses to:
- Move into larger premises, expand operations, increase their product/service offering and/or increase employment opportunities.
- Invest in capital machinery or improvements to expand operations, increase their product/service offering and/or increase employment opportunities.
- Expand into or relocate to Frankston City to take advantage of Frankston City’s rapid growth and development.
- Move from an existing home-based or mobile businesses into a vacant commercial, industrial or retail space in Frankston City.
The businesses were chosen by an independent panel and were assessed based on set criteria including a new or increase in product/service offering to Frankston City, an increase in employment opportunities and the ability to demonstrate industry relevant environmentally friendly business practices.
Frankston City Mayor Nathan Conroy personally telephoned the successful businesses recently to deliver the exciting news.
“Sharing this news was very rewarding – each business is 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 grants are ensuring our City continues on its path to a thriving economy.”
On a Mission Services owner, Kate O'Sullivan, said she was “extremely excited” when she got the news she was being awarded a grant.
The Skye business, which provides biohazard cleaning services including washing, detailing and decontaminating Victoria Police vehicles, received funding to purchase a vehicle and generator to operate and transport new environmentally friendly pressure washer equipment.
“I started the business in July 2021 with myself and two other staff in our first year, we are now coming to the end of our second year and currently have 11 staff plus myself,” Ms O’Sullivan said.
“With such growth and starting with only enough money to purchase some equipment and no capital a friend suggested applying for the grant.
“Now we can match the growth of the business with the equipment and vehicles needed to service the Police Stations and community. I am extremely excited in the success of our application and can’t wait for the purchase. I am also excited for the future of On a Mission Services.”
Successful applicants:
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Business
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Grant Category
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Project
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Peninsula Speech Plus
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Relocation or Expansion to Frankston City
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Business expansion comprising two clinical observation rooms with audio equipment, seating, soundproof walls and one way mirrors for learning and teaching.
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Coffee for the People Roasting Co.
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Capital Investment
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Funding to increase service and hospitality operating hours to include dinner service and catering for private events.
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Health and Wellbeing Education
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Business Expansion
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Funding for business expansion and office equipment to provide education, assistance and group social engagement activities to NDIS clients.
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Day One Advisory
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Capital Investment
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New business hub offering hot desks, boardrooms and meeting room hire, along with training and functional spaces for small businesses to utilise.
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Cosy & Tasty Dumplings
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Business Expansion
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Funding to support fit out and renovation for moving to a larger premises offering more dining capacity and employment opportunities.
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Messin with Jim
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Home-based or mobile business (to vacant commercial, industrial or retail space)
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Funding to relocate from a home-based business to a vacant commercial property to grow service offering and increase distribution of Chai Tea blend.
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That Spirited Lot Distillers
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Business Expansion
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New environmentally friendly water recycling and exhaust systems and office fit out to create eight additional employment opportunities
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Stephanie & Co. Pty Ltd
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Capital Investment
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Cosmetic Tattoo Mentorship Program and specialised Cosmetic Tattoo Removal Laser equipment
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Mr Banks Brewing Co
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Business Expansion
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Funding for new equipment and expansion of brew house to increase production and employment opportunities.
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The Hop Shop
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Capital Investment
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Refurbishment of backyard to create a green outdoor area with groundcover, lighting, seating, planter boxes, edging, trellis and plants.
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On a Mission Services
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Capital Investment
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Funding to go towards a new vehicle and generator to operate and transport the new environmentally friendly pressure washer equipment for biohazard cleaning company.
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Red Gum BBQ at Home
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Relocation or Expansion to Frankston City
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Relocation to Frankston City including the purchase of manufacturing equipment and machinery, some building works, a commercial fridge and freezer.
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Excape
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Capital Investment
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New Saloon Theme Escape Room to bring more visitors to Frankston City.
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Mentor System Pty Ltd
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Home-based or mobile business (to vacant commercial, industrial or retail space)
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Funding to fit out a ‘for hire’ commercial kitchen with cool room, convection ovens, induction cooktops, insulated ceiling and wall space, extraction unit, solar power system with battery back-up, commercial fridge and fans.
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Frankie's Coffee and Eats
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Business Expansion
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Expansion of outdoor dining area with all weather, retractable roof and herb garden to increase opening hours and capacity.
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Arch Creative
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Capital Investment
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Small photography and video studio with insulation and sound proofing, paintwork and furniture.
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Stay tuned for the next round of Invest Frankston Business Grants to open later in the year by signing up to the Invest Frankston eNewsletter at Invest Frankston.
Follow Invest Frankston socials to read more about each successful project in the coming weeks.