Businesses in Glenelg Shire’s key retail precincts can secure funding to give their shopfront a “facelift”, with expressions of interests now open for a popular business improvement program.

Round 3 of the Glenelg Shire’s Retail Façade Improvement Program opened yesterday, offering eligible businesses a grant and/or loan to assist in improving the appearance of their premises.

Glenelg Shire Mayor Cr Anita Rank said the program aimed to improve the overall appeal of the shire whilst supporting local businesses.

“The program provides businesses with an opportunity to freshen up their shopfront, thereby improving the appearance of retail precincts across the shire.

“This will have a positive flow on effect in attracting customers and visitors to the region,” she said.

“We also hope making retail areas more vibrant will encourage residents to spend locally and support our hard-working retailers, grow the local economy and protect and create jobs across our
shire.

“So far, more than 60 businesses across the Glenelg Shire have taken up grants under this program since it was released in 2020, which is just fantastic.

“We hope to see the number continue to rise with this latest funding round.”

Expressions of interest for the retail facade improvement program close on August 20.

Grants can be used for:

• Painting and upgrades to façades.

• Removal of outdated signage,
air conditioning units and hoardings.

• Minor repairs, maintenance, or reinstatement of missing elements of the facade, particularly for heritage buildings.

• Minor repairs to existing facade tiles or stone accents, structural façade elements and awnings.

• Veranda upgrades including new construction and replacements.

• Installation of new business signage.

• Installation of new store lighting visible from the street.

• Other external facade works that reflect the intent and purpose of the fund.