Time for a Shopfront Makeover: Councils Business Facade Program Return

Published on 16 June 2025

Southern Grampians Shire Council is once again helping local businesses put their best foot forward with the return of the Business Façade Improvement Program—an initiative that breathes new life into shopfronts across the region while preserving the unique heritage character of our towns.

This popular initiative supports street-facing businesses across the Shire to carry out high-impact improvements such as painting, signage updates, cleaning, repairs and other minor works.

Grants of up to $3,000 are available on a dollar-for-dollar matching basis, with Council also waiving planning permit fees to make participation even more accessible, though applicants must continue to submit their proposals for assessment and approval. Please note that relevant building permit fees will still apply.

Last year the grant was capped at $50,000 but due to the popularity, Council has made $75,000 available this year. Council believes that investing in local small business is good business. Last year’s investment of $50,0000 created works to the value of $122,000. This supported local trades to complete the work which was a very positive injection to the local economy.

Southern Grampians Shire Council Mayor Dennis Heslin said the program delivered strong results across townships last year.

“We know our residents take great pride in our town centres—and last year alone, this program granted money to 21 local businesses,” Cr Heslin said.

“By supporting shopfront improvements, we’re not only backing our small business community—we’re also building more attractive, welcoming streets that invite people to stop, explore and shop local.

“This is about celebrating what makes our towns special. We’re encouraging businesses to embrace their building’s character, highlight heritage features, and help create streetscapes that tell a story.”

Program Highlights:

Grants up to $3,000 (ex GST) on a dollar-for-dollar basis to match business investment
Eligible works include painting, cleaning, signage upgrades, minor repairs and maintenance
Planning permit fees waived for approved projects (building permit fees still apply)
Open to all street-front businesses within the Southern Grampians Shire

Whether your shopfront needs a little polish or a full refresh, this program offers a valuable boost to help you attract more customers and play a part in enhancing the charm of our towns.

Applications open Monday 16 June 2025. To apply, businesses must complete an online form, include relevant documents, and (if not the owner) obtain written consent from the property owner.

Council’s Business Support Team is offering free, friendly support to help you understand the grant and get your application right. Our team will be holding drop-in information sessions at the Hamilton Library on the following dates:

Friday 20 June 10:00am – 2:00pm and

Friday 4, 11 & 18 July 10:00am – 2:00pm

The team will also visit the outer townships on their grant’s roadshow offering one-on-one consultation with staff offering business support and assistance with applications. Look out for them on the following days:

Monday 23 June – 10:00am – 12:00pm Coleraine, 1:00pm – 3:00pm Balmoral

Tuesday 24 June – 10:00am – 12:00pm Cavendish, 1:00pm – 3:00pm Dunkeld

Wednesday 25 June – 10:00am – 12:00pm Glenthompson, 1:00pm – 3:00pm Penshurst

Friday 27 June – 10:00am – 11:00am Tarrington, 12:00pm – 1:00pm Byaduk, 2:00pm – 3:00pm Branxholme

“This is a fantastic opportunity for businesses to not only improve their shopfronts but also contribute to the character and vibrancy of our retail precincts,” Cr Heslin added. “If you’ve been thinking about giving your shop a facelift—now’s the time.”

For more information, contact Council on (03) 5573 0444 or reach out to Business Facilitation Officer Laura at (03) 5573 0444.