Business Assistance Grants Program – Australia

Grant Categories

• Business Development – Up to $2,000 (business must match $1: $2 to grant)
  • This grant supports the establishment of new and innovative businesses that increase the diversity of the Shire’s business community and provide the potential for local residents to start new businesses. This grant can assist:
    • Existing small business growth and attract new businesses to the shire;
    • Expansion from home business base to commercial premises;
    • Up-skilling existing employees;
    • Small business mentoring;
    • Creation/update of business planning documents (business plan, marketing plan and succession plan etc.).
• Streetscapes – Up to $3,000 (business must match $1:$2 to grant)
  • This grant is open to existing businesses to improve the exterior façade of their building (must have property owner approval) – up to $3,000 for streetscape improvements. This grant may include:
    • Painting, signage, cleaning, removal and replacement of cladding/awnings, repair or replacement of façade structures;
    • Access works to reduce entrance barriers;
    • Removal of steps;
    • Installation of handrails.

Eligibility Criteria

• Applications must meet the following criteria in order to be eligible for a Business Assistance Grant:
• All applications must:
  • Have a registered ABN.
  • Provide evidence that the business is currently operating, or is planning to operate in the Hindmarsh Shire.
  • Demonstrate an economic benefit and value for money.
  • The project will result in the creation and/or retention of employment.
  • Demonstrate a financial viability of the business.
  • Submit only one application per business/property owner.
  • Obtain written consent from property/building owner for any structural alterations.
  • Only be applying for one category per funding round, and
  • Obtain the relevant permits from Council.

Ineligibility Criteria

• Applications by, or for, the following purposes will not be eligible for funding:
  • General business operating expenses including salaries, wages, overheads, material expenses, utility usage costs etc.
  • Legal and financial advice or market research.
  • Applications made by small businesses that have outstanding amounts owing to Council (rates, permit payments etc.).
  • Government bodies/Schools and their Parents and Friends organisations.
  • Businesses owned/operated by Council staff or Councillors or relatives that prompt a perceived or actual conflict of interest.
  • Projects that are clearly a duplication of an existing service.
  • Retrospective funding (projects that have commenced or have been completed will not be funded), and
  • Businesses who have successfully obtained funding in the current or previous financial year (businesses can only apply for funding every 2 years)

For more information, visit Hindmarsh Shire Council.