Media Release 22 January 2024
Gilgandra Shire Council has allocated $50,000 towards the second round of the BIG Ideas Program to assist with economic development opportunities and investment in businesses in the Gilgandra Region.
A total of 18 applications were received from local businesses for the Business Improvement Grant (BIG Ideas), with over $93,000 in funding requested and an estimated business contribution of $108,000.
Acting Activation and Communications Manager, Merscia Kouroulis said "All applications went through a thorough assessment process to ensure they met the objectives and terms and conditions of the grant program. From this process 14 projects were recommended for funding at Council's December Ordinary Meeting, of which 10 of the top-ranked projects to the budget of $50,000 were endorsed. Not only will these approved projects for funding have a positive impact on the services available to our community but they will also support the revitalisation of our streetscape, ensuring we are continuing to create a vibrant and welcoming environment for tourists. It's a good mix of businesses in various locations throughout the Gilgandra Region!"
Adding "These projects will help encourage new business investment, and support our activation and revitalisation blueprint for Gilgandra and our Region. It will increase our offering to locals, and provides our local businesses with a great opportunity to grow their business model and capitalise on the significant increase in regional travel and visitation to the Region."
The BIG Ideas Grant Program has the following objectives:
- Business growth: Support the growth of business in the Gilgandra Region by encouraging new investment, and greater employment opportunities.
- Sustainable economy: Encourage business innovation and enhance the diversity of the Gilgandra Region's retail mix.
- Premise and precinct activation: Support private sector initiatives that complement Council's and the Gilgandra Region's activation and revitalisation projects, including Gilgandra's Activation Blueprint.
- Investment promotion: Promote the Gilgandra Region as an attractive place to work, live and invest.
The BIG Ideas Grant is part of the overall Activate Gilgandra Program which includes Council's Grow Gilgandra Program (Shop Local, business workshops and training, and business signage), It's GREAT Program and the promotion of the Gilgandra Region.
