Wakefield grants backing small businesses
Small businesses in Wakefield Regional Council looking to rebrand or renovate can apply for funding assistance through a new local grant program, set to open next month.
WRC will launch the $40,000 Small Business Incentives program on September 1.
Grants will be offered in two separate categories, with up to $1500 available under the Promote and Develop stream for businesses looking to enhance the skills of employees or market business activities.
Businesses can receive up to $3000 under the Innovate and Renovate stream for projects that seek to find new ways of working to give the business a competitive edge.
WRC mayor, Rodney Reid, said the Small Business Incentive program follows Council’s commitment to make Wakefield a great place to business and a great place to belong, outlined in the 10-year Community Plan, Wakefield 2030.
“Wakefield 2030 includes as a key theme ‘Thriving Region’, with strategies and priority actions to drive growth and prosperity in the region,” Mr Reid said.
“Building on the excellent feedback from the COVID-19 support package, the Small Business Incentives program aims to encourage small businesses to start up, grow, innovate and develop.”
To be eligible, businesses (including sole traders) must have less than 20 employees and be based in the Wakefield region, or show evidence of a move to the region within three months of the application.
The business will need to have a majority of its clients and/or operations within the region and specifically benefit the local community.
All applicants must be able to be contribute towards the activity on a dollar-for-dollar basis.
The application process will mirror the COVID-19 Business Support Grant program, with both online and hand written applications available.
“The applications Council received for the COVID-19 Business Support Grant program highlighted the diverse range of innovative small business owners we have in the district, so it will be exciting to see how local businesses can utilise this assistance to help them and their communities grow,” Mr Reid said.
“This funding recognises the vital role small businesses play in stimulating the regional economy while providing quality local services.”
Full details, guidelines and application instructions are available here or by calling the WRC office on 8862 0800.
The grant period will remain open until the funding pool is exhausted.