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Business Improvement Grant Guidelines

Business Improvement Grant Guidelines | 3

Contents

Introduction 4

Link to Strategic Community Plan 4

Business Improvement Grant 5

How to Apply? 8

Information for Successful Applicants 9

City of Perth Boundary Map 10

Contact Us 10

4 | Business Improvement Grant Guidelines

Introduction Link to Strategic Community Plan The City of Perth recognises that small and

medium enterprises (SMEs) make a large contribution to the vibrancy and energy of a city. The ability to generate new ideas and turn those ideas in to profitable business ventures is a critical source of competitive advantage for Perth.

In recognition of this, the Business Improvement Grants Program aims to stimulate and encourage diverse inner city commerce by supporting and rewarding local businesses, improve precinct amenity and stimulate business activity.

These grants provide up to a maximum of $20,000 in matched funding. The business recipients must demonstrate at least an equal financial investment for the specific business projects and there will only be one funding round per financial year. Applications are open between April and May each year.

The City of Perth establishes a framework for Council’s role in supporting the community through strategic objectives.

All grant applications must align with objectives of the Strategic Community Plan. The key objectives are:

• Getting Around Perth;

• Perth as a Capital City;

• Living in Perth;

• Perth at Night;

• Healthy and Active in Perth; and

• Capable and Responsive Organisation.


The City welcomes proposals that:

• activate underutilised spaces such as within vacant upper floors, basements or laneways including:

- installation of approved security devices or alarm systems, security lighting and application of anti-graffiti treatment; and

- accredited acoustic audits for eligible venues seeking to offer live music and performance programs;

• involve capital investment:

- building fit out costs;

- cleaning and repainting of internal spaces visible from the street including floors, walls and ceiling; and

- restoration and/or compliance with building codes, regulations, safety and accessibility;

• involve aesthetic improvements to improve the streetscape:

- façade (shop frontage) repairs and upgrades;

- repairs to under awnings; and

- lighting upgrades.

Business Improvement GrantObjectives• Support effective implementation of the City’s

Economic Development Strategy;

• Encourage and promote the establishment, growth and retention of sustainable businesses within the city of Perth;

• Enhance the City’s reputation for being a business location of choice;

• Encourage and increase the level of business investment and the creation of employment opportunities within the city;

• Support the growth and expansion of current businesses or the creation of new and diverse businesses in key industries that help contribute to a thriving and competitive business environment within the city;

• Encourage and promote diverse business projects that improve Perth’s competitive advantage and provide direct benefits to the community;

• Activate underutilised areas of the city; and

• Provide aesthetic improvements to the private realm to improve the streetscape and the overall desirability of the locality for commerce.


Businesses may apply for a Business Improvement Grant for a combination of these items, or for other items that help to meet the objectives of the program.

What kinds of business projects are supported?

• shop/office fit outs or refurbishments;

• building façade refurbishments;

• improvements to safety or amenity such as lighting;

• external/permanent signage;

• compliance with Building Code or disability access requirements; and

• staff training and development opportunities from a registered training organisation (RTO) not associated with the applicant.

Items not supported for this type of grant funding:

• business operating costs (e.g. staff wages, rent and utilities);

• consumables (e.g. food, office stationery);

• relocatable equipment (e.g. coffee machines, computers);

• standard operating equipment (e.g. cash registers, eftpos facilities); and

• to contribute in full or in part to for advertising or marketing campaigns.

EligibilityApplicants must:

• be a legal entity;

• be located within the City of Perth local government area;

• be a small to medium enterprise. For the purposes of this grant program, a SME is categorised as a business employing less than 50 full time employees and with an annual turnover of less than $5 million;

• have a lease agreement for a space within the City of Perth local government area, which extends at least two years from the time the application is submitted; and

• have the appropriate insurances, licences and permits for business operation.

The City will not consider applications from:

• the Commonwealth, a State or any Government Agency;

• an individual;

• an applicant that has outstanding debts to the City of Perth;

• an applicant that has failed to provide satisfactory acquittal reporting for any previous City of Perth funding; or

• an applicant that has already received City of Perth funding for the same activity within the same 12 month period or year;

• unincorporated associations, branches, franchisees or subsidiaries of larger companies;

• online businesses or businesses operating from home or virtual/serviced offices or outside the City of Perth boundaries;

• businesses that have an adverse effect on public health, safety, the environment, or heritage;

• one-off events, temporary or short-term projects;

• businesses proposing to purchase basic operational equipment, consumables and/or standard office equipment;

• any business which has received a City of Perth Matched Funding Grant over the past five (5) years. Note, businesses receiving funding from the State and/or Federal Government are eligible to apply for a Business Improvement Grant; and

• a business that conducts themselves in a way considered to be injurious or prejudicial to the character or interests of the City of Perth.


Assessment ProcessAll applications for a Business Improvement Grant will be reviewed by an Officer to ensure that mandatory requirements have been met. Note: Failure to meet mandatory requirements will result in an application not being processed for assessment.

• Round opening Date;

• Business Improvement Grant application submitted online only via SmartyGrants;

• Closing date;

• Mandatory eligibility requirements check;

• Internal panel assessment;

• Officer prepares Council report;

• Report submitted to Marketing, Sponsorship and International Engagement Committee;

• Committee considers report and recommendation;

• Report submitted to Council;

• Council decision;

• Applicant notified of outcome; and

• If approved, applicant contacted by an Officer to manage grant.

The assessment process should take no longer than 8 weeks from round closing date to consideration by Council.

Assessment CriteriaSuccessful applications are those that best satisfy the assessment criteria.

Assessment panels may recommend part funding. This decision is carefully considered with the view of maintaining the integrity of the proposal. The City of Perth reserves the right to request further information in considering any application, as well as the right to reject any application that does not meet the criteria.

Applicants will be assessed on the extent to which their application reflects and adds value to the City of Perth’s strategic objectives:

• Major Strategic Investments;

• Getting around Perth

• Perth as a Capital City;

• Living in Perth;

• Perth at Night; and

• Healthy and Active in Perth.

The following are specific additional objectives the application will be assessed against:

1. The extent to which the project contributes towards the achievement of the objectives of the Business Improvement Grant Program below:

a. support effective implementation of the City’s Economic Development Strategy;

b. encourages and promotes diverse business projects that improve Perth’s competitive advantage and provide direct benefits to the community;

c. supports local businesses that demonstrate strong market potential and a sound business model;

d. builds, attracts and retains a wide range of innovative businesses from key industries in the city; and

e. provides aesthetic improvements to the private realm to improve the streetscape and the overall desirability of the locality for commerce.

2. Your application must include:

a. a detailed project plan providing evidence that an equal financial contribution to the project can be made (the funds of which cannot be derived from other grants or sponsorships); and

b. a comprehensive business plan that includes business finances, demonstrating the financial viability of your business.

Note: For templates and tools visit www.business.gov.au

Funding LimitsGrants of up to $20,000 are available in this category payable on a matched basis where $1 of funding is payable for every $1 invested, up to a maximum of $20,000.

Closing DatesApplications will be accepted from Monday, 3 April until close of business 5.00pm on Friday, 12 May 2017.


How to Apply?All applications must be submitted electronically via the City’s online management system SmartyGrants. Applications not received through SmartyGrants will not be considered.

Go to perth.smartygrants.com.au to register an account and complete your application.

Disability Access & InclusionThe City of Perth is committed to providing equitable and dignified access in relation to buildings, services and facilities for people with disabilities. The City of Perth Disability Access and Inclusion Plan (DAIP) complies with legislative requirements. It is mandatory for all grants projects to comply with access and inclusion requirements in accordance with the City’s DAIP plan which is available on the City of Perth website.

LobbyingIf prior to the determination of any City of Perth grant by the Council or Committee, an applicant (or any agent) canvasses any Elected Member of the City of Perth, or attempts to provide additional information, either directly or indirectly, on any matter relating to the grant to an Elected Member, the person/organisation may be disqualified and the grant excluded from being considered for approval.

In the event supplementary information is requested to be provided to Elected Members, please contact the responsible Officer to discuss this.


Information for Successful ApplicantsApproval of your ApplicationAll applicants will receive a letter from the City of Perth informing them of the Council’s decision on their application.

For successful applicants, this letter will include a funding agreement to be signed and returned to the City.

Contact Development ApprovalsPlease contact the City’s Development Approvals Unit in the early stages of your project to confirm if you will be required to submit a Development Application (DA) and/or an application for Building Permit.

This is recommended to enable any planning or design issues to be identified and addressed prior to undertaking any works, and results in timely decisions and in developments having better outcomes for applicants and the City alike.

To make an appointment with the Development Approvals Unit, please call 9461 3352.

Terms & ConditionsIn order to receive the grant, successful recipients must sign a letter of agreement that clearly details the approved expenditure items that are covered by the grant and agree to the following conditions:

Payment Terms • all grant funding must be spent between the

date of the grant approval and 30 June 2018;

• business recipients must provide proof that the grant money was spent on approved items and that their own expenditure at least matches the grant funding provided by the City of Perth;

• business recipients must provide proof that the money was spent after the grant application was approved (not before) through invoices and tax receipts;

• business recipients will be required to meet the reporting requirements set out by the City of Perth (no more than three reports per project);

• business recipients will be required to be available to meet with the City of Perth, with reasonable notice, to provide updates on the use of the grant money and the development of their project; and

• any requests for extension of time should be made before the expiry date and may be referred back to Committee or Council for determination.

Note: Exact reporting requirements and payment terms are to be negotiated with each successful applicant.

Aquital Terms• business recipients must acknowledge and

promote the City’s funding support through appropriate channels which may include media releases, opportunity for an Elected Member to speak at the business opening or relaunch and other mediums as negotiated;

• business recipients must provide before and after photographs of the project undertaken using grants funding, along with a detailed testimonial that will be used for promotional purposes to support business entrants into the City of Perth;

• business recipients must allow the City to publicise information about their business in promotion of the grants; and

• business recipients may be required to display the ‘City of Perth Grant Recipient’ sticker provided in a visible position on their business premises, preferably a window facing externally.


Contact UsHave a question or need some advice?

Please call the City of Perth Economic Development Unit on (08) 9461 3198 or email [email protected]

17-013. 02/2017

City of Perth Boundary Map

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