15 Apr, 2021

City main street businesses to get cash boost

The content of this media release is over six months old and may no longer be current.

City businesses along six of Adelaide’s most iconic eating and retail strips are being urged to take advantage of new grants of up to $10,000 to enhance and activate their outdoor areas, helping to drive patronage and support jobs.

As we enter the traditionally quieter winter months, the Marshall Liberal Government has committed $200,000 to support small businesses in response to the COVID-19 pandemic – and help enliven the city.

These grants specifically target small businesses and property owners along six of the city’s main streets – Hutt, Hindley, Melbourne, O’Connell, Gouger and Rundle.

The funding, to be administered by the City of Adelaide, can be used towards improvements including new outdoor furniture, café blinds, heating, shop frontage painting, lighting, as well as artworks, murals and greening elements such as green walls and window boxes.

It is the second tranche of Marshall Liberal Government activation funding, bringing the total to $500,000. The first $300,000 round supported dozens of businesses across the city.

“These grants will help drive foot traffic to the popular strips, increasing patronage and boosting business turnover,” said Minister for Local Government Vickie Chapman.

“They can be used to make visual or practical improvements, as well as enhance social distancing measures – helping to keep South Australians safe and strong.”

Member for Adelaide Rachel Sanderson said the Marshall Liberal Government was doing everything it could to support South Australian businesses, jobs and livelihoods at this time.

“It’s well known suburban shopping and retail strips are experiencing an uplift during COVID-19 but our city businesses need our support and that’s why we’re helping our six main street businesses enliven their outdoor areas so they can trade in the winter months,” said Minister Sanderson.

“It’s fantastic to see so many city businesses took advantage of the first round of grants updating their outdoor areas, painting murals and erecting café blinds and heaters, making our city even more vibrant and attractive as we emerge from the pandemic.

“I really urge South Australians to take a trip into the city and enjoy one of the many events we’re hosting over the coming months – from Tasting Australia to Illuminate Adelaide and the Cabaret Festival, there’s something for everyone.”

Lord Mayor Sandy Verschoor said the City of Adelaide and the State Government were working together to support CBD and North Adelaide businesses.

“Many of our small-business owners are still doing it tough, particularly in the retail, tourism and hospitality sectors,” said the Lord Mayor.

“We are committed to helping our businesses recover from the effects of the pandemic and this support from the State Government, administered by the City of Adelaide, will allow businesses to improve their shops and attract customers to our main streets.

“Businesses can paint their shop fronts, purchase new furniture or add new signage, plants and heaters.

“By focusing on our main streets, in collaboration with local businesses, we will create unique dining and shopping experiences in our precincts.”

Anyone who owns a currently active small businesses or property on the six city main streets can apply for the grants of up to $10,000 to cover 80 per cent of the cost of improvements. Each recipient will need to fund 20 per cent of the project costs.

To be eligible, businesses must not have received activation grant funding in previous rounds.

To express your interest or for more information, please visit cityofadelaide.com.au/mainstreet-grants


For more information

Matthew Halliwell