Council's Façade Grants Program Returns for New Financial Year

Ararat Rural City Council's highly successful Façade Grants Program will make a return in the new financial year. 

The Façade Grants Program awards grants of up to $10,000 on a 2:1 basis, offering local businesses the ability to refresh their business frontages. 

New, expanding or relocating businesses who have a street frontage across Ararat Rural City are eligible to apply. Façade upgrades can cover a range of works such as painting and cleaning of the existing façade, replacement of doors, windows or glasswork, new signage, outdoor heating, café blinds, and window or external lighting. 

Wren Chiropractic in Ararat is the newest business to benefit from Council's Façade Grants Program, receiving support for new signage and exterior painting.

Council have supported more than fifty local businesses through the Façade Grants Program since it began, as part of an effort to improve street appeal, maintain the heritage of local buildings, and support those looking to open a new or expand their existing business.

“Supporting our local businesses with funding to uplift their street frontages is something we're very proud of. It really makes a difference in creating a welcoming atmosphere for locals and visitors alike,” says Ararat Rural City Mayor, Cr Jo Armstrong. 

“Our commitment to supporting our local business continues with a further $100,000 investment in our Façade Improvement Grant and Kick Start Grants programs delivered under our 2025/26 Budget. If your local business could do with a refreshed frontage, or assistance moving into a commercial space, I encourage you to check through the eligibility criteria and apply when the next round opens.”

Council’s Kick Start Grants Program assists with easing the financial burden of setting up shop and provides new businesses with a grant of up to $2,500 to support their move to a commercial premises. 

Businesses interested in applying for either the Façade Improvement Grant, or Kick Start Grants programs, should visit our website or call (03) 5355 0200. A new round of applications opens from 1 July 2025. Each application is assessed on an individual basis by an internal panel from the Ararat Rural City Council.