Council launches new grants program

Council has launched a new grants program to help Noosa’s business groups and community associations deliver projects with an economic development focus.

Mayor Tony Wellington said the new Economic Development Grants would distribute $60,000 of funding via a competitive application process. Applicants are expected to make actual and in-kind contributions to their proposed project.

“The grants are available to local business associations and not-for-profit groups. They are not intended to support individual businesses, so commercial business operators cannot apply. We are looking for great ideas that will, for example, help local businesses connect with each other, that will encourage business innovation, or that will help position Noosa as a preferred locale for business activities. In other words, they need to be broad focus initiatives,” the Mayor said.

The application process for the first round of funding opens Thursday, 1 September and closes 26 October.

“This is just one element amongst a broad range of economic development actions being rolled out by Council,” Cr Wellington said. “We are imagining that the type of groups who might apply for these grants would be the likes of CCIQ Noosa, Noosaville Business Association, Country Noosa or Noosa Community Biosphere Association. Of course there are many others.

“I know my fellow councillors are very excited to be implementing our economic development program. A range of economic advisory groups are gradually being established to support Council’s efforts. There will also be additional resourcing within Council.

“If I may borrow a line from Prime Minister Turnbull, there’s never been a more exciting time to be doing business in Noosa.”

For information or help completing online applications, contact Council’s Grants Officer on (07) 5329 6437 or email grants@noosa.qld.gov.au For advice, sample forms and online application form, visit Council’s website.

23 August 2016