Greater Shepparton City Council noted the awarding of $16,000 to two local businesses as part of the Visitor Experience Innovation Grants Program, at the October Council Meeting.
The funding was part of Round Four of the grant program which aims to support innovative projects that create an enhanced visitor experience within the region. The program was initially established in 2020 as part of the economic response to COVID-19, with the program reviewed this year to include a Major Grant stream and a matching requirement.
The funding through this program can be used for projects such as tourism and interpretive signage, tourism product development, diversification of a current business, creative visitor experience enhancements, and accessibility upgrades.
Previous funding under the program has been used to support a range of projects across the region including upgrades to lighting at Riverside Gardens Garden Centre, installation of EV charging stations at Quest Apartments, storytelling signage for Bunbartha Beef, installation of a sculpture at The Milkbar in Shepparton, and new signage at the Chocolate Apple Factory.
The two successful applicants in Round Four were Parklake Hotel for $10,000, for the installation of four EV charging stations and Elsewhere at SAM for $6,000, for an outdoor café activation.
Mayor, Councillor Shane Sali, said it was great to be able to award this funding to local businesses to help them boost their visitor experience and fund innovative projects.
“This Visitor Experience Innovation funding has proved extremely popular in the past and has assisted several Greater Shepparton businesses to improve their offerings and install creative and unique additions for visitors,” he said.
“We know this funding through Round Four will be put to good use and we congratulate the two successful businesses. Anything Council can do to improve the region’s visitor economy and grow visitor experiences is a huge win for the economic development of our region.
