Following the success of Hobsons Bay Business has Heart Outdoors in 2020/21, the outdoor trading program is back, helped by the recent state government announcement of a $54.5 million Outdoor Economy Package.
Like Council’s campaign last summer, the state government initiative aims to support the costs for thousands of businesses to set up street trading, as well as help councils to provide the necessary infrastructure and assistance. As well as hospitality, it is envisaged that this funding will be used by a variety of businesses (retail, gyms, hairdressers, dance studios etc) to maximise their trading space and make the most of the state government’s roadmap to reopening fully.
The $54.5 million Outdoor Economy Package includes:
- a $14.5 million COVIDSafe Outdoor Activation Voucher Program to provide more than 7,000 Victorian businesses, community organisations, not-for-profits and trader associations with $2,000 grants when they spend at least that amount to support initiatives such as outdoor hospitality and entertainment. The vouchers will be valid for expenses including purchasing and hiring furniture, obtaining insurance and promoting outdoor operations.
- a new $40 million COVIDSafe Outdoor Activation Fund to help councils transform more outdoor areas, including $20.5 million to provide immediate assistance to businesses to operate outdoors through physical improvements, such as new street furniture, landscaping, marquees, planter boxes and public art, as well as entertainment to bring our outdoor precincts to life. The remaining $19.5 million is to establish semi-permanent and permanent outdoor precincts.
Some options for local traders include:
- converting a car space/s out the front of your business into a ‘parklet’
- trading on the footpath, provided it meets footpath trading guidelines
- creating a pop-up trading space
- using outdoor furniture, decking and landscaping to increase trading area and potentially pivot the way your business operates
- public art and entertainment initiatives to bring our outdoor precincts to life (in a COVID-Safe way)
The program is designed to get traders up and running quickly and Council crews will be out in force installing outdoor spaces across the city as soon as possible, with some items ready to be installed now.
Businesses will require a footpath trading permit to operate outdoors with Council officers on standby to fast track applications so trading can start right away.
