Footscray Shopfront Grant Program
The Footscray Shopfront Grant Program supports local businesses and property owners to make practical, visible improvements to street-facing commercial properties in the heart of Footscray.
The Program is designed to improve the presentation of Footscray, by supporting local trading activity and contribute to a cleaner, safer and more welcoming Footscray CBD.
The Program is open from 1 August 2026 and closes on 30 June 2027, unless funds are exhausted earlier.
Below you will find:
Funding available
Grants of up to $3,000 excluding GST, are available per applicant.
Funding is 100% Council funded. A co-contribution is encouraged but not required.
Applications will be assessed as they are received. Funding is limited and submitting an application does not guarantee approval.
What the Program will support
Funding may be used for small-scale improvements that can be seen from the street.
Eligible works may include:
- painting or façade refresh
- minor façade repairs
- shopfront cleaning or restoration
- new or replacement signage
- window improvements
- awning refresh or minor upgrades
- planters, greenery and street-facing planting
- removal of redundant fixtures
- lighting upgrades
- outdoor seating improvements
- works that improve entrances, windows or street-facing areas.
Council will prioritise projects that improve street appeal, help businesses present better to customers and support a more active Footscray CBD.
What the Program will not support
The Program will not support:
- rent, wages, utilities, insurance or other operating costs
- stock, consumables or inventory
- internal works with no public-facing benefit
- temporary installations lasting less than 12 months
- vehicles or non-fixed equipment
- routine maintenance with no visible improvement
- works outside the program area
- permit fees
- works that have already started or been completed
- projects that do not improve how the property looks from the street.
Priority works
Council is prioritising improvements that make shopfronts look better, feel more open and improve visibility from the street.
Priority works include:
- removal of solid roller shutters
- replacement of solid roller shutters with transparent or perforated shutters
- roller door compliance upgrades
- façade repairs after shutter removal
- improvements to windows, entrances and shopfront visibility.
Where non-compliant roller shutters exist, funding must prioritise works that address or upgrade the roller door before other improvements are undertaken.
Eligibility
To be eligible for grant funding applicants must:
- Be a business operator or property owner within the Program area (evidence required)
- Hold a valid ABN, if applying as a business
- Be a small to medium enterprise
- Provide evidence of relevant insurances
- Provide a written quote from a qualified supplier
- Provide photographs of the current condition of the property
- Obtain landlord consent, if applicable
- Have no outstanding debts to Council
- Have no outstanding Council grant acquittals.
Permits, approvals and landlord consent
Some works may require permits, approvals or landlord consent before they can begin. This may include works involving façades, signage, awnings, outdoor seating, lighting, public land, roller shutters or shopfront changes.
Grant approval does not replace other Council approval processes.
Applicants must not start works until they have received written grant approval, entered into a funding agreement and obtained any required permits, approvals or consents.
How to apply
Applications must be submitted online below.
Before you apply
Before applying, applicants should:
- Read the Program Guidelines(PDF, 3MB)
- Ensure their business property is within the program area
- Speak with their landlord, if required
- Get a written quote from a qualified supplier
- Take photos of the property's current condition.
Council may request further information during assessment of applications.
Submit an application now
Successful applicants
Successful applicants must enter into a funding agreement with Council.
Approved projects must be completed within the agreed timeframe. Applicants must provide before-and-after photos, evidence of expenditure and complete a project acquittal within two months of completion.
Successful applicants must also agree to the completed works being included in Council communications about the Program.
Need assistance?
If you would like to discuss your shopfront please contact Council on 03 9688 0200 or email shopfront@maribyrnong.vic.gov.au.
Interpreter services are available on request.
Information for property owners
Council is eager to hear from property owners in the Footscray CBD who may wish to improve the presentation of their commercial properties.
Please contact Council to discuss your property and find out whether your project may be eligible.