New grants to help Footscray businesses brighten the CBD
Published on 17 June 2026
Footscray CBD businesses will soon be able to apply for new grants of up to $3,000 to help improve their shopfronts, attract customers and bring more colour, energy and life to the city centre.
Council has endorsed the Footscray Revitalisation Grants Program, designed to make it easier for local businesses to deliver small, visible improvements that lift the look and feel of the CBD.
The grants can support projects such as fresh paint, signage, lighting, window displays, greenery, roller door improvements and other shopfront upgrades that help make Footscray feel more welcoming, vibrant and cared for.
The program recognises that local businesses play a major role in shaping the experience of Footscray. By supporting improvements to shopfronts and street presentation, the grants will help improve the CBD for everyone while backing the businesses that bring people into the area.
The new program has been shaped by feedback from Council’s Business Façade Improvement Program pilot, which found businesses needed a simpler and more accessible way to take part.
Mayor, Cr Mohamed Semra, said the grants are about supporting local businesses while creating a better experience for everyone who spends time in Footscray.
“Footscray is one of Melbourne’s most exciting city centres, and our local businesses are a huge part of what makes it special,” Mayor Semra said.
“These grants are about improving the look and feel of Footscray while backing the businesses that help bring people into the CBD.”
“When shopfronts look brighter, more welcoming and more cared for, the whole street benefits. It supports traders, improves the experience for visitors and helps create a CBD people want to spend time in.”
“To Dream Big for Footscray, we need to back the people and businesses already here and help them bring their ideas to life.”
This initiative is part of Council’s broader Footscray revitalisation program and supports Dream Big Footscray.
Applications will open following implementation of the program guidelines.
To find out more about what is happening across the city centre, visit the Footscray CBD Place Plan or visit the Footscray CBD Revitalisation page on Council’s website.
Maribyrnong News
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