The New Business Grant scheme was established to assist with economic development opportunities and investment in Greater Shepparton.
Funding is provided for infrastructure or initiatives that support the establishment of new businesses in Shepparton’s CBD and on the main streets within the region’s small towns.
Okami Restaurant is a new business setting up at Fryers St, Shepparton and the $6000 council grant helped to fit out a new kitchen.
The grant was justified because the Japanese restaurant supported the ongoing establishment of Fryers St as a food precinct.
The second grant of $5000 went to Bluebell Bathhouse to create a quiet sanctuary in the Shepparton CBD for services including mud baths, massage, and salt baths. The business is also being established at Fryers St.
Cr Shane Sali said the total investment from both businesses was more than $700,000 and would create more than 20 jobs.
Cr Seema Abdullah said it was pleasing to see new businesses but suggested it might be time to review the grant scheme.
She said the grants for the restaurant represented a small portion of the overall investment and were clearly not a factor in whether the project could proceed.
Cr Abdullah suggested the grant fund might be better directed at start-ups that would not occur without a helping hand from the council.
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