Building Safer Spaces FAQ
Business Co-Investment Grants – Retailer FAQ
1. What is the Business Co-Investment Grant program?
The Business Co-Investment Grant program provides matched funding to help small businesses improve shopfront safety, visibility and presentation.
A total of $80,000 is available, with grants of up to $5,000 per business (with smaller amounts also available).
The focus is on supporting both start-ups and existing small businesses.
2. What does “matched funding” mean?
Matched funding means the cost of an approved project is shared between the business and Council.
For every dollar your business contributes, Council contributes the same amount — up to the maximum grant limit.
For example:
- If your project costs $4,000, your business pays $2,000 and Council matches it with $2,000.
This co-investment approach ensures businesses are actively investing in their own premises while increasing the overall impact of the available funding.
3. What is the aim of the Building Safer Spaces program?
The program aims to:
- Improve visibility
- Strengthen deterrence
- Lift presentation
- Support customer confidence
- Improve staff safety
It forms part of the broader Safer Spaces initiative to create safer, more vibrant commercial areas.
4. Why does this matter for retailers?
Safety and presentation directly impact:
- Customer confidence
- Daytime and evening trading
- Staff wellbeing
- Business reputation
- Property presentation
- Foot traffic
Research consistently shows that well-lit, well-maintained and active shopfronts reduce opportunistic offending and increase legitimate use of public space.
The way buildings and shopfronts are presented influences behaviour.
5. Who is eligible to apply for funding?
The grants are intended for small businesses, including:
- New start-ups
- Existing retailers
- Commercial operators within the designated area
Further eligibility details will be provided when the Expression of Interest (EOI) opens.
6. What types of improvements are eligible?
Eligible improvements include:
- Upgraded shopfronts
- CCTV installation covering public areas at the front, side or rear of the business
- Lighting upgrades
- Improvements aligned with safety and visibility principles
- Enhancements that increase passive surveillance and reduce blind spots
- Funding will not be approved for any works that are completed prior to the approval of the Expression of Interest (EOI)
7. What improvements are being prioritised?
Based on business and community feedback, priority areas include:
- Monitoring
- Poor lighting and dark areas
- Obstructed sightlines
- Underused spaces
- Areas perceived as unsafe
- Shopfronts that reduce visibility
8. What are some examples of “quick wins”?
Quick-win projects may include:
- Co-funded CCTV installation
- Co-funded shopfront lighting
- Removing visual barriers
- Repainting or façade refresh
- Signage improvements
- Clearer territorial cues (making it obvious the space is cared for and monitored)
9. When will applications open?
An Expression of Interest (EOI) will open later this financial year and will remain open until funds are fully allocated.
Businesses are encouraged to apply early once the EOI opens.
10. What other safety initiatives are being introduced?
Additional initiatives include:
Mobile CCTV Trailer
- Deployed in high-risk areas or during events to support proactive monitoring.
Digital Wayfinding
- Directional information to services and transport
- Event updates
Quality Wi-Fi and Device Charging
- Four non-retail locations will receive:
- Free 30-minute device charging
- Free 30-minute Wi-Fi sessions
These initiatives aim to increase positive community presence and reduce congregation in retail areas.
11. What can I do now?
You can prepare by:
- Identifying lighting or CCTV gaps around your premises.
- Considering shopfront improvements to increase visibility and presentation.
- Watching for the upcoming EOI release.
- Continuing to report to police (Call 131 444 for non-urgent police assistance or to report crime that's already happened. Call Triple Zero (000) in an emergency or if people or property are in danger.) incidents to ensure data reflects actual conditions.
For further updates, keep an eye on this web page, Council communications and project announcements.