THE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT GRANTS POLICY REVIEW · Attachment 1 Review of Noosa Council Economic Development Grants Program

Recommendation 2: Amplify Marketing and Promotion
•   Launch new approach via Council channels, introduce details and timelines
•   Increase marketing to targeted audiences
•   Marketing materials to included key timelines and criteria for application
•   Council staff to meet one on one with all chamber Executive to promote the grants, and discuss
    potential applications



Recommendation 3: Expand Applicant Eligibility
•   EDGP applications accepted from Incorporated Associations, Business Groups, Trader Groups, Not
    for Profit Business Enterprises, etc. It is estimated that up to 15 Noosa Incorporated
    Associations/Groups would qualify for EDGP Funding.
•   Individual businesses or a group of businesses seeking EDGP funding are encouraged to seek
    assistance from their local Incorporated Association or Group.



Recommendation 4: Expand Application Criteria

To ensure that more business organisations can see benefits from applying for an EDGP grant, it is
recommended that the current “strategic criteria” is extended to include the following tactical initiatives
and activations:
    • Training, skills development, mentoring
    • Sector development
    • Job creation and attraction
    • Initiatives that address systemic problems (e.g., transport options to encourage labour
        attraction)
    • Green and blue sustainable business practices (e.g., delivering Green Economy, Regenerative
        Tourism or Bio-sphere objectives)
    • Strategic Business Plans (3-year cycle)
    • Digital Technology Initiatives that deliver smart solutions for the Noosa Shire Environment
    • Precinct Website Development (3-year cycle)

Irrespective of whether the application is strategic or tactical, the application must be able to
demonstrate where it adds value to or delivers on Noosa Shire’s Economic Development Strategy – A
smart biosphere!




     Noosa Shire Council | Economic Development Grant Program Review                                    11