Meeting papers

PLANNING & ENVIRONMENT COMMITTEE MEETING                                        8 AUGUST 2023


5.3     THE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT GRANTS POLICY REVIEW


Author           Project Officer, Vicky Kottaras
                 Strategy and Environment and Sustainable Development Department
Index            Subject / 26.03 - Economic Development Grants
Attachments      1.   Attachment 1 Review of Noosa Council Economic Development
                      Grants Program
                 2.   Attachment 2 Economic Development Grants Policy Amended
                 3.   Attachment 3 Economic Development Grants Council Policy 2017
                 4.   Attachment 4 Economic Development Grants Full List 2017-2023
                 5.   Attachment 5 Guidelines - Economic Development Grant Program


EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The Economic Development Grant Program was created to support the delivery of projects that will
have a positive impact on the local business environment and the local economy, and looks to
encourage collaboration and partnerships between Council, business representative groups and the
business community.

The Economic Development Grants program has now been running since 2016, initially under the
Community Grants Program umbrella. An Economic Development Grants Policy was adopted in
November 2017 to separate the Economic Development Grants Program from the Community
Grants Policy in 2017. Since that time, Council has published a new Smart Biosphere Economic
Development Strategy and a new Corporate Plan.

Since inception, interest in the program has been low and it has never been fully subscribed in a
budget year.

Subsequently, a review was commissioned to understand the low application rate, review other
grant models, and prepare recommendations for a Grant model which could deliver more
applications and better outcomes.

As part of the review, consultation was undertaken with a range of stakeholders including local
Chambers of Commerce and Business Associations, staff, and Councillors. The Review identified
key issues and made a series of recommendations which have informed the Policy revisions and
subsequent Guidelines. It is expected that the revised policy will see an increase in grant
applications in 2023/24.

The revised Grants Policy also assist to support our commitment and obligations under the Small
Business Friendly Charter to help small businesses thrive; reduce red tape and simplify
administration for small business; and help small business develop networks, access education and
increase their capabilities.
RECOMMENDATION
That Council note the report by the Economic Development Officer to the Planning & Environment
Committee Meeting dated 8 August 2023 and

A. Note the Economic Development Grants Review Report, provided at Attachment 1 to the report;
B. Approve the amended Economic Development Grants Policy, provided at Attachment 2 to the
report; and



                                                                                         Page 292 of 348