Give Your Business a Fresh Look: Up to $5,000 in Shopfront Improvement Grants Available in Armadale
Supporting Local Business Growth and Putting Armadale Businesses on the Map
A thriving local economy begins with businesses that are confident to invest, grow and improve. From welcoming shopfronts to attractive commercial precincts, the appearance of our business centres plays an important role in creating a positive experience for customers, visitors and the wider community.
The Armadale Chamber of Commerce is pleased to support the City of Armadale's Small Business Shopfront Improvement Grants 2026–2027, an initiative designed to encourage local investment and enhance the appearance, functionality and vibrancy of our commercial centres.
With matched funding of up to $5,000 (excluding GST) available to eligible applicants, this program provides an opportunity for small businesses and property owners to improve their premises while contributing to the ongoing renewal of Armadale and Kelmscott.
Why Shopfront Improvements Matter to Our Local Economy
First impressions matter in business.
Whether it's a fresh coat of paint, modern signage, improved outdoor seating or attractive landscaping, a well-presented shopfront can influence how customers perceive a business.
But the benefits extend beyond individual premises.
When businesses invest in improving their shopfronts, they collectively contribute to creating commercial areas that are more welcoming, attractive and enjoyable to visit.
These improvements can help:
- Attract customers and visitors: Well-maintained and visually appealing shopping precincts encourage people to explore local businesses.
- Improve customer experiences: Welcoming entrances, attractive outdoor spaces and functional shopfronts create a more positive environment.
- Strengthen local business identity: Quality shopfront presentation contributes to the character and reputation of our commercial centres.
- Encourage private investment: Visible improvements can inspire further investment and business confidence.
- Support economic activity: More vibrant commercial precincts can encourage visitation, customer spending and business growth.
At the Armadale Chamber, we believe that creating a strong local business environment requires collaboration between businesses, property owners, local government and the wider community.
This grant program is an opportunity to work towards that shared goal.
What Are the Small Business Shopfront Improvement Grants?
The City of Armadale's Small Business Shopfront Improvement Grants provide financial assistance to eligible businesses and property owners undertaking external improvements to commercial premises.
The program operates on a dollar-for-dollar matched funding basis.
Successful applicants may receive funding covering up to 50% of eligible project costs, capped at $5,000 excluding GST.
For example, a business undertaking $10,000 worth of eligible improvements, excluding GST, could potentially receive $5,000 in grant funding, subject to approval.
Applicants must contribute at least 50% of the eligible project costs, and grant funding is paid on a reimbursement basis after approved works have been completed and verified.
The program is designed to support projects that improve the presentation of commercial premises while delivering a broader public benefit.
Who Is Eligible to Apply?
The grants are available to eligible businesses operating from brick-and-mortar commercial premises within:
- Armadale City Centre
- Kelmscott District Centre
Applications from properties on adjoining or directly connected streets may also be considered where the City determines that the proposed improvements will benefit the surrounding commercial precinct.
Eligible small businesses must generally be:
- Actively operating for profit.
- Privately and independently owned.
- Employing fewer than 20 full-time equivalent employees.
- Operating from commercial premises within an eligible location.
Applicants may be property owners, commercial tenants or business operators who meet the program requirements.
Commercial tenants must have the appropriate lease arrangements and written property owner consent where required.
Businesses must also have the legal authority to undertake the proposed improvements and meet the City's other eligibility requirements.
We encourage businesses to review the full program guidelines before applying.
What Improvements Can Be Funded?
The program supports external improvements that enhance the visual appeal, functionality and customer experience of commercial premises.
Examples of potentially eligible projects include:
Shopfront Painting and Façade Improvements
Refresh tired or outdated shopfronts with new paintwork and façade upgrades that improve the appearance of your business.
Business Signage
Install, replace or upgrade external signage to improve business visibility and presentation.
Awnings and Canopies
Improve the comfort and functionality of entrances and outdoor areas.
Landscaping and Greening
Introduce planter boxes, landscaping and greenery to create more attractive and welcoming streetscapes.
Alfresco Seating and Outdoor Furniture
Enhance outdoor customer spaces and encourage activity within commercial precincts.
Public Art and Murals
Create visual interest through artwork and murals that are visible from the street.
External Lighting
Improve the appearance and functionality of commercial frontages through suitable external lighting.
Other projects may also be considered where they demonstrate a clear public benefit and align with the program's objectives.
The grants do not cover internal renovations, ordinary operating expenses, routine maintenance without visual improvement or works commenced before grant approval.
How to Apply for the Shopfront Improvement Grants
Businesses considering an application should begin by reviewing the City of Armadale's program guidelines and confirming that their premises fall within an eligible location.
Applications must include:
- A completed online application form describing the proposed improvements.
- Photographs of the existing premises.
- At least one formal quotation for the proposed works.
- Concept plans or drawings, where applicable.
- Evidence of business operation or tenancy.
- Property owner consent, where required.
Applications are assessed against criteria including streetscape impact, customer experience, economic activity, sustainability, value for money and project readiness.
Important: Applicants must not commence work before receiving written approval from the City. Any required planning, building or other statutory approvals must also be obtained before works begin.
Successful applicants must enter into a funding agreement and complete their approved projects within six months of written approval, unless an extension is granted.
Grant payments are made following completion and verification of the approved works, subject to the required documentation being provided.
Meeting the eligibility requirements does not guarantee funding.
Investing in the Future of Armadale and Kelmscott
As Armadale continues to develop and attract investment, the presentation and vitality of our established commercial centres remain important.
Small businesses are an essential part of our regional economy. They provide employment, contribute to our community's character and deliver the products and services that residents rely on every day.
Supporting businesses to improve their premises is one way to encourage confidence and create commercial environments that reflect the potential of our growing region.
The Armadale Chamber welcomes the City's initiative and encourages eligible businesses to consider how improvements to their premises could benefit both their business and the wider community.
Working Together to Put Armadale Businesses on the Map
At the Armadale Chamber of Commerce, our commitment is to Advocate, Innovate and Collaborate.
We believe that stronger local businesses create stronger communities, and that collaboration between government, industry and business owners is essential to achieving sustainable economic growth.
The Small Business Shopfront Improvement Grants are a practical example of how local government initiatives can encourage business investment and support the ongoing improvement of our commercial precincts.
We encourage our members and the wider business community to explore this opportunity and share it with other eligible businesses in Armadale and Kelmscott.
Together, we can create vibrant commercial centres, support local investment and continue Putting Armadale Businesses on the Map.
Find Out More and Apply
Interested in giving your shopfront a fresh new look?
Contact the City of Armadale's Economic Development Team for further information about the Small Business Shopfront Improvement Grants, eligibility requirements and applications.
Email: economicdevelopmentteam@armadale.wa.gov.au
Website: https://www.armadale.wa.gov.au/
Please refer to the City's official Small Business Shopfront Improvement Grants 2026–2027 Program Guidelines for the full eligibility criteria, funding conditions and application requirements.
