Two new businesses located in the heart of the city have taken advantage of an Ipswich City Council initiative to open their doors in Ipswich Central.
Council is offering funding of up to $4000 for new businesses opening a bricks and mortar shopfront within Ipswich Central, through an innovative incentive program.
The Book Bouquet, run by mother and daughter Helen and Allyssa Woodman, a librarian and florist respectively, offer the perfect combination of books and flowers from their store.
The duo describe their mission as “to ignite curiosity, foster lifelong learning, and build a vibrant community who share our love of books and blooms”.
“Council’s funding has helped us to cover some of the cost to supply plumbing to the newly created florist’s workshop,” Helen said.
“Previously there was only cold water available (on a different level of the building) so we now have the ability to maintain the cleanliness of our equipment and tools and also ensure that the fresh flowers are well hydrated.
“The process to apply was straight forward and we are very glad we could access this funding to reduce the large costs associated with starting a new business.”
Olive and Oak Vintage Home, which offers a selection of homewares, in-house hand-crafted furniture, fashion and decor, also appreciated the funding, saying the costs of set-up could in some cases “discourage a lot of people to even dream to start”.
Economic and Cultural Development Committee Chairperson Cr Pye Augustine said the Welcome to Ipswich Central business incentive program was designed to financially support retail, arts, creative, food or hospitality businesses to set up in a bricks and mortar shopfront in Ipswich Central.
“This is a great incentive for new businesses within those industries that may be considering opening a shopfront in Ipswich Central. We encourage owners and operators to get in quickly before the funding runs out,” Cr Augustine said.
“Two businesses have already taken advantage of this program and are open for business on Brisbane Street, telling us how beneficial the funding was.
“As a small business friendly council, we’re committed to supporting the unique businesses that make Ipswich Central special and helping new ventures grow into shopfronts. This program is another way we’re working to strengthen and grow our local business community.”
Division 3 Councillor Marnie Doyle said businesses located in the eligible pilot area of Ipswich Central could apply for up to $4000 through council’s application portal Smarty Grants, which will be reimbursed to successful applicants.
“Eligible funding may include physical changes to the premises, such as a shop fit-out, painting, lighting, fixtures, or signage. It could also go toward store furniture and equipment, such as tables and chairs, or visual merchandise, and point-of-sale systems,” Cr Doyle said.
Division 3 Councillor Andrew Antoniolli said applications will be assessed on a rolling basis until funds are exhausted.
“The total pool of funding is capped at $20,000, and the program will conclude when the funds run out, so my advice would be to get in quickly as two local businesses have already seen the benefits and seized the opportunity,” Cr Antoniolli said.
Eligible applicants must have commenced a minimum 12-month lease after 1 July 2025 and must have an appropriate ABN.
The funding supports the vision that Ipswich Central is the Cultural Hub and Beating Heart of the Ipswich community. For further information, visit Welcome to Ipswich Central Program
