Now is the perfect time for local Gilgandra business owners to put on their thinking caps and consider how they could further grow their enterprises.

Funds are available to help business ambitions come to fruition through the Gilgandra Shire Council's Business Improvement Grant (BIG Ideas) Program. With a goal to assist with economic development opportunities and investment in businesses in the Gilgandra Region, funding will be provided to property owners and authorised tenants for infrastructure or initiatives that support the improvement of local businesses.

The last time the Think Big funding was initiated, at least 13 local businesses were successful in being funded.

Young business owner, Caitlynn King from Gil News and Gifts, Caitlynn King said the funding she received enabled them to carry out improvements.

"We were moving to a bigger premises at the time," Ms King said. "The funding allowed us to paint the interior and do some renovations. We also got some outside signage."

Ms King said it was very exciting to be part of the grant program.

"It's great for community businesses," she said. "It gave us some funding to do things we may not have been able to otherwise. I really encourage local Gil business people to apply."

 Want some inspiration? Here are some of the projects from funded in the last round:

• Akropolis Motel and Barneys Caravan Park – entrance signage
• Central West Machining & Engineering – façade activation
• Gil News & Gifts – interior update
• Gilgandra Pharmacy – addition of clinic vaccination room
• Gilgandra Veterinary Clinic – new Equine facility
• GK & LH Rohr - CRT Gilgandra – rejuvenated façade and signage
• Heartlands Church – façade improvements
• Johnsons Family Store Cafe and Catering – façade refresh
• MH Thomas & Gilgandra Real Estate, Robert Moore and Openway Bookshop Gilgandra – exterior painting
• Gilgandra Royal Hotel– exterior painting and beer garden restoration
• The Shed - Gilgandra – river frontage activation
• This N That – addition of change rooms and interior update

To apply, your business must have a shop front. The total pool of funding available is $50,000.

There are two funding streams: Up to $5,000 (ex GST) - Non-matched funding and up to $10,000 (ex GST) - Matched funding (dollar for dollar).

Applications can be made through the councils website.