CITY of Newcastle will offer almost $1.3 million in funding for businesses and event sponsorship in a bid to give the region's economy a shot in the arm.
The council on Thursday announced the spend, which includes the $800,000 special business program and three other programs, was a record spend.
The special business program is designed to fund projects that promote, beautify or develop Darby Street and the city centre.
Other programs offering cash include work to breathe life into public spaces, community wellbeing improvements and anything that strengthens the city's reputation as a tourism, business and event destination.
They include the $280,000 event sponsorship program for promoting Newcastle, providing tourism and economic benefits, the boost arts and cultural grants program ($150,000) to stimulate artist engagement and presentation of cultural works, and a $60,000 boost your place challenge geared towards place-making to keep younger people connected.
"Funding across a range of sponsorship and grant programs will support industries hardest hit by COVID-19 and ensure that as restrictions are lifted our city is ready," Newcastle lord mayor Nuatali Nelmes said.
"City of Newcastle has made a deliberate decision to open these funding opportunities at the same time, allowing a more streamlined submission process and providing applicants the best opportunity to receive support from one of the programs."
Cr Nelmes said that while large events were impossible under public health restrictions as they stood, the council was forging on with funds to give organisers a chance to begin laying plans for when the rules were relaxed.
"In the meantime, there are many initiatives that may stimulate the city centre and Darby Street business, support our local arts and cultural sector, and promote Newcastle as a destination that we can get on with funding today," Cr Nelmes said.
"I look forward to seeing innovative proposals that will enhance community wellbeing, improve the city's identity and make Newcastle an even better place in which to live, work, play and invest."
Applications for all forms of funding are open until Wednesday, August 12. Submissions must me made online through the council's website.
