FREO’S small businesses could be eligible for a $2000 marketing grant from the City in a bid to mitigate impact from the Traffic Bridge closure next year. 

The grants, which are funded by the City of Fremantle and the Chamber of Commerce, will be directed towards creating “marketing content” and “paid campaign activity” for businesses who could suffer from a potential drop in visitors thanks to the bridge closure. 

Tourism, hospitality, and small retail businesses with a turnover of $10 million or less and a maximum of 20 employees will be eligible to apply, according to the City. 

Additionally, successful applicants will have access to “one-on-one guidance” from an unnamed “professional marketing agency” to ensure the grant is effectively used. 

City of Fremantle business director Matt Hammond says the grants are aimed to “flood the market” with digital content from Freo’s small businesses to attract visitors during the closure. 

• As work progresses, the bridge’s closure looms. Photo courtesy City of Fremantle

“The involvement of a professional agency will both build capacity by transferring some lasting skills to the businesses, as well as enable strategic customer targeting and segmentation so that there is a ‘mass takeover’ by Fremantle businesses across digital platforms,” Mr Hammond said. 

“There will be no mention of the bridge closure as part of the campaign, as the focus will be on the incredible retail, tourism, and hospitality offerings that make Fremantle the top tourism town in Australia.” 

Chamber of Commerce CEO Chrissie Maus says support from the Chamber and City will be “vital” to the 

“Ensuring Fremantle traders can keep telling their stories, attracting visitors, and stay front of mind is essential… we will stand shoulder to shoulder with them to protect jobs, keep tills ringing, and show that Fremantle is absolutely open for business,” Ms Maus said. 

“Smart, targeted marking will ensure our small businesses stay competitive and confident… by lifting capability and promoting Fremantle collectively we can soften any potential impact, protect local jobs, and convert challenge into opportunity. 

“Fremantle has never backed down from a challenge and we’re not about to start now.” 

The City will be hosting a “community update session” next Friday, November 7, to inform potential applicants about the grant’s details.

by KATHERINE KRAAYVANGER