But turning that potential into reality takes more than a good idea. Even with the necessary approvals in place, businesses still face the challenge of managing costs and finding the money to bring their plans to life.
CREATING A SPACE WORTH INVESTING IN
When it comes to planning an outdoor space, there's a huge difference between a few extra tables and somewhere customers actually want to sit.
Before forging ahead, businesses need to think about how the space will look, how customers will use it and how well it will stand up to the elements.
Greenery, lighting and furnishings can transform an overlooked corner into an inviting space, while features like awnings and outdoor heating can make it more comfortable to use throughout the year.
Whether it's catering to customers stopping by for a quick coffee, groups gathering for a long lunch or families with young children, the layout should reflect their needs while continuing to serve the business well beyond the initial upgrade.
But getting that balance right, particularly when investing in quality materials and all-weather features, can come at a considerable cost.
COVERING THE COST OF AN OUTDOOR UPGRADE
The price of an outdoor upgrade can vary considerably, from a few thousand dollars for new furniture to tens of thousands for more extensive improvements.
For smaller hospitality businesses, finding the money to cover these upfront expenses can be a challenge, particularly alongside everyday operating costs.
Government grants and incentives
Some local councils and government programs offer grants to encourage improvements to shopfronts, commercial streetscapes and outdoor dining areas, helping businesses cover costs such as landscaping, awnings and other upgrades.
However, these opportunities are often limited to particular locations, with restricted funding rounds, eligibility requirements and conditions on how the money can be spent. While they can provide a welcome boost, businesses may need to look elsewhere to cover the full cost of their plans.
Business loans
Business finance offers another option.
Rather than finding the entire amount upfront, cafe and restaurant owners can borrow the funds and repay them over an agreed period, along with any applicable interest and fees, helping them manage repayments alongside other operating expenses.
These loans can provide funding for anything from modest improvements to major renovations, with loan amounts and repayment terms varying according to the lender and the business's circumstances.
Business loans also offer flexibility in how the funds are used. Rather than being restricted to a single purchase, a venue may be able to cover several aspects of an upgrade, from landscaping and construction to furniture and fittings, alongside other improvements such as kitchen equipment or interior renovations.
For smaller hospitality businesses, access to finance can help get projects off the ground without draining cash reserves or putting additional pressure on day-to-day operations.