Chocolate lovers in the Ararat region had their sweet tooth satisfied by more than just the Easter Bunny last month, with retailer Mountains of Chocolate opening its doors on Barkly Street prior to the long weekend.

The shop offers a range of artisanal chocolates, gift-ready pre-packaged selections, cakes and slices and a café.

Mountains of Chocolate is among several Ararat businesses to receive money through Ararat Rural City Council’s Façade Improvement Grants scheme, which awards grants of up to $10,000 to local businesses on a two-to-one basis, allowing them to refresh their street frontages.

Mayor Jo Armstrong said the funding scheme was part of council’s effort to improve street appeal, maintain heritage buildings and support people looking to open a new business or expand an existing one.

“We’re absolutely thrilled to welcome a new retailer to Ararat’s Barkly Street precinct, which is sure to create a real buzz among our community,” she said.

“We’re incredibly fortunate to have such a diverse and unique range of traders in our community, and we encourage our residents and travellers to the region to shop small and support our local businesses.”

The council has supported more than 50 businesses through its façade improvement grants.

New or existing businesses interested in applying for the scheme can visit www.ararat.vic.gov.au or call 5355 0200.

All applications will be accessed by an internal panel from Ararat Rural City Council.

Mountains of Chocolate is at 52 Barkly Street, Ararat, and is open every day except Wednesday from 9am to 5pm.

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