CreAsion. Sasaki heard about the program when one of his staff saw it featured in the free newspaper mX , and encouraged him to apply. He says he was awarded the grant because of the unique nature of his shop: it's solely focused on handmade macarons. Customers come from all over Sydney to try one of his macarons. The shop also meets the council's criteria of helping to revitalise Sydney's laneways. Sasaki has used the grant to fit out the shop and buy kitchen equipment and his involvement in the program has also assisted him to learn better business principles to help lift sales. His advice to other businesses wishing to win a grant is to focus on differentiating the enterprise from other similar businesses. "It has to be a very unique concept which attracts people from other areas," he says. Tips to being a successful council grant applicant: Know your business -- be clear in your application about what you are trying to achieve and your strategy. Be concise and honest in your responses. Make sure your point of difference is front and centre in your application. Take part in council-sponsored information and advice sessions to learn how to properly structure your application.