THE response to the "Great Whitsunday Business Kickstart" has been very positive so far, according to Ray White's business manager, Joanne Moynihan.

The program is aimed at providing a kickstart to a budding entrepreneur by providing them with a business package in the Whitsunday Shopping Centre to help them get their business off the ground.

There has been a lot of interest from people with many different ideas tossed in the mix, and Ms Moynihan is looking forward to receiving their business plans going in to more detail about their businesses.

The package includes a rent free period, a fitted out café, logo design and signage, t-shirts, aprons, and more.

Whitsundays Marketing and Development small business advisor Deb Lewis has also offered to give advice on opening a business including forms and templates and any grants that may be available.

Ms Moynihan said a lot of interest had come from people with a hospitality background and there had been some very creative and fresh ideas discussed.

She said some of the ideas combined a mixture of cafés and other businesses which could offer a unique and ambient setting for customers to enjoy.

The promotion has added a renewed vibrancy to the Whitsunday Shopping Centre, with a variety of new businesses interested in operating in the vacant shops in the centre.

Marino's café, which was gutted by fire two weeks ago, has temporarily moved into the location near Coles where the successful applicant will eventually occupy.

Centre manager Theresa Manning said this was an advantage for kickstart applicants.

"This is a good opportunity to see a working café in operation," she said.

Ms Moynihan said anyone who was interested in applying for the kickstart could take a walk through the café when it was open but if they wanted to look through the kitchen they should contact her to arrange a tour.

Applications close on Friday, March 28. Once the successful candidate has been selected, an opening date will be negotiated with centre management.

To find out more about the program or arrange a tour contact joanne.moynihan@raywhite.com