City of Melbourne Council has announced the return of its Small Business Grants Program in a bid to breathe new life into the city’s empty shopfronts as retail vacancy reaches a record low.
Council says the grants program will provide grants of up to $20,000 – for a total of $500,000 – to support local businesses to innovate and expand.
City businesses can apply for funding under two categories:
- Open – supporting new or established small businesses that are looking to expand their offering;
- Shopfront Occupancy – helping small businesses activate vacant spaces in the city.
Lord Mayor, Sally Capp says the program is set to support 25 local businesses.
“Over the past year, Melbourne’s retail vacancy has dropped to the lowest rate in the country at 10.7%. We will continue to invest across a diverse range of sectors as we work towards our goal of 5% retail vacancy or less,” said Lord Mayor Capp.
Council will also invest $100,000 to boost Melbourne’s business events through its Business Event Sponsorship Program, with events ranging from conferences, forums, expos and networking functions.
“Melbourne’s small businesses are critical to the economic and social well-being of our city, Since 1998, we’ve provided hundreds of grants, providing a valuable boost to existing businesses or a kick-start for new businesses,” said Business and Global Opportunities portfolio lead, Councillor Kevin Louey.
“As our economy continues to evolve and grow, we know business events will be critical in securing new investment in our city.”
Applications for the Small Business Grants Program and the Business Event Sponsorship Program open tomorrow (Tuesday 22 August) and will close Monday 25 September.
For more information or to apply, visit the City of Melbourne.
