The City of Melbourne Council says it is cutting red tape to making it easier to do business in the city.
The draft Budget 2022–23, to be released on Tuesday, includes $730,000 to extend the Business Concierge service – providing recovery and specialised support, startup advice and mentoring at no cost to more than 15,000 businesses.
A $1 million commitment for Invest Melbourne will ramp up work to encourage new proposals, attract global headquarters and significant projects, and simplify start-up processes, said Lord Mayor, Sally Capp.
“We want Melbourne to be renowned as a ‘city of yes’ – a place that backs local businesses, grows our economy and creates more jobs for Melburnians,” she said.
“We’re waiving fees, providing specialised advice and boosting our events calendar to invest in Melbourne’s momentum and restore confidence.
“By cutting red tape, we want to make it easier for businesses to get on with the job, rather than being caught up in the hassle and cost of paperwork.”
More than 60 businesses looking to establish in Australia have already been identified, and Invest Melbourne is actively targeting these organisations to choose Melbourne over any other capital city, the Lord Mayor said.
“Precinct Associations play an incredibly important role in advocating for local businesses, bringing them together to share ideas and encouraging spending in local neighbourhoods,” said Business and Global Opportunities portfolio lead, Councillor Kevin Louey.
“It’s an important time to invest in our city precincts – that’s why we’re providing $1 million to create opportunities for networking, education and training, and promotions to activate every corner of our municipality.”
A new digital system to fast-track permits is also set to be introduced, making it easier for businesses and developers to lodge and track applications for dozens of different permit types, including on-street trading and business advertising.
Over $500,000 will support more than 1,500 hospitality venues and 1,000 creatives through the extension of outdoor dining and busking permit fee waivers until 31 October. Since 2020, Council has absorbed $2 million in permit fees to ease the burden, she said.
“Melbourne is the engine room of Victoria’s economy – and small business owners are integral to our city’s prosperity now and into the future,” said Small Business portfolio lead, Councillor Jason Chang.
“We know small business owners need our continued support, which is why we’re extending our Business Concierge service to provide one-on-one advice and assistance to thousands of traders.”
Meanwhile, more than $33.7 million will be spent on events, festivals and creative initiatives to bring millions of visitors to Melbourne, and increase spending across retail, hospitality and cultural institutions.
Precinct Associations will also receive $1 million in a further boost for neighbourhood businesses.
The draft Budget 2022–23 will be announced tomorrow, with a one-month period of public consultation to follow.
