Business Growth and Impact Grants Information Session

The Business Growth and Impact Grants support the establishment of new businesses and expansion of existing businesses within the City of Melbourne. Businesses funded through this program will fuel growth through job creation and bring new solutions and ways of doing business into the city.

This years' program is now inviting applications from businesses that are new to the municipality or existing businesses looking to expand or relocate their current offer within the municipality, to apply for up to $50,000 (ex GST) per application for one of the following streams:

• Start-up stream: Supports start-ups, scale-ups, and small businesses that are developing innovative solutions with the potential to compete nationally or globally or offer something unique that adds value and gives Melbourne a competitive edge.

• Expansion stream: Supports innovative businesses that are, expanding by launching a new product, service, or activity, or relocating within the municipality to grow their operations. They’re ideal for businesses looking to reduce risk, diversify, and tap into new growth areas - especially those reshaping their business models or offering services that can scale globally.

• Social impact stream:  For businesses that are driving positive social and/or environmental impact or re-investing profits into a mission that delivers lasting community benefit. The business may be certified B-Corporation or a for-profit business that meets Social Traders or People and Planet First definition of a social enterprise.

• Shopfront occupancy stream: Supports street-level businesses looking to build on the city’s reputation for unique offerings and enhance a local precinct by activating a commercial shopfront that has been vacant for more than six months. For the purposes of this stream, a shopfront is defined as street-facing, ground level commercial property.

The City of Melbourne is hosting an information session for businesses to learn about the application process, eligibility and assessment criteria, and have the opportunity to ask questions.