Small Business Grants 2024

The deadline to apply for the City of Melbourne Small Business Grants is fast approaching. Small businesses have until Tuesday, 24 September 2024, at 12 pm to submit their applications. These grants offer up to $25,000 to help businesses grow, create jobs, and innovate in the local economy.

What the Grant Offers

The grant is available to small businesses in four streams, each designed to support different types of businesses:

• Open Stream: For any small business that meets the grant’s goals and eligibility rules.
  
  
• Social Enterprise Stream: For businesses that use profits to support a social cause.
  
  
• Circular Economy Stream: For businesses working to reduce waste and promote sustainability.
  
  
• Shopfront Occupancy Stream: For businesses moving into vacant street-facing shops, with an extra $5,000 available for those in key areas like Docklands.

The grant can be used for capital improvements like fitting out shops, building websites, or buying equipment. It won’t cover costs like rent or wages.

Grant Writing Webinar

With the deadline just around the corner, businesses should make use of these resources to prepare their application and submit it on time.

A Grant Writing Webinar is available online. It gives helpful tips on:

• How to meet the grant’s eligibility rules
• Answering key questions
• What documents to include
• How the assessment process works

How to Apply

Applications are completed online through SmartyGrants. You will need to provide all required documents, like business plans and financial statements. Make sure your application is complete before submitting, as no changes can be made after submission. Late applications will not be accepted.
For more information, visit the City of Melbourne website at Small Business Grants | City of Melbourne

Key Points Before Applying

• Your business must have fewer than 20 full-time employees.
• You must be based in the City of Melbourne or plan to move there.
• Your business must show financial strength and stability.

Help with Applying

City of Melbourne has partnered with SBMS to offer 2024 Business Grant applicants a subsidised mentoring session with an experienced SBMS mentor for guidance around the grant process. Pay only $80 incl GST - (usually $145) for a 60-90 minute 1:1 online mentoring session. Offer closes 24/09/2024.  These one-on-one mentoring sessions help with business plans, finances, and more.

To book a mentoring session to help you with your application click below.