Up to $130,000 of annual funding to successful applicants for business development initiatives, marketing campaigns and local activations that promote the trader area to visitors.
On this page you will find
What is the Precinct Business Association Program?
The City of Melbourne Precinct Business Association Program 2025–27 is a grant initiative designed to support recognised trader associations that promote and activate key precincts within the municipality. The program helps these precinct associations boost economic activity, promote vibrancy, increase visitation, and support the unique identity and competitiveness of Melbourne’s retail and commercial districts.
Associations that are successful under the program will become “Recognised Precinct Business Associations” and receive annual funding to deliver strategic plans, marketing initiatives, business support activities, and community events that enhance their local area.
Precinct Business Association Program level of support
Funding is provided under two streams: Administrative Funding and Business Development, Marketing & Place Activation Funding, both offered annually.
Minimum and Maximum Amount of Funding
1. Administrative Funding:
- $30,000 for associations with 25–100 members (each paying at least $50/year)
- $30,000 + $100/member for associations with 101–199 members
- $40,000 for associations with 200+ members
2. Business Development, Marketing & Place Activation Funding:
- $600/member for associations with 25–100 members (up to a maximum of $60,000)
- Bonus $300/member for associations with 101–199 members
- $30,000 flat for associations with 200+ members
Co-contribution:
There is no specific co-contribution requirement listed in the guidelines. However, membership fees of at least $50 per member per year are mandatory for funding eligibility.
Precinct Business Association Program important dates
- Applications Close: Monday 28 April 2025 at 9am
- Register your interest with GrantHelper
Precinct Business Association Program objectives
The program supports precinct associations to:
- Promote local businesses and drive economic activity.
- Enhance the vibrancy and appeal of local shopping and business areas.
- Improve competitiveness and resilience of small businesses.
- Foster collaboration, innovation, and community pride.
- Represent and advocate for member interests.
Projects and expenditure eligible for Precinct Business Association Program support
Eligible activities for funding include:
- Business Development Initiatives: Networking functions, business events, and seminars.
- Place Activation Projects: Markets, pop-ups, installations, and interactive experiences that attract visitors.
- Marketing and Promotion: Consumer advertising campaigns, digital marketing, social media, printed collateral (e.g. brochures and newsletters), and participation in City of Melbourne-led campaigns (e.g. Moomba, Chinese New Year, Christmas).
Ineligible Expenditure
- Memberships paid by organisations run by the City of Melbourne.
- Memberships that are honorary, unpaid, or not financially verified.
- Executive involvement by certain member categories (e.g., landlords, suppliers, institutions).
Other Precinct Business Association Program important details that you will need to know
Organisations eligible for Precinct Business Association Program support
Eligible applicants must be:
- Incorporated associations representing traders within a City of Melbourne precinct.
- Located within the municipality and demonstrate commercial or retail significance.
- Compliant with the Associations Incorporation Reform Act 2012.
- Able to provide documentation including a current membership register, legal structure, acquittal reports, and a membership development plan.
Ineligible applicants include:
- Associations outside the City of Melbourne boundaries.
- Associations with outstanding debts or unacquitted past grants.
- Associations whose members breach the Standards of Conduct.
See the guidelines for full details of organisational requirements.
Precinct Business Association Program assessment criteria
Funding decisions are made based on:
- Documentation completeness and compliance with eligibility.
- Demonstrated membership base and representation.
- Strategic alignment with program objectives.
- History of delivery in representing and activating the precinct.
- Capacity to deliver proposed business development and marketing initiatives.
While specific percentages are not provided, performance will be assessed via Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) including:
- Membership growth and engagement.
- Member and precinct-wide satisfaction.
- Number and impact of activations and events delivered.
- Marketing outcomes and precinct visibility.
- Quality and frequency of member communications.
How do I get the Precinct Business Association Program?
Applicants must:
- Read and understand the guidelines.
- Ensure eligibility for the funding. Applicants that do not meet all the eligibility criteria will not be considered.
- Deliver the project/s as outlined in the application.
- Provide complete information requirements.
Information to prepare for the Precinct Business Association Program application
Applicants must prepare and submit:
- Completed Application for Recognition and Funding form.
- Up-to-date membership register (≥25 members, each paid ≥$50/year).
- Signed funding agreement and Commitment to Standards of Conduct.
- Vision, strategic and business/activity plan.
- Annual financial statements and acquittal report.
- Documentation verifying membership fee payments (e.g., receipts, bank statements).
- Minutes from the AGM and most recent general meeting.
- Evidence of quarterly member communications.
- Letter of support from centre managers for bulk memberships (if applicable).
See the guidelines for full details of information requirements.
Applying for the Precinct Business Association Program
Applications are submitted annually via SmartyGrants Portal.
Register your interest with GrantHelper to explore your alignment with this grant and how we can assist you to increase your chances of success.
Precinct Business Association Program resources
Is Your Business Eligible for This Government Grant?
GrantHelper can assist with your organisation’s grant application, no matter what stage of the funding journey you’re at.
Whenever You’re Ready, Here Are 7 Ways We Can Help You
- Grant Application Readiness
Assess your current position, identify gaps, and prepare your organisation to meet the stringent requirements of competitive grant programs. - Grant Application Strategy
Pinpoint the right grants, align your projects with funding priorities, and establish a roadmap that significantly boosts your chances of success. - Grant Application Search
Let us do the heavy lifting to uncover the most relevant and high-value grant opportunities tailored to your business objectives. - Grant Application Writing
Our expert writers craft persuasive applications that showcase your strengths and align seamlessly with the funder’s goals and criteria. - Grant Application Review
Receive detailed, strategic feedback to sharpen your application, address potential weaknesses, and ensure maximum alignment with assessment benchmarks. - Grant Application Management
End-to-end oversight of your grant journey — from planning and writing to submission and reporting — so you can stay focused on running your business. - Grant Application Courses
Access self-paced online training to build your internal capability and develop the skills needed to navigate and succeed in the grant landscape.
Ready to get started?
Not Ready to Enquire Yet?
We understand that winning grants takes time—something many business owners and directors don’t have. That’s why we’re here to guide you every step of the way.
Our Insights showcase some of the grant-winning methods we employ at GrantHelper, and they will help you create a stronger grant application.
Explore our Insights page, or our Podcasts page, where you’ll find expert advice, actionable tips, and time-saving strategies to help you get grant-ready.
Alternatively, check out some of the Clients we’ve helped and what they had to say about us.
