Small Business Grants Program

The program objectives for this round are to:

• encourage the establishment and growth of small businesses that:

1. 1. enhance the City of Melbourne’s reputation for business innovation, creativity, diversity, inclusiveness and environmental sustainability
   2. strengthen and diversify the local economy’s resilience by demonstrating a unique point-of-difference, sound business model and long-term financial viability
   3. generate employment and investment opportunities

• enhance the city’s vitality by increasing the occupancy rate of shopfronts across the municipality.

Note: For the purposes of this grant program, shopfronts are defined as a street-facing, ground level commercial properties.

To be eligible to receive a grant, you must:

• be located within or committed to relocate promptly (within three months of receiving a grant) to the City of Melbourne municipality.
• have a valid Australian Business Number (ABN)
• have less than 20 full-time or equivalent employees at the time of applying
• be an Australian registered business, sole trader, company, business cooperative or partnership and provide documented evidence of its legal structure
• be able to provide evidence of appropriate business insurances
• have no outstanding acquittals or debts to the City of Melbourne
• demonstrate financial viability as evidenced by relevant financial information
• Note: Shopfront occupancy stream ONLY: provide evidence of a commercial lease (for a minimum length of 12 months) if relocating to City of Melbourne or moving to a larger premises within City of Melbourne.

The program will not support:

• applicants that have an outstanding debt to City of Melbourne or that have failed to comply with the terms and conditions of any previous funding agreement with City of Melbourne
• franchisees, subsidiaries of larger companies, unincorporated associations
• government departments or agencies, foundations or grant making bodies
• political organisations or organisations that have a political purpose
• current City of Melbourne employees, immediate families and contractors
• entities that denigrate, exclude or offend parts of the community
• applicants who have already received funding from City of Melbourne for the same activity being requested in this program

Eligible costs include:

• Capital improvement costs associated with fit-out of business premises including, but not limited to furniture, cabinetry, joinery, partitioning, flooring, shelving, and painting.
• Website costs including development or enhancements.
• IT equipment costs including the purchasing of hardware (computers, laptops, printers, servers).
• Specialised equipment and software that is directly related to the operation of the new business or as part of the business expansion activity.
• Other expenditure items not listed above where it can be clearly demonstrated there is a significant need for the set up or expansion of the small business.

Ineligible costs include:

• Operational expenses which are ongoing costs to run the business, such as rent, utilities, legal costs, marketing, wages and personal expenses.
• Applications that do not meet the eligibility or assessment criteria.
• Expenditure items incurred prior to the date the business submitted an application.

See the guidelines for full details of expenditure eligible for SBG support.

1. Business plan, workforce and experience (40%)

• Clearly demonstrate the purpose, vision and business model of the small business is well researched, planned and validated.
• Establish the small business’s unique point of difference.
• Outline the workforce of the small business, the relevant experience of the core team members and their ability to deliver on the purpose and vision.
• Provide a marketing strategy with promotional plans, product/service positioning and identified target market/customers.

2. Benefits and impact to the City of Melbourne (20%)

• Outline how the small business will establish or locate itself in City of Melbourne and how the funding provided will benefit the municipality’s community including residents, students, visitors and/or businesses.
• Demonstrate the impact of your small business – in terms of economic, social and/or environmental benefits to City of Melbourne places and people, including its ethical and sustainable business practices.

3. Financial viability (40%)

• Clearly describe the long-term financial viability of the small business, including information such as projected financial statements, cash flows, annual turnover and total investment into establishment or expansion of the enterprise.
• Detailed outline of the activities this application to the grant round is for, including financial contributions to those activities from the small business.

See the guidelines for full details of the assessment criteria.

You should read and understand the guidelines.

You need to ensure you are eligible for the funding. Applicants that do not meet all the eligibility criteria outlined above will not be considered.

You must:

• Register online through the SmartyGrants portal and preview a copy of the application
• Plan, research and gather information required for your application
• Complete and submit your application before the closing date and time. Note: Late applications will not be accepted.
• Complete all questions
• Attach information requirements to your application

The following documents may be attached to your application.

• proof of the business being located in City of Melbourne municipality
• certificates of currency
• certificate of incorporation or registration of business name
• skills and qualifications of key business personnel
• financial statement (including profit and loss statements, cash flow and balance sheets)
• proof of expansion plans for existing City of Melbourne businesses (including increased floor space, new activity, additional staffing)
• Commercial lease for a minimum length of 12 months (Please note for the Shopfront Occupancy Stream priority will be given to leases signed after 1 July 2023)
• Shopfront Occupancy Stream ONLY – letter from landlord or property manager confirming period of time commercial shopfront space was vacant prior to lease

Additional or supporting documents can also include:

• letters of support from business partners and industry groups/associations
• marketing, public relations and promotional strategy including examples
• map showing the location(s) of activities or material flows
• organisational chart

See the guidelines for full details of information requirements.

Applications are submitted online using the SmartyGrants portal.

Register your interest here with GrantHelper to explore your alignment with this grant and how we can assist you to increase your chances of success.