The Victorian Government is working with the City of Melbourne to roll out an additional $10 million in grants, mentoring and support services to further help businesses across the central business district (CBD) who have felt the effects of coronavirus.

Of this funding, $2 million will extend the support provided by the City of Melbourne’s Business Concierge program, providing professional mentoring, advice and skills-building programs in financial management, marketing and continuity planning. This gives businesses the tools they need to get to the other side of this global pandemic.

A further $8 million will be available for business transformation grants of up to $5,000 each. These grants will bolster businesses that are making changes - adapting business models, creating new streams of revenue and activating areas and precincts that are most impacted by the drop-in foot traffic, including the CBD, Docklands and Southbank.

Lord Mayor Sally Capp welcomed the financial support available for city businesses.

"These businesses are a critical part of the fabric of our city and they are more than just numbers on a balance sheet," the Lord Mayor said. 

"They are Melburnians who have taken a risk to pursue a passion and provide employment for others. 

"The continued viability and success of Melbourne businesses is critical to Victoria, as our economy accounts for one quarter of the overall Victorian economy.

"Providing $8 million in business transformation grants will bolster those adapting their business models, creating new streams of revenue and seeking to activate areas in the CBD, Docklands and Southbank most impacted by the drop in foot traffic.

"Allocating $2 million in business support will extend the support provided by our Business Concierge program, by connecting businesses with professional mentoring, advice and skills-building programs in financial management, marketing and continuity planning."

With individual business transformation grants of up to $5,000, the program is expected to support around 1,600 businesses.

Anyone wanting further information about what support is available for specific businesses can contact the City of Melbourne’s Business Concierge Hotline on 9658 9658.

Grant applications are now open and will close at 11.59pm on Thursday 3 September. For eligibility criteria, guidelines and how to apply, click here. 

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