Economic grants
Supporting projects that activate local areas and grow the skills, capability and capacity of local businesses.
Economic grants briefing: Wednesday 22 July, 11:30am to 12:30pm
Our next grants round opens 21 July. Join this webinar to learn about the new grants program, what’s changed and the opportunities for local businesses to grow skills, capability and capacity as well as activating precincts and places.
Discuss your project or idea
The grants team is available in person or online.
Our economic grants support projects that help local businesses grow and enliven neighbourhoods.
We support proposals that create economic benefits for our local area. This includes building skills and creating partnerships to attract long-term investment.
The program funds projects that:
- improve and activate local precincts and neighbourhoods
- build the skills, capacity and resilience of businesses and entrepreneurs
- help organisations adapt to new technology, explore new business models and improve accessibility.
We prioritise projects led by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander businesses and community-controlled organisations.
Local businesses, industry associations, business collectives and business chambers can apply if they meet other eligibility criteria.
This program aligns with our economic development strategy.
Help with grants in your language
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Our funding categories
The economic grants program is part of our main annual funding round. It opens once a year in late July for 6 weeks.
Applicants apply online and are notified of the outcome in November. Projects can start from 1 January.
There are 2 grant categories opening for applications 21 July 2026.
Our funding priorities
Our funding will prioritise projects that:
- support place-based initiatives led by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander businesses and community-controlled organisations
- create distinct experiences and a sense of place in precincts and neighbourhoods
- build the skills, capacity and resilience of local businesses, entrepreneurs and priority communities
- adapt to new technology, explore alternative business models and improve accessibility.
Support for events or festivals
We’ve changed how we support festivals and events.
We still support events and experiences, but there’s no longer a separate festivals and events sponsorship program.
Other opportunities for support
These programs are open all year until budgets are exhausted.
Opportunities
Apply for venue hire supportOur venue hire support grants help community and cultural groups and organisations to access our indoor venues at reduced rates.In progressOpportunities
Apply for street banner hire supportApply for free or discounted street banner pole hire to promote your cultural event or community activity.In progressCultural support & funding
Dixon Street improvement grantSupports the revitalisation of the historic heart of Chinatown through matched funding for works to shop and building frontages.
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