Place and industry grants

Applications are now closed

Recommendations to Council: 27 June 2022

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About this program

Our place and industry grants seek to promote local neighbourhoods, connect businesses to opportunities, grow business skills and knowledge and help businesses to effectively advocate on key issues.

These grants specifically support local economic development initiatives so Sydney businesses can be more productive and competitive in the global marketplace.

Applicants have the option of presenting their project to the assessment panel in addition to the required online application form.

- promote local economies for the benefit of businesses
- connect business to opportunities
- grow business skills and capacity
- advocate on key issues on behalf of local business.
Projects can contribute to one or more of these outcomes:
- increased awareness of unique local precinct offerings and experiences
- increased footfall and measurable patronage and spend in local retail precincts
- improved access to industry/sector-specific information, upskilling and networking opportunities for local businesses
- strengthened advocacy by local chambers of commerce and precinct associations on behalf of their members
Applications are assessed against the funding priorities and expected program outcomes. The assessment panel will also consider:
- evidence of the need to be addressed within the local business community
- capacity and experience of the applicant to undertake the activities, including secured partnerships, marketing/promotional plans and any required approvals
- commitment, capacity and plans to continue the activities without further city support
- understanding of best practice approaches to addressing the need identified
- commitment and capacity to match the cash investment of the grant
- provision of required supporting documents.

Funding available

Funding is available for a 1 or 2-year program. Funding awarded is commensurate with the estimated economic benefits of the project and considered within the total pool of available funds.

Applicants must match the funding requested with cash and/or value-in-kind equal to or greater than the funds requested.

Value-in-kind in the form of street banner and venue hire fee waiver is also available.

Eligibility

To be eligible for funding an applicant must operate within the local area or be able to demonstrate benefits for the city’s residents, workers and/or visitors. Applicants must also apply for projects located in the local area.

The applicant must:
- be a not-for-profit
- be a members based organisation with an economic focus such as a chamber of commerce or industry association.
For more information on eligibility, see the eligibility section in the grants and sponsorship program guidelines.
- business and organisations that don’t align with those listed in the eligibility criteria
- projects located outside the local area
- projects that directly contravene the eligibility and ethics framework or our existing policies
- capital works or capital expenditure that exceeds $10,000
- costs associated with ‘business as usual’ activities, permanent staffing or ongoing operational costs
- purchase of buildings
- relocation of business or routine maintenance
- internal shop fittings including display shelves and painting
- properties owned by employees of the City of Sydney or other government agencies
- projects that rely on future recurrent funding.