Business sector support grant

Promotes local precincts, connects businesses to opportunities, grows skills and knowledge and helps advocate on key issues.

Man standing in doorway of building covered in artwork.

Applications are now closed

Applications open: Tuesday 6 February 2024
Applications close: Tuesday 5 March 2024
Project timeline: 1 July 2024 to 30 June 2025
Recommendations to Council: June 2024

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We’d like to help you choose the right grant and provide tips for a successful application.

: 02 9265 9333
: [email protected]

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About this program

This grant program supports sector development projects that grow the skills and capacity of local businesses, entrepreneurs and communities, advocate on key issues on behalf of local business, connect businesses to networking opportunities and promote local precincts.

Our funding will prioritise projects that:
- support local businesses to adapt to new technologies, explore alternative business models and increase accessibility
- upskill local businesses and entrepreneurs to meet the needs of a more innovative economy
- build the skills and capacity of our diverse communities to increase economic participation
- advocate on key industry/sector issues on behalf of local businesses
- deliver collaborative marketing to activate local precincts and promote unique experiences across the city.
We encourage applications from organisations that support Aboriginal and Torres and Strait Islander communities and culture, including Aboriginal community-controlled organisations and networks.
Proposals are assessed against:
- evidence of the need for the project and proposed outcomes
- capacity and experience of the applicant to deliver the project
- demonstrated connection and benefit to the local area and community
- evidence of diversity, inclusion and equity in the planning and delivery of the project
- how the project delivers against the funding priorities.
For comprehensive information, including definitions and other details, refer to the business support grant program in the grants and sponsorship program guidelines.

For information on how to ensure a safe and successful event refer to the City’s event guidelines, associated policies and procedures.

If your project involves an outdoor event within the City of Sydney please discuss your event with the Outdoor Events & Filming Team via email on [email protected] or on (02) 9265 9333.

See list of recent grant recipients, including description of projects and amount approved.

Sustainable Sydney 2030-2050 Continuing the Vision outlines the goals we have set to make the city green, global and connected.

Funding available

Cash funding from $10,000 to $50,000 per year is available, for a one-year program or multi-year funding (up to 3 years).

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

Applicants can apply for up to $5,000 worth of capital expenditure or equipment purchase.

Eligibility

To be eligible an applicant must operate within the City of Sydney’s local government area or be able to demonstrate significant benefits for the area’s residents, workers, sector/industry and/or visitors.

These organisations can apply:
- Not-for-profit organisations
- Members based organisations 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.
Funding is not available for:
- operational costs or overheads for the core business of an organisation
- projects that directly contravene the eligibility and ethics framework or existing City of Sydney policies.