Business Group Support Grants
About
The Cardinia Business Group Support Grant Program is a funding program open to recognised and incorporated business and trader organisations operating within Cardinia Shire to implement initiatives to support the business community, stimulate growth and foster economic prosperity.
Grants open 9am Monday 20 January 2025.
The grant program will provide funding for incorporated business and trader associations to run initiatives and programs that:
- Foster collaborative business environments and partnerships
- Support the growth and development of local businesses
- Enhance the visitor experience in our townships and increase business engagement with the community
- Increase economic activity and spend within the local economy
- Introduce new initiatives that diversify the local economy
Grant Categories
There are 2 grant categories and a total of $30,000 funding available.
Category 1 - Strategic Projects Grant (up to $10,000)
This stream is designed to support strategic initiatives that have the potential to make a significant impact on the local business community. Examples include:
- Professional services for strategic planning, stakeholder engagement, research and data
- Precinct marketing strategies
- Training and development for local businesses
- Workforce development initiatives
- Fairs / Expos for local businesses
- Business development activities such as training workshops and networking events
- Entrepreneurship support
Category 2 - Small Projects Grant (up to $5,000)
This stream is designed to support smaller-scale initiatives that provide immediate and practical benefits to business groups. Examples inluce:
- Development of promotional material for projects or events
- Purchase of small items of equipment to support project delivery
- Networking events including: speakers and workshops
- Consultants for strategic planning and engagement (i.e. financial long-term sustainability)
- Projects to support group sustainability and governance
Multiple applicants may be considered for funding under the two separate categories.
Eligibility
Applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Be a trader/business group operating within the Cardinia Shire
- Project must be based in Cardinia Shire
- Be registered as an incorporated association or auspiced by an incorporated association
- Have an active Australian Business Number (ABN)
- $20 million Public Liability Insurance
- Have acquitted any previous Council grants and have no outstanding debts to Cardinia Shire Council
- Consult with the relevant Council Officer before applying.
What Cannot be Funded
Examples of projects or items that will not be funded include:
- Projects/programs based outside of Cardinia Shire
- Activations, programs or projects that are member only focused
- Items or activities that are part of an organisation’s core business or their normal day-to-day operating expenses e.g. wages, insurances, utilities, office rental, insurance, storage etc.
- Office consumables and software, subscriptions, materials, or advertising that is necessary to the running of the association, or activities such as bookkeeping
- Retrospective funding for Projects or events that already exist or have been held
- Initiatives from an individual business rather than a group or organisations
- Festivals and events that seek to promote, launch an organisation or business
- Projects that are currently receiving, or have received, any other Cardinia Shire Council support or funding
- Projects and/or programs that are considered for the purpose to advance an organisation’s religious or political position
- Projects that are the funding responsibility of other levels of government or duplicate other local service responses
- Fundraising activities
- Catering exceeding $1,000 and alcohol
- Prize money or competitions
- Activities that do not deliver on the program objectives
- Capital works projects (as defined in Council’s Community Capital Works Grants Policy)
- Proposals that do not hold the relevant permits required for the activity
- Festivals and events that benefit members only or a specific audience to the exclusion of the broader community.
How to Apply
Applications will be recived through Council's grant platform SmartyGrants
Before applying for the grant you must read the grant guidelines.
More Information and Assistance
For more information or for help with the grant application process contact our Economic Development Team.
Call: 1300 787 624
Email: business@cardinia.vic.gov.au