The City of Melbourne’s Business Growth and Impact Grants are back, and they’re bigger than ever. Designed to support passionate small businesses, start-ups, and social enterprises, these grants help innovative thinkers bring their ideas to life and contribute to a thriving local economy.

Formerly known as the Small Business Grants, the program now offers four funding streams with a new co-contribution option to help applicants secure larger grants:

1. Start-up – For start-ups, scale-ups, and small businesses developing innovative solutions that give Melbourne a competitive edge.

2. Expansion – For established businesses launching a new product, service, or expanding within the municipality.

3. Social Impact – For businesses driving positive social or environmental outcomes, or reinvesting profits into community benefit projects.

4. Shopfront Occupancy – For businesses reactivating vacant street-level spaces to revitalise local precincts.

Applications open: Monday, 27 October 2025
Close: Monday, 1 December 2025 at 12pm AEDT

You can view eligibility details and funding options in the official Program Guidelines on the City of Melbourne website.

Tips for Writing a Winning Grant Proposal

Writing a successful grant proposal is equal parts strategy and storytelling. At Custom Neon, we’ve learned firsthand how impactful the right funding can be, securing grants played a major role in our journey from a $500 start-up to a global brand now having turned over in excess of $60 million.

One of our biggest wins came through the Victorian Government’s Global Gateway Program, part of the $15.7 million Export Recovery Package. That grant helped us expand internationally, and it’s a reminder that opportunities like Melbourne’s Growth & Impact Grants can truly transform a business.

Here are my key takeaways for crafting a winning application:

Know the Criteria – Go beyond eligibility. Tailor your application to show how your business uniquely meets the grant’s objectives and strengthens Melbourne’s economy.

Be Prepared – Have your financials, case studies, and supporting documents ready. Being prepared means you can apply quickly and confidently.

Tell Your Story – Don’t just list achievements. Share the “why” behind your business, what problem you solve, who you help, and how you make an impact.

Keep It Clear and Focused – Avoid jargon or lengthy detail. Your proposal should be easy to follow and focused on measurable outcomes.

Presentation Matters – A polished design or branded proposal template can set you apart, but always customise it to the grant’s requirements. Incorporate authentic testimonials, photos, or examples of community impact if relevant.

Melbourne’s small business scene is full of creativity and drive, and programs like this are designed to amplify that potential. Whether you’re launching a start-up, expanding a social enterprise, or reviving a local shopfront, it's worth applying, you never know, you might just be successful! 

If you aren't based in Melbourne, there are plenty of other opportunities to explore. Each Australian state and territory offers its own business grants, along with national programs designed to support innovation, sustainability, and export growth.

A good place to start is business.gov.au, which has a dedicated Grants and Programs Finder, allowing you to search by location, industry, or business stage. You can also explore local council websites, regional development initiatives, Chamber of Commerce, LinkedIn or industry-specific bodies, which often release short-term funding rounds. Subscribing to government newsletters or alerts can help you spot new opportunities.