The City of Melbourne has opened applications for grants of up to $10,000 for individuals and organisations that deliver initiatives aiming to enhance business development in the city.
Council has doubled its funding to $200,000 for this year’s Business Event Sponsorship program, enabling more conferences, workshops, seminars and other in-person events to be held in the municipality.
Up to $10,000 in grant funding will be available for individuals and organisations that hold events that encourage office workers into the city, support networking and collaboration, and enhance business development.
City of Melbourne Acting Lord Mayor, Nicholas Reece, said the program encourages businesses, innovators and entrepreneurs to come together and share ideas for the future.
“We are doubling our support for business events in Melbourne because we know that conferences and events are going to be doubly important as a driver of economic activity in the central city post-Covid,” Cr Reece said.
“Melbourne is one of the most connected cities in the world, where collaboration drives innovation, and our business and education sectors thrive as a result.
“Our tech industry in Victoria generates more than $38 billion to the economy and through this investment, we’re helping the industry grow; bringing even more business events to Melbourne.”
This year’s program will have an increased focus on innovation in life sciences, finance including fintech and funds management, information and communications technology, energy and environment.
Business and Global Opportunities Portfolio Lead, Councillor Kevin Louey, said the event will be an important step in the City’s post-pandemic recovery.
“The Business Event Sponsorship Program will drive the city’s economic recovery and create the conditions for a strong, adaptive, sustainable and thriving future city economy.
“Melbourne is at the forefront of medtech manufacturing, a leader in fintech and biotech and this is exciting news to continue delivering excellence and collaboration.”
Applications are open until Monday 29 August 2022. For more information and to apply, visit the City of Melbourne website.
