Melbourne’s Lord Mayor Robert Doyle has announced $286,000 in annual grants to help boost new and emerging businesses and expand the city’s economy.
“This round of grants will support 13 small businesses and is forecast to generate more than $20.2 million in turnover and equity and the creation of around 100 new jobs in the city,” says Lord Mayor Robert. “We had an increased number of applications this year from a diverse array of businesses which demonstrates the growth in jobs, innovation and productivity in Melbourne.”
Small enterprises account for 80 per cent of Melbourne’s businesses and since its inception in 1996, the City of Melbourne’s Small Business Grants Program has provided $8.3 million in direct financial support to 370 small businesses. The grants have generated more than $131 million in turnover, investment and export earnings and have helped to create more than 900 jobs.
Reground, a eco-start-up that turns the coffee grounds into nutrient rich, garden fertiliser, is one of the grant recipients.
“Small businesses like Reground demonstrate that practical sustainability can generate commercial returns, support the community and importantly, create jobs. The grant from the city will help them expand by adding a plastics collection and environmental audit service,” says Robert.
The City of Melbourne Small Business Grants program has been a springboard for success with names like NexVet, KeepCup, TouchOne, Kisa and Koko Black among others.
“These grants stimulate growth and investment – what’s more, coupled with Melbourne’s many international business partnerships, mentoring programs and promotions, the City of Melbourne is helping businesses step up onto the world stage,” Robert says.
The City of Melbourne says there are more than 13,000 small businesses seeking to make their mark in the world of retail, design, consulting, high-tech sciences, environmental services and manufacturing, some of whom have been lucky to be grant recipients. The full list is available here.
Picture caption: Small Business Grant recipient Ninna Larsen from Reground.
