Melbourne is a great place for businesses to start, grow and go global.
Whether you’re a cupcake whizz or a game-changing biotech startup, you’ll find valuable support and networks on your doorstep.
Read the City of Melbourne’s top five essentials to chart your journey from brilliant idea to making bank.
Number 1: Get one-on-one advice from our Business Concierge team
Our Business Concierge service, within Invest Melbourne makes it easier for traders to operate in the city – with fast-tracked permit approvals, business and marketing support, and industry contacts. Our dedicated team of case managers is on hand to support all businesses.
Start a conversation using the Business Concierge online form or call 9658 9658.
Number 2: Apply for a business grant
The City of Melbourne offers a range of grants and sponsorships to individuals, community organisations and businesses in the arts, recreation, events and business sectors.
Grants and sponsorships help recipients deliver quality programs, events, products and services that bring a wide range of environmental, social and economic returns to the city.
To learn more, visit Grants and sponsorships.
Number 3: Celebrate success with a prestigious business award
Melbourne is full of fantastic business success stories.
The City of Melbourne celebrates the people behind inner-city businesses that have stood the test of time with our Lord Mayor’s Small Business Achievement Awards.
To apply for an award, visit Lord Mayor’s Small Business Awards.
Your business might also be eligible for the Melbourne Awards, which celebrate the people and organisations making outstanding contributions in the following categories:
- Aboriginal Melbourne – ganbu guljin
- Access and Inclusion
- City Design
- Arts and Events
- Community
- Knowledge and Innovation
- LGBTIQA+
- Sustainability
To read about more of Melbourne’s brilliant businesses, visit Economy.
Number 4: Surround yourself with support and knowledge
You don’t have to go it alone.
- Join your local precinct association to take advantage of networking, training, promotion and knowledge-sharing among businesses in your neighbourhood.
- Browse comprehensive guides to starting your own business from Business Victoria and the Federal Government.
- Enhance your skills through Small Business Victoria workshops and the Small Business Mentoring Service.
- Connect with a huge network of business owners through the Victorian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Victoria’s peak body for businesses.
These are just a small number of the resources on hand to help you succeed in business. To discuss your needs, contact the City of Melbourne’s Business Concierge Service.
Number 5: Keep in touch through our Business in Melbourne newsletter
Subscribe to the Business in Melbourne newsletter for regular updates on local business news, grants, free training and support.
