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                    Social Enterprise Grants

                    Worker removing a bin from inside a shop
                    The City of Melbourne’s social enterprise grants program supports social enterprise businesses to thrive in Melbourne.

                    The Social Enterprise Grants Program opened 12pm Monday 29 January 2024.

                    The program supports new and existing enterprises with a distinctly social purpose. Up to $20,000 per application is up for grabs. 

                    For the purpose of this program, a ‘social enterprise’ is defined as an organisation that derives most of their income from trade and uses profits to contribute to their social mission. Within this definition, types of applicants may be not-for-profit or for-profit businesses. 

                    Organisations must be located within the City of Melbourne municipality, looking to establish itself in the City of Melbourne, or most of the workforce for the main activity must be based within the City of Melbourne.

                    There is a specific program stream for those working on circular economy solutions challenging the notion of what ‘waste’ is, and finding pathways towards embracing a circular economy and zero waste. An open stream is available to social enterprises working on any other impact solution. 

                    The program will accept applications from individual organisations and organisations proposing a collaborative project. 

                    More information on how to apply, program guidelines and frequently asked questions can be found below. 

                    For more information you can contact our Business Funding team through: businessfunding@melbourne.vic.gov.au. For circular economy specific queries contact circulareconomy@melbourne.vic.gov.au​. Alternatively, you can phone 9658 9658. 

                    ​Key dates

                    • Applications open Monday 29 January 2024 at 12pm AEST
                    • Applications close Monday 4 March at 3pm AEST
                    • Assessment and approval March and April
                    • Successful applicants will be publicly announced by June, after letters of agreement are in place.
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                    Social Enterprise Grants Round 2023-24 information session

                    ​Apply

                    Please select the type of grant you want to apply for:

                    Financial templates

                    A set of financial templates have been developed to assist applicants as part of submitting financial information in their application. Applicants may use their own statements as long as they contain a similar amount of detail.

                    Regardless of the templates used, please provide sufficient assumptions/notes to support the projected financial data.

                    Download financial projections templates:

                    Technical assistance with application form

                    We use SmartyGrants software for our online application form. For technical assistance with the SmartyGrants system refer to the SmartyGrants help guide for applicants.

                    SmartyGrants advises applicants to preview the application forms using the following supported browsers:

                    • Google Chrome v3.0+ 
                    • Safari v3.0+
                    • Firefox v2.0+
                    • Internet Explorer v8.0+ 

                    Please note Internet Explorer v7.0 is supported with limitations and v6.0 is not supported.

                    Information for applicants

                    About the program

                    The Social Enterprise Grants Program (the program) supports the establishment and expansion of businesses with a distinctly social purpose. To help you understand if you are a social enterprise the State Government provides additional resources.

                    The program is aligned to our Economic Development Strategy 2031 enhancing the City of Melbourne’s reputation for business vitality, diversity and inclusiveness, and contributing to the city’s economy and community. This program also supports the Waste and Resource Recovery Strategy 2030. Examples of activities funded through the circular economy stream of this program include increasing the lifecycle of hard to recycle products, or the refurbishment of products that might otherwise go to landfill. Find out more information on creating a circular economy.

                    This grant round will: 

                    • encourage the establishment, development and expansion of sustainable social enterprises which enhance the City of Melbourne’s business vitality, diversity and inclusiveness
                    • support social enterprises and circular economy solutions that demonstrate a unique point-of-difference and benefit the city.

                    Eligibility

                    To be eligible for a City of Melbourne social enterprise grant, the applicant will:

                    • have a valid Australian Business Number (ABN) or Australian Company Number (ACN)
                    • meet the program guidelines definition of a social enterprise 
                    • have documented evidence of an appropriate legal structure, such as a sole trader, an Australian registered company, business cooperative or partnership
                    • have no outstanding acquittals or debts to the City of Melbourne
                    • demonstrate financial viability as evidenced by a basic business plan, including projected financial statements
                    • demonstrate sustainable business practices in line with the Australian ethical charter
                    • be able to commence the funded activity upon receiving the grant
                    • complete and acquit the funded activity within 12 months.

                    For detailed information and other eligibility criteria, please ensure you read our guidelines before applying.

                    How to apply

                    Applications for grants are completed online using SmartyGrants.​ Applications must address the eligibility, assessment criteria, answer all questions and be submitted prior to the program closing date.

                    Applicants with a disability may contact us to discuss any additional support they need. If you are deaf, hearing-impaired, or speech-impaired, please email ​or call us via the National Relay Service:

                    • Teletypewriter (TTY) users phone 133 677 then ask for 03 9658 8710
                    • Speak & Listen users phone 1300 555 727 then ask for 03 9658 8710.​

                    Application process

                    1. ​Read the guidelines
                    2. Register online at SmartyGrants and preview a copy of the application
                    3. Plan, research and gather information required for your application
                    4. Complete and submit your application before the closing date and time (Note: Late applications will not be accepted)
                      1. Complete all questions 
                      2. Allow ample time to upload supporting documents
                    5. Submit only one application for this funding round
                    6. On submission, you will receive an electronic reply acknowledging receipt from SmartyGrants. Once you have submitted your application, no further editing or supporting materials will be accepted.

                    Where the application is for a collaborative project, a lead applicant will submit the application form, then note collaborating businesses within an application field by clicking the collaboration button and adding collaborators in SmartyGrants​. Attach brief letters of support from appropriate business representatives incorporating their contact details.

                    What will we fund

                    Before submitting a grant application, it is important to understand the types of activities and initiatives we fund and those we do not. 

                    We fund expenditure items that are directly related to the proposal. We do not fund operational expenses that are considered as ongoing costs such as rent, utilities, wages and personal expenses. Refer to the guidelines for more detail.

                    Assessment process

                    • City of Melbourne check applications to establish that all eligibility criteria are met. This is referred to as due diligence. 
                    • Applications are individually assessed in relation to the criteria through a competitive process. This is undertaken with an assessment panel including internal staff from City of Melbourne.
                    • City of Melbourne senior management consider the diversity of applications as a set. 
                    • Recommended applications are provided to Council for their decision. 
                    • Applications are confidential. The contents will not be disclosed to any person outside the application and assessment process. A short summary of the project concept will be used in reports to Council.
                    • The City of Melbourne does not seek to correct errors in applications or supporting material. Applications are assessed as they have been submitted.
                    • The City of Melbourne reserves the right to request further information in considering any application, as well as the right to reject any application that is ineligible or does not meet the grant category criteria.  
                    • Assessment panels may recommend part funding. 
                    • All funding decisions of Council are final. Unsuccessful applicants are eligible to re-apply in future funding rounds in accordance with the grant guidelines.
                    • The applicant names, brief project description and funding amounts of successful applicants will be made publicly available, including publication on the City of Melbourne website and in media releases.

                    How can I receive alerts when the next round is due to open?

                    ​To keep up to date, subscribe to our regular newsletter Business in Melbourne. We can also keep you informed of the opening dates of the small business and social enterprise grants if you email businessfunding@melbourne.vic.gov.au​. 

                    Other grants and funding options

                    There are a range of other grants and funding options available to businesses. We recommend you do an online search for new funding opportunities in addition to visiting the following websites:

                    • Business Victoria publishes a comprehensive list of grants, vouchers and assistance programs available to businesses in Victoria from the Victorian Government.
                    • Business.gov.au has a grant finder which publishes grants and funding opportunities from all levels of government.

                    Starting a business

                    If you’re starting a business in Melbourne, there are plenty of networks, resources and support services available to you. 

                    Find information on what's needed to start a business, how to engage with Melbourne startups, access statistics and find business networks and precincts. There is also support for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander businesses and entrepreneurs.​

                    Frequently asked questions

                    Small business grants / Social enterprise grants

                    Am I eligible for a grant?

                    • I have a market-ready product/service that will enhance City of Melbourne‘s reputation
                    • My business is sustainable (minimal adverse impact to social & environment aspects)
                    • I have 20 or less employees
                    • Will create employment opportunities
                    • I have a sustainable business
                    • My business is unique (different from other businesses)
                    • I do not receive funding another City of Melbourne grant, sponsorship or expression of interest program
                    • My business is or will be located in the City of Melbourne - view the municipality boundary

                    How do I apply?

                    ​Applications are online. We do not accept applications sent by email or via post (hard mail).

                    I don’t have a computer. Do I have to apply for a grant online?

                    ​All grant applications must be submitted online. If you do not have a computer, we suggest that you use a computer at a library in order to apply.

                    When can I apply for a grant? Are applications open throughout the year?

                    ​Applications are open twice a year.

                    • First round opens beginning of March and closes end of April
                    • Second round opens beginning of August and closes in September
                    • Exact dates are updated on this page.

                    Required supporting documents

                    You must provide the following documents with your application. It is important that the documents you provide include your business name and address as it appears on the grant application.

                    Supporting documents help grant assessors understand your proposal clearly.

                    • Financial statements and budgets (templates provided)
                    • Business plan and/or marketing plan
                    • Any other additional documents that might enhance your application.

                    ​When will I find out the outcome of my application?

                    The assessment process is extensive; however, we will endeavour to advise you of the outcome as soon as the Council meeting has taken place and all applications have been discussed. Assessment process is as follows:

                    • Due diligence process is undertaken by the Business grants team
                    • External panel assesses applications
                    • Finance team assesses and scores applications
                    • The team prepares the report for Council meeting where all applications will be discussed
                    • Applicants are notified of the outcome.

                    If successful, when will I start receiving funding?

                    ​Once funding agreements have been prepared, and signed by both the applicant and Business Grants Manager, 50 per cent payment of your grant will be made within 30 days.

                    The remaining 50 per cent of your grant payment will be made once you have submitted a 12 month report.

                    How much funding is available?

                    Small Business Grants are classified in three different categories. As such funding is available based on the category your business falls under:

                    • Start Up – New small businesses that will increase the diversity of the city’s business community and boost Melbourne’s capability in diverse business sectors. Can receive up to $30,000.
                    • Expansion – Existing small businesses that are introducing a new, innovative activity, product or service as part of their expansion phase, or existing innovative small businesses relocating to/within the municipality as part of their business expansion process. Can receive up to $30,000.
                    • Export – Existing small businesses wishing to enter into overseas markets for the first time, or businesses with demonstrated export experience to explore export opportunities in a new market or launch a new product/service in an existing market. Can receive up to $10,000.

                    How can I receive alerts when the next round is due to open?

                    ​We will keep you informed of the opening dates of the small business and social enterprise grants if you email businessfunding@melbourne.vic.gov.au.

                    Did you know?

                    Grants information is free so be careful of organisations that charge for grant-related services. Visit the ACCC for more information.

                    ​Contact us

                    Business funding team
                    03 9658 9658

                    Circular Economy funding team
                    03 9658 9658

                    More information

                    Find out more about other grants and sponsorships opportunities.
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