The Social Enterprise City Impact program provides financial assistance and capability building opportunities to support the establishment and expansion of businesses and organisations with a distinctly social purpose. This program aims to enhance the City of Melbourne’s reputation for business vitality, diversity and inclusiveness and contribute further to the city’s thriving economy and community. This program encourages the establishment and expansion of sustainable social enterprises that:

• enhance the City of Melbourne’s business vitality, diversity and inclusiveness
• help reinvigorate the city, respond to post-pandemic opportunities or challenges and generate positive impact to the City of Melbourne
• have a unique point-of-difference, sound business model, including long-term financial viability

Deadline and Key Dates

• Applications close Friday, 14 January 2022 at midnight
• Assessment January 2022
• Successful applicants announced February 2022
• Pitch showcase events during Melbourne Knowledge Week, 9–15 May 2022

Overview and Grant Amount

This program has two streams: Open Stream and Circular Economy Stream. Program categories and opportunities available for both streams may be found in the program guidelines.

• Types of social enterprises supported by Social Enterprise Grants are as follows:
• Impact start-ups/organisations utilising digital technologies with high growth potential that uses innovation and/or addresses scalable markets.
• Organisations operating a more traditional street-side ‘brick-and-mortar’ business which offers products and services to its customers face-to-face in an office or store that the business owns or rents.
• Organisations which are a hybrid/blend of the two models above

The Social Enterprise grants up to $10,000 that can be used to 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. Program categories are for:

• Start-ups: open to existing social enterprises to assist in accelerating the establishment of their business
• Expansions: open to existing social enterprises to assist with growth of their business

Eligibility and Criteria

To be eligible for a City of Melbourne social enterprise grant:

• The business is a business or activity that will take place within the City of Melbourne municipality.
• Demonstrate how the City of Melbourne will benefit from its proposal and the alignment to key City of Melbourne plans including: Council Plan 2021-25, Economic Development Strategy 2031 as well as the Sustainable Development Goals.
• Have a valid Australian Business Number (ABN).
• Have documented evidence of an appropriate legal structure, such as a sole trader, an Australian registered company, business cooperative or partnership.
• Organisations can be a not-for-profit constituted body, a certified B Corporation or a social enterprise that meets the Social Traders definition of a social enterprise.
• Demonstrate sustainable business practices in line with the Australian Ethical Charter.
• Have no outstanding acquittals or debts to the City of Melbourne.
• Be able to commence the proposed activity promptly upon receiving the grant.
• Be able to demonstrate financial viability as evidenced by a basic business plan including projected financial statements.

Franchisees, subsidiaries of larger companies, unincorporated associations and government departments or agencies are not eligible to apply. Branches of foreign companies not registered as an Australian company are also ineligible.

Applications are online via SmartyGrants. Applications sent by email or via post (hard mail) will not be accepted. Likewise, are strongly advised to do their due diligence and carefully read through the guidelines provided.

Expert Assistance

Treadstone experts can help you understand government grants and maximise the benefits for your business. We have been helping clients since 2008 and our clients can testify to our proven success record. Working with us means you get the maximum grant with minimum risk and effort. Our expertise include R&D Tax Incentive registration and tax schedules, Export Grants, Capital Expenditure and Infrastructure Grants.

Get in touch with us and let’s discuss this more in detail.

For information about other Australian Government Grants, visit Treadstone New Grants page and sign up to our newsletter!