City of Melbourne social enterprise grants
The City of Melbourne has introduced a pilot social enterprise and micro business grants program, whereby new or expanding social enterprises or micro businesses operating in the City of Melbourne may be eligible for financial grants and mentoring to the value of $25,000. Under the pilot Social Enterprise and Micro Business Grants program, businesses creating or expanding employment and self employment opportunities for disadvantaged persons will be eligible to apply for the grants. This includes enterprises and businesses providing employment and self-employment opportunities for indigenous persons, disabled persons, homeless persons, long-term unemployed persons and former refugees.
The grants program aims to encourage the establishment and expansion of social enterprises and micro businesses that enhance the City of Melbourne’s reputation for business vitality, diversity and inclusiveness. It is envisaged that these enterprises will contribute further to the city’s thriving economy and community. Grants of up to $25,000 are available
Key dates: Opens Monday 13 February and closes Tuesday 13 March 2012.
The City of Melbourne is hosting information sessions to provide information about the grants and give potential applicants the opportunity to ask questions. A general grants information session will be held on Monday 13 February at 5:30pm and will be held in the Supper Room, Level 3, Melbourne Town Hall, 90-120 Swanston Street.
If you wish to attend, please email smallbusinessgrants@melbourne.vic.gov.au and include your business name, business address and the number of people wishing to attend the session. You can also visit www.melbourne.vic.gov.au/enterprisemelbourne for details of free lunchtime briefing sessions and business workshops and to register your attendance.
