A client reached out to say they wanted to add a shopping cart to their site as their retail store is now closed. As their revenue has been cut they wanted to apply for the Melbourne City grant.

Here is what we know about this grant. It is a valuable business support initiative that could assist you in keeping business moving during these unprecedented economic times.

The City of Melbourne COVID-19 Quick Response Business Grants

As part of their economic support package for Melbourne businesses and non-profit organisations, the City of Melbourne is offering a total of $5 million in grants for local businesses to invest in their online and e-commerce capabilities, take part in training and professional development or undertake capital works. There is one available for retail businesses and another for artists.

What’s on offer?

Up to $5,000 per organisation is available for investing in online and e-commerce activities, and could include –

• Building a new website
• Building a new eCommerce store
• Advertising your products and services with digital marketing
• Training in managing your website, creating marketing campaigns and optimising your online brand.

How do you qualify for a Grant?

a. If your business or non-profit is located in these Municipalities, be quick to apply for these much-needed opportunities to kick-start your online marketing –

• Melbourne’s central business district
• North Melbourne
• East Melbourne
• West Melbourne
• Docklands
• Jolimont
• Fisherman’s Bend
• Kensington
• Parkville
• South Wharf
• And parts of Carlton, Carlton North, Flemington, Port Melbourne, South Yarra and Southbank.

b. Have an Australian Business Number (ABN)

Be a small to medium-size business or not for profit organisation with fewer than 50 full-time equivalent employees

c. Demonstrate how the grant will support your organisation as your response to the impact of COVID-19.

There is only $5M available – act today or miss out

Now is a great time to take advantage of what is available. With 6 years’ experience in creating high converting websites for over 150 small businesses, Confetti Design will help you apply for the online marketing and eCommerce grant by providing a pro-forma proposal to support your application for approval by the Council.

There is a second grant for Artists, here https://melbourne.smartygrants.com.au/QRv2ArtsGrants2020

* note this is closed till mid-April but you can get ready for the re-open. This is the message from City of Melbourne:
“We’ve received an unprecedented level of interest from artists and small arts organisations since applications opened. Applications are temporarily closed and will re-open at 12pm on 14 April 2020. This will allow all applications to be carefully considered, and more time for applicants to apply.”

Creativity is something we can rely in times such as now. Execution of ideas can be the stumbling block so feel free to reach out to us for a free chat about how you can get yourself up and running.