Please note

Applications for the Multicultural Business Chambers and Trader Groups Program are now closed.

Program overview

The Multicultural Business Chambers and Trader Groups program offers grants to business organisations in Victoria to deliver locally led projects that support the growth and success of multicultural businesses.

The program aims to:

  • make it easier for businesses to collaborate and connect
  • help multicultural businesses build knowledge and skills
  • boost local economic activity.

The program reflects the Victorian Government's commitment to supporting multicultural business chambers and trader groups to ensure their members have access to the services they need.

Applications for the Multicultural Business Chambers and Trader Groups Program close at 5pm on 31 July 2024.

Eligibility criteria

To be eligible for a grant, the business chamber or trader group must:

  • be based in Victoria, operating only within the state or as the Victorian chapter of a national organisation
  • be a not-for-profit member organisation, with members that are multicultural businesses
  • have the core purpose of acting for its members
  • hold a current Australian Business Number (ABN)
  • be registered with the responsible federal or state regulator.  The business details the applicant provides may be checked with agencies such as:
    • Australian Business Register
    • Australian Securities and Investments Commission
    • Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission
    • Consumer Affairs Victoria
    • other relevant regulators
  • have completed all contractual obligations under rounds of the former Business Chambers and Trader Groups program (if applicable).

Project types eligible for funding

Grant funds must be used to support members through activities such as:

  • local business engagement and networking events
  • skill-building and resource sharing activities
  • digital channel upgrades and activities to support and promote members
  • business promotion, such as through marketing campaigns and business expos.

Organisations are encouraged to submit proposals that address the needs of their local members.

Grant amount

Grants of between $5,000 and $20,000 are available to successful applicants.

Grant amounts will be determined based on the scope and financial needs of proposed projects. Applicants must provide a detailed budget breakdown of their project proposal as part of the application process.

A business chamber or trader group is eligible for one grant under the program.

Program guidelines

Multicultural Business Chambers and Trader Groups Program — Guidelines (PDF 161.81 KB) PDF icon
Multicultural Business Chambers and Trader Groups Program — Guidelines (DOCX 831.7 KB) DOCX icon

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

Read the full list of frequently asked questions (FAQs).

How to apply

Applications are open until 5pm on 31 July 2024.

Please read all the information on this page, including the program guidelines, and the frequently asked questions (FAQs) before applying.

Make sure you complete all the questions in the application form and submit it on the Business Victoria grants portal via the link at the bottom of this page.

For further assistance please go to the Contact us page or call the Business Victoria hotline on 13 22 15.

Need an interpreter? Call TIS National on 13 14 50 and ask for the Business Victoria hotline. The operator will connect you with an interpreter in the language you asked for. You will be asked to provide your name and the name and phone number of the organisation you need to contact.