The Victorian Government is working with the City of Melbourne to roll out an additional $10 million in grants, mentoring and support services to further help businesses across the central business district (CBD) who have felt the effects of coronavirus.

Of this funding, $2 million will extend the support provided by the City of Melbourne’s Business Concierge program, providing professional mentoring, advice and skills-building programs in financial management, marketing and continuity planning. This gives businesses the tools they need to get to the other side of this global pandemic.

A further $8 million will be available for business transformation grants of up to $5000 each. These grants will bolster businesses that are making changes - adapting business models, creating new streams of revenue and activating areas and precincts that are most impacted by the drop in foot traffic, including the CBD, Docklands and Southbank.

Grant applications are now open and will close at 11.59pm on Thursday 3 September. For eligibility criteria, guidelines and how to apply, visit the City of Melbourne’s Small Business Transformation Grants page.