Small Business Grants

This program is designed to support Small to Medium Enterprises (SMEs), Start-Ups, and Entrepreneurs, with a focus on diversifying the economies of the Morwell and Moe CBDs. It aims to address vacant commercial spaces and provide assistance to both existing and new businesses in the area.

The program seeks to:

Support the establishment of new businesses or the expansion of existing businesses.
Create employment opportunities within the Morwell and Moe CBDs.
Increase the occupancy rate of vacant shopfronts in these areas.
Stimulate economic activity and enhance the overall appeal of both CBDs.

For the purposes of this program, a Small Business is defined as an organization with fewer than 20 full-time or equivalent employees.

Key Dates
Applications Open	Monday 14 April , 2025
Applications Close	Monday 26 May, 2025

Assessment and approval will be conducted by the panel post application close by 16 June, 2025.
Potential second round intake post panel assessment.
Successful applicants will be publicly announced after funding agreements are in place.

Information Sessions
Date	Location	Time
Wednesday 2 April, 2025	Latrobe City Council Headquarters, Nambur Room	6pm to 7pm	Book Now
Thursday 3 April, 2025	Moe Plaza	6pm to 7pm	Book Now

Unlocking Grant Success: How to Write a Winning Application
Date	Location	Time
Wednesday 9 April, 2025	Online	12.30pm to 1.30pm	Book Now

Before you apply

Check your eligibility

Must be a business locating in the Morwell or Moe CBD. See appendix below.
have a valid Australian Business Number (ABN).
have less than 20 full-time or equivalent employees at the time of applying.
Be an Australian registered business, sole trader, company, business cooperative or partnership & provide documented evidence of its legal structure.
Be able to provide evidence of appropriate business insurances.
Have no outstanding acquittals or debts to Latrobe City Council.
Demonstrate financial viability as evidenced by relevant financial information.
Provide evidence of a minimum 12-month commercial lease agreement within the Morwell or Moe CBD (agreement to be provided from Local Real Estate).

Read the grant guidelines

Additional Support

Attend the SmartyGrant workshop Wednesday 26th of March, 2025

Book a discounted mentoring session to get help with your Business Plan, Financial Information or to test your funding proposal prior to submitting. Visit Small Business Mentoring Service, Select your preferred mentor. Contact Zane Corbett – Project Lead CBD Revitalisation Initiatives for a referral code on 0403638604.

Any questions you may have regarding the grant please contact Zane.Corbett@latrobe.vic.gov.au or call on 0403 638 604 to discuss.

Contact our Business Concierge provide support and advice about starting and growing your business request an appointment or call Andrea Stanlake 0437 285 491.

How to apply

We do not accept application sent via email or via post. Application must address the eligibility, assessment criteria, answer all questions and be submitted prior to the programs closing date.

Technical Assistance

More Business Resources

Assessment Process

Application are scored against the following criteria:

Business Plan, Workforce & Experience
Financial Viability - Template can be provided by the Business Development team on request.
Benefits and impact to the Morwell & Moe CBD

Latrobe City Council completes a due diligence process to all applications to ensure all eligibility criteria are met.Application are individually assessed by a panel including senior management from Latrobe City Council which will consider the diversity of applications as a set.

Canvassing or lobbying of Councillors, Employees of Latrobe City Council or assessment panel members in relation to any funding application is prohibited. Interpreter and Translation Services.

If you need an interpreter when calling the Latrobe City Council, please call the following relevant translation services.Our multilingual information telephone service offers assistance to people from a non-English speaking background.

If you are deaf, hearing-impaired, or speech-impaired, please call us via the National Relay ServiceOpens in new tab:

Teletypewriter (TTY) users phone 133 677 then ask for 03 9658 9658.
Speak & Listen users phone 1300 555 727 then ask for 03 9658 9658.

Successful Grant Applicants

2025 – To be Announce post may once successful applicants have been notified.

Before you apply

How to apply

More Business Resources

Successful Grant Applicants

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