Grants up to $5,000 - applications open! The Economic Development Grants program provides a focus on supporting the local business community through facilitating opportunities for local business, local activity centres and industry to thrive. Up to $5000 is available for eligible projects that support innovation, technology, enhance our centres and streetscapes and assist with recovery from COVID-19. Can I apply? To apply, an applicant must: - Have an ABN
- Have a business based in Cockburn or offer a project or initiative within Cockburn
- Be a micro, small or medium business (1 to 199 employees)
- Have all appropriate insurances and licenses.
If an applicant is not located within Cockburn, the project or initiative must demonstrate a clear link and direct impact on the City of Cockburn’s strategy and objectives, for example - the Local Economy outcomes of the Strategic Community Plan.
What can I apply for?
Grants of up to $5,000 are available in the following streams: - Technology/digital enhancements
- Enhancements to local retail and employment centres
- Promotion of innovation
- Assisting businesses with COVID-19 recovery
Projects must be delivered within 12 months, with an acquittal submitted within one month of completion. What is the application criteria? A. Technology/Digital enhancements Costs associated with online and e-commerce activities, including the purchase of software, hardware and services in any of the following areas, to support a business’s sustainability and promote economic growth: - Website design and development
- E-commerce platforms (selling online and receiving payments)
- Online content development (web pages, mobile apps, audio & visual media)
- Digital marketing promotion
- Mentoring and training in online and e-commerce activities (where this is not readily available under the City’s Business Advisory/ Business Development program)
Hardware purchases must be matched funding (i.e. The City will contribute 50% of the cost provided that the applicant contributes 50%) B. Enhancements to local retail and employment centres Costs associated with enhancing the destination and visitor experience in local activity centres. A Local retail and employment centre is a community focal point and can include activities such as commercial, retail, entertainment, tourism, civic/community, education and medical services. Eligible improvements may include the following, subject to council approval where required: - Painting of the existing façade
- Repairs to structural façade elements
- External architectural and or artistic façade features
- Upgrading entrance for accessible access
- Window treatments including vacant shopfront windows (ie. Vinyl artwork)
- Verge upgrades
- Landscaping including planter boxes or vertical garden beds in a private property
- Public art elements including painted murals, light boxes, window or footpath decals
- Tiling or painting of external walls
- Awnings & canopies
- Creative lighting on facades, awnings and footpaths
- Removal of redundant signage, air conditioning units
C. Promotion of innovation Encouraging new and innovative practices and products in small to medium businesses in the City of Cockburn, across three areas: - Business Growth - Development of new innovative ideas to expand business
- Supporting Export Growth - Research and development of export-focused initiatives
- Start-Up - Support for launching an innovative business idea in the City.
Other projects with an innovation focus may also be considered, so please consider applying for this funding if your business is eligible. D. Assisting businesses with COVID-19 recovery The City is committed to helping the local business community recover and rebound from the impacts of COVID-19. This program will fund measures that will assist businesses to reopen and adapt following the COVID-19 pandemic. This grant has been developed to encourage businesses within the City boundaries to develop capacity, invest in their premises, encourage community visitation, attract new customers, build exposure and ultimately be a financially sustainable business.
How much can I apply for? The maximum funding available to any organisation in Community Funding for Local Economic Development category will not exceed $5,000.
When can I apply? Please note that Economic Development Grants will be offered ongoing throughout the year, broken into two separate rounds. The first round closes at 4pm on Friday 27 March. Applications will be assessed and awarded on an ongoing basis. Funding cannot be awarded retrospectively.
Before you apply: | 
