Find information on Council, state and federal initiatives to support and develop local businesses.
Economic Activation and Events Grants
Economic Activation and Events Grants support local businesses, organisations and individuals to deliver innovative, creative and interactive activations and experiences to Stonnington. Testing new ideas in our outdoor public spaces within our activity centres.
The grants will help create a vibrant, creative city that enhances its thriving and unique places and delivers positive economic, community and sustainability impacts for our communities.
Applications for the 2025-26 Economic Activation and Events Grants open 19 May 2025
Find out more at Economic Activation and Events Grants.
Business Façade Improvement Grants
The City of Stonnington is committed to enabling a thriving local economy and creating more attractive and inviting commercial precincts, which supports our vision to achieve:
- a thriving and unique place
- an inclusive and healthy community
- a people-centred and future-ready city.
The Business Façade Improvement Grants program supports business and property owners to improve the visual appearance of business façades in the City of Stonnington’s commercial precincts.
Applications for the 2025-26 Business Façade Improvement Grants open 19 May 2025
Find out more at Business Façade Improvement Grants.
Co-working spaces
Co-working spaces provide flexible workspaces for start-up businesses, freelancers and small businesses.
The City of Stonnington offers many co-working spaces, particularly in South Yarra, providing opportunities for flexible working, networking, knowledge sharing, connection and collaboration.
Trader Associations
Trader Associations bring together businesses in the community to help grow, develop and promote local business.
Support and advice
City of Stonnington supports the Australian Small Business Advisory Services Digital Solutions program to provide targeted mentoring and advice to help small businesses succeed and grow.
Small businesses with fewer than 20 full-time (or equivalent) employees, and sole traders, can access one-on-one sessions and group workshops at a subsidised price.
This service is a great opportunity to learn from experienced advisors who understand your business needs and can help you grow your digital capabilities.
For more information, visit the Business Victoria website.
The Australian Tax Office has free tax and super information for business and organisations, including not-for-profits.
Visit the Australian Tax Office website to find resources for businesses and organisations.
Access friendly, professional help and expert advice from an experienced business mentor.
Council currently has multiple visits scheduled for the Small Business Bus throughout the year. Details can be found at Business Victoria's workshops and mentoring.