Business to Business Grant Program

To be eligible for funding, applicants must:

• Be a registered member of the City of Whittlesea Business Network. Joining the WBN is free. More information at Business Network.
• Be the owner or tenant named on an existing or pending lease agreement (not subletting space from another business)
• Have an active Australian Business Number (ABN)
• Provide evidence of insurance including certificate of currency (public liability, professional indemnity, or any other relevant insurances)
• Be able to demonstrate business financial viability
• Have Public and or Professional Liability Insurance with a minimum of $20 million covering the delivery period of this program
• Not have overdue acquittals
• Not have an outstanding debt to City of Whittlesea.
• Stream 2 applicants must have 5 or fewer FTE (Full Time Equivalent) employees
• Services and/or products exceeding $500 must have a quote to support
• Services and/or products exceeding $2,000 must have a minimum of 3 quotes
• Have the relevant permits and registrations to be operating
• Must not have received funding through a City of Whittlesea Business Grant in the past two financial years.

Note: Quotes obtained from Business Network members are preferred.

The B2B Grant Program supports small businesses in the City of Whittlesea to grow by encouraging local procurement and strengthening local supply chains. It aims to foster innovation, business growth, and economic sustainability through business-to-business (B2B) transactions.

Each business can apply for up to $10,000, which must be matched dollar-for-dollar by the applicant. Funds are reimbursed after project completion and proof of matched expenditure.

It means the business must contribute an equal amount to the grant funding.

Funding breakdown examples:

• Project total = $6,000, the business contributes $3,000, the maximum grant amount available would be $3,000
• Project total = $15,000, the business contributes $7,500, the maximum grant amount available would be $7,500.
• Project total = $22,000, the business contributes $12,000, the maximum grant amount available would be $10,000.

Stream 1 - Business Improvement and Innovation

The Business Improvement and Innovation stream provides the opportunity for businesses to improve their business acumen and operation and supporting improvements that incur efficiencies and/or innovations.

What can be funded

• web design and development and e-commerce platforms
• business coaching and consulting
• financial planning, marketing activities
• cyber security or AI education
• leadership training identified by the business owner or general manager
• sustainable opportunities such as energy efficiencies, waste audit and action plan, recycling waste initiatives such as diversion of food waste and zero waste packaging.

Stream 2 - Elevating your Business

The Elevating your Business stream provides the opportunity to assist businesses to elevate from a micro or small business model to activate a commercial or activity centre premises. This stream also provides the opportunity to improve the physical appearance, operation or accessibility of their current commercial premises.

This stream is offered to businesses with a maximum of 20 employees.

What can be funded

• shopfront improvements including painting, murals, signage, awnings, and lighting
• outdoor furniture or improvements that activate the shopfront
• indoor furniture and equipment to activate the operation of the business premises 
• accessibility upgrades including ramps, handrails, automatic or easy-to-open entrance doors, and restrooms for customers.

Currently, what is listed under each stream is the complete list of what will be considered.

The grant is competitive. Meeting the eligibility and assessment criteria does not guarantee funding. Final decisions are made by the Council’s Grant Steering Committee.

Yes, Business Network membership is a requirement for eligibility. Membership is free and can be completed online.

A business can submit one application per round. A business will not be eligible to receive grant funding if they have received funding through a City of Whittlesea Business Grant in the past two financial years.

Yes, both streams are open to sole traders and home-based businesses, providing they meet the eligibility criteria including Business Network membership, insurance, and financial viability.

For Stream 2, please note home-based businesses must be intending to move to a commercial premises and be named on a pending lease agreement.

Businesses with electronic gaming licenses, political affiliations, discriminatory practices, or outstanding debts or acquittals with the Council are ineligible.

Ineligible expenses include permanent security fixtures, gambling or alcohol-related activities, political activities, and costs associated with Council permit applications.

No, the grant only covers future expenses. Funding is provided after project completion and proof of expenditure.

Yes, however preference is given to local suppliers, especially Business Network members. The need to use non-local suppliers must be justified in the application.

Funding is reimbursed after the project is completed and the business demonstrates matched expenditure.

Applicants must provide insurance certificates, quotes for services, and evidence of financial viability.

Yes. One quote is required for expenses over $500, and three quotes are required for expenses over $2,000.

Round 1: 17 September – 31 December 2026

Round 2: 1 February – 30 April 2027 or until funds are expended.

Applicants will be notified within six weeks after each round closes.

Projects must be completed within 12 months of grant approval.

Acquittals must be submitted within three months of project completion.

You may be required to request an extension with a valid justification. All requests for extensions need to be emailed to community.grants@whittlesea.vic.gov.au

Applications must be submitted online via SmartyGrants. An email address must be provided at the time of registering or logging in to SmartyGrants. This email address will be used for communication.

Yes, multiple users can work on the same application using shared login credentials, but only one person should edit at a time.

Required documents include quotes, insurance certificates, and any supporting materials relevant to the project.

You will receive a confirmation email. The application will be reviewed and assessed based on the selection criteria.

You will receive a confirmation email from SmartyGrants. If not, check your spam folder or log in to verify submission status.

Go to Business directory.

Email our Economic Development department at business@whittlesea.vic.gov.au  

Alternatively, email community.grants@whittlesea.vic.gov.au or call 03 9217 2170.