Support for businesses in Greater Dandenong

11 September 2020

Council has launched a new grants program and will continue two other free initiatives to help local businesses doing it tough.

The Business Grants Program will provide immediate financial assistance to eligible small and medium sized businesses affected by COVID-19.

The grants, worth up to $5000, will be provided to businesses who can demonstrate how the grant will assist them to retain current employees or support business sustainability through the ongoing pandemic.

Council will continue to offer free parking in Lonsdale Street, Dandenong, encouraging visitors to the shopping district. Applications for outdoor dining permits across Greater Dandenong will also be free for the next two years for businesses who want to introduce or increase tables and chairs for on street dining.

Council is also forming a taskforce consisting of local peak body representatives and industry experts to lobby state and federal governments on behalf of local business.

Greater Dandenong Mayor, Cr Jim Memeti said Council had worked to support local business since the start of the pandemic six months ago. This included components of Council’s initial $4 million relief package launched in March.

“This Business Grants Program aims to complement the other, non-financial business recovery measures currently provided by Council.

“We know that so many of our small to medium businesses are going through some extremely challenging times, but we hope this provides them with some hope.”

The grants open on Friday 18 September and will be available across two categories: • Up to $5000 to support businesses which directly assist them to improve current services or capacity build during the COVID-19 pandemic • Up to $5000 matched funding (dollar for dollar) for capital building works projects.

Council has been supporting local food businesses through the Great Bites – Open for Business initiative which lists local restaurants and cafes still serving the community during COVID-19 restrictions.

Find out more about the Business Grants Program, including eligibility and the application process, and other initiatives supporting local businesses.