City of Melbourne expands support to boost local small businesses

The City of Melbourne’s draft 2024-25 budget will include $1.6 million in support for local businesses in an effort to expand the existing Business Concierge program.

The program assists businesses by offering support to startups, streamlining permit processes and connecting traders with teams across the council.

Lord Mayor Sally Capp said on Tuesday the service is a proven success.

“We’re expanding the team beyond the CBD for the first time, meaning more traders will receive the tools and support they need to succeed,” she said in a statement.

“We’re boosting our support by making the team bigger and more proactive.”

“This draft budget is about doing what counts and returning to surplus is what’s best for our city, our businesses, and our community.”

The program will also help support traders in the Docklands precinct, who are tipped to see an influx of activity during the Firelight Festival in June.

The precinct has been struggling recently with the announcement of the American superstore Costco set to close and move to the western suburb of Ardeer in late 2024.

Mayor Capp emphasised the city expects to see more than 80 businesses to open this year, creating 400 new jobs.

“Our team will be there to make sure these traders get the support and help they need to thrive,” she said.

In the previous year, the Business Concierge program has created 470 jobs in the city.

Councillor Jason Chang believes small businesses are the “lifeblood” of the economy.

“We’re proud to arm them with the tools, support and resources they need to be as successful as possible,” he said in the same statement.

The Business Concierge program is looking to invest to help create 460 new jobs and boost the local economy by $70 million dollars.

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