Solo, micro, small and medium business owners can apply for grants of up to $3,000 or $5,000 per application in the following categories:
Projects must be delivered within 6 months, with an acquittal submitted within one month of completion.
Who can apply?
Applicants that will be procuring from suppliers based within City of Cockburn will be favourably considered.
Technology/Digital enhancementsUp to $3000 for 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)
- 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%)
Up to $5000 for 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)
- Tiling or painting of external walls
- Awnings and canopies
- Creative lighting on facades, awnings and footpaths
- Removal of redundant signage, air conditioning units
- Verge upgrades
- Landscaping including planter boxes or vertical garden beds in private property
- Public art elements including painted murals, light boxes, window or footpath decals
Please note:
Applicants must obtain the relevant approvals and permits, including compliance with the City’s planning framework and the Building Code of Australia. Applicants that will be procuring from suppliers based in the City of Cockburn will be favourably considered.
Up to $5000 to 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.
The successful request for a grant in any year does not imply any ongoing commitment of the same or similar contribution in following years.
Applicants must be based in the City of Cockburn or be able to demonstrate that you primarily serve the Cockburn community or looking to provide a service in Cockburn that will benefit the Cockburn community.
Priority will be given to applicants who haven’t previously been funded.
Funding will not be provided:
- Retrospectively for any projects or events that have already occurred or commenced
- If previous City of Cockburn funding has not been acquitted
- To political parties, government departments and agencies, or individuals.
- For projects or programs that rely on existing funding from the City of Cockburn
- Multi-year funding will not be considered within this program
- For expenses without documentation
- Payment of debts to any entity
- Items covered by state and federal government funding packages
- Operational expenses such as Utility charges, Council rates, Insurance payments, Franchise fees, Wages or salaries
- Consumables
- Projects/ activities which exclude or offend segments of the community
- Projects/ activities which could present a hazard to the community or environment or promote antisocial behaviour
The Sustainability Grants Program (Building a Better Tomorrow) provides funding for projects in Cockburn relating to six sustainability themes. Small businesses, schools, not-for profits and collective households can apply.
Successful applicants can apply for up to $4,000 towards the project.
Find out more about the
Sustainability Grants Program opens in a new window, including how to apply.
Other grants
To find grants, funding and support programs from across government to help your business grow and succeed search the
business.gov.au – grants and programs finder opens in a new window.
The Small Business Development Commission provides a useful article covering
Government Grants FAQs opens in a new window.
Are you experiencing financial difficulty in your business?
The City provides a free and confidential financial counselling service to eligible small businesses (less than 100 employees) located in the City of Cockburn, that are experiencing financial difficulty.
Small Business Financial Counsellors are qualified professionals who assist with independent information, advice, support and referral, for businesses.
Our Financial Counsellors can:
- Help you to develop strategies to manage short and long-term financial difficulties
- Negotiate on your behalf with creditors, such as banks or finance companies
- Accessing dispute resolution services
- Assist you to understand and organise business and financial records.
They can also provide information and guidance on:
- The insolvency process for companies
- Understanding your rights and accessing legal help
- Applicable grants and concession frameworks
- Developing budgets
- How business and personal assets and liabilities can become intertwined.
Important note: We cannot offer legal advice, corporate insolvency advice, investment advice, complex business advice or interpersonal disputes between business parties.
Make an appointment with a Financial Counsellor
To make an appointment please contact us on 08 9411 3444.
Flexible appointment options are available including face to face meetings, over the phone, video/Skype, Zoom or WebEx.
Note, this service is also provided through
Money Mentors opens in a new window and
Anglicare (Joondalup) opens in a new window and
Gosnells Community Legal Centre opens in a new window.
Visit the Small Business Development Commission for guidance on:
Financial management opens in a new window
- Developing financial processes and procedures
- Business finance and loans
- Budgets and forecasts
- Profit and loss and balance sheets
- Providing credit to customers
- Getting paid on time.
Tax opens in a new window
- Registering for tax
- Super, payroll and other taxes
- Tax reporting requirements
- Tax deductions and concessions.