Recognising the importance of supporting small businesses, Hume City Council is offering $150,000 to be allocated for this Grant Program. It should be noted that the Program is not an emergency support program and the maximum amount that a business can receive is $20,000 (plus GST).

The funding criteria has been developed to provide flexibility to the many businesses across Hume. Council encourages Startups, Home Based Businesses and Sole Traders to apply, providing they have been operational for a minimum of 12 months.

Please read our guidelines here.

To give your idea or project the best possible chance of success, you will need to provide the following as part of your submission:

1. A Summary of your business’ project/idea
2. A Project Plan (use template provided)
3. Project quotes for every item on your project plan
   - quotes must be from suppliers who hold a registered ABN
   - quotes from family members will not accepted
4. Any relevant licenses or permits
5. Financial Reports

You will need to demonstrate how your business will accomplish one or more of the following goals and outcomes:

• create new employment opportunities 
• support local employment growth
• further expand their business and build on their already successful business model and growth potential

Regularly save your application by clicking the 'Save Progress' button which appears at the top of your screen.

File Upload allows applicants to upload one or more file attachments in their application.  The recommended size of a file must be no bigger than 5mb.

Incomplete applications will not be considered.

Eligibility

Businesses must fulfil the following conditions to be eligible for funding:

• be located within Hume City
• hold a current Australian Business Number (ABN)
• have 20 or fewer full time equivalent employees (excludes casuals)
• hold all appropriate permits and licenses; this will include but is not restricted to building and planning permits, liquor licenses, health, bankruptcy, and any other statutory permits or licenses that are required for the business to be legal
• provide evidence for a minimum of 2 years trading (through the financial documentation required) and 12 months minimum trading for Startups, Home Based Businesses and Sole Traders
• Council rates must be fully paid and up to date, or a payment plan in place
• hold current public liability insurance and provide evidence of insurance when applying
• not be in breach of any state/territory or local government law or regulation

Ineligibility

The Hume City Small Business Grants Program will not support applicants that:

• are political organisations or are deemed to have a political purpose
• are government departments of agencies, foundations or grant making bodies
• are charities and have a primary focus of fundraising
• own or operate electronic gaming machines (EGM) or receive funding or in-kind support from EGM venues
• are Sporting Clubs
• denigrate, exclude or offend parts of the community

Please note:

• only one application per business can be submitted
• canvassing or lobbying of Councillors, Council employees or members of the Assessment Panel is strictly prohibited and will result in the application being deemed ineligible
• funding decisions are final
• Hume City Council reserves the right to reject any application that is ineligible or does not meet the eligibility criteria
• Hume City Council reserves the right to part-fund applications
• Hume City Council reserves the right to request any further information as it deems appropriate.