Business Support Program

In addition to the general program eligibility applicants must:

• Have a current ABN within City of Charles Sturt
• Clearly outline the advice needed and how it will benefit the business in helping the business to adapt, innovate and grow
• Applicants will only be funded for a maximum of two consecutive years. Applicants who have not received funding in the previous financial year will be given a higher priority
• Only one application is permitted per business owner/group
• Priority will be given to businesses with a growth mindset, those seeking to expand and employ more people
• The business will ideally have been operating for a minimum of 12 months
• Not have any outstanding debts owing to the City of Charles Sturt

• Ability to adapt and innovate in response to changing market conditions
• Improves skills and capabilities of business owners
• Improved connection with customers
• Reduce environmental impact through energy efficiency, waste reduction, or circular economy practices
• Support for high-growth strategies that generate knowledge intensive jobs and increased productivity

Small Business
Up to $2,000 plus GST available per business and up to $1,000 plus GST for Sole Traders
Businesses working collaboratively may receive up to a value of $5,000 plus GST

Green Business
Up to $3,000 plus GST is available for sustainability initiatives

High Growth Businesses  
Up to $5,000 plus GST is available for businesses in key growth sectors that create job opportunities and increase productivity.

Funding is limited to one grant per applicant per financial year.
You may wish to contribute additional funds to the business advisory to achieve further outcomes beyond the program (this is not a requirement).

Examples of how businesses could use a specialist advisor:

• Marketing – connecting with and growing your customer base
• Digital - improving your social media or website performance
• Technology - security, efficiency, supporting transition to online
• Workforce - dealing with industrial issues, staffing levels & retention
• Financial management - assessing cash flow difficulties, identifying cost savings
• Business review & viability - assessing current performance, identifying improvements, new business opportunities
• Operations and logistics - streamlining, looking for efficiencies, developing your local supply chain
• Environmental - increasing the energy, water and waste efficiency of your business, adapting for climate change
• Accessibility - assistance with understanding how to make your business more accessible to customers (for example audits, website design, marketing and promotion)

Support with setting up Facebook and Google advertising can be provided however advisors have different criteria for the actual advertising spend and may request a minimum commitment for the duration of the campaign.

• Advice to businesses outside the City of Charles Sturt
• Rates, utility or salary/wages bills
• General operating expenses
• Projects or initiatives that have been previously funded by this program

Expressions of Interest for this program will be open on an ongoing basis until 1 June 2027 or until funding is exhausted.

Work with the Business Advisor should be completed within 3 months of being approved for the grant in the 2026/2027 financial year.

Payment under this program will be made directly to the business advisor once the agreed scope of works has been completed.