Vacant Shop Grants Program, now open

24 Oct 2022

Vacant Shop Grant ROUND CLOSED – March 2023

Merri-bek City Council wishes to advise the funding limit is close to being reached with a number of applications pending review. We have reached the funding limit earlier than anticipated and therefore closed the round to process applications currently submitted.

Thank you for your interest in the Merri-bek Vacant Shop Grant. Please contact Council's Economic Development Team on 8311 4131 or email business@merri-bek.vic.gov.au

Vacant Shop Grant Program

Merri-bek City Council aims to support businesses and reinvigorate shopping strips through its Vacant Shop Grant Program. 

The Merri-bek Vacant Shop Grant Program provides grants to subsidise rent, setup costs and/or shopfront improvements for  entrepreneurs, businesses and creatives that enter a lease for a vacant, ground floor, street-facing space within a shopping strip located in the City of Merri-bek. 

The objectives of the Vacant Shop Grant Program include:  

  • Rejuvenating streets with high vacancy rates 
  • Filling vacant shops   
  • Encouraging new, innovative and/or home-based businesses to move into a commercial setting 
  • Activating shopping strips 

Applications are now open for the program.

Visit our Business Grants page to learn more.