Wellbeing Economy Business Fund grant applications open

Published on 14 September 2026

Mount Alexander Shire Council invites local businesses and business groups to apply for grants of up to $5,000 through the Wellbeing Economy Business Fund.

The Fund supports projects that help create a thriving local economy that is good for people, good for the local area, and good for the environment.

Grants are available to individual businesses, business support groups, trader associations, farmer groups, incubator organisations and other business-focused community groups. All funded projects must deliver a clear benefit to businesses or groups of businesses.

Mount Alexander Shire Mayor Toby Heydon said the Fund is designed to back practical local ideas that strengthen business capability.

"The Wellbeing Economy Business Fund is about helping local businesses test new ideas, solve shared challenges and create benefits that reach beyond a single organisation," he said.

"We're particularly interested in projects that share knowledge, create reusable resources, build partnerships or help multiple businesses succeed."

Projects receiving funding must be completed and acquitted by 30 June and should create benefits that continue after the grant period ends.

Strong applications may include projects that:

• Support a group of businesses
• Trial an innovative approach and share lessons with others
• Create shared resources or equipment that can be reused by multiple businesses
• Leverage additional investment through volunteer time, in-kind support or financial contributions from applicants
• Build lasting skills, knowledge, partnerships or business networks

Examples could include workshops addressing common business challenges, shared loyalty programs, collaborative sustainability initiatives, accessibility improvements that can be replicated by other businesses, or resources that can be used across multiple organisations.

The fund also provides a unique opportunity for business support groups to apply for assistance with administration and coordination costs where they commit to delivering a clear year-long program of business activities, workshops, networking opportunities or peer-learning events.

Council is keen to see applications that champion inclusion, accessibility, Indigenous partnerships and positive outcomes for priority communities while building genuine business capability.

"The strongest applications will demonstrate how a relatively small grant can create wider benefits across the local business community," Cr Heydon said.

"We encourage businesses and business groups of all sizes to think about how their ideas can be shared, replicated or expanded to benefit others, to help create a stronger local economy."

To find out more, join our online information session on Monday 21 September 2026 at 11.00am.

For more information, including assessment guidelines and application details, visit www.mountalexander.vic.gov.au/wellbeing-business-fund.

Applications open on 21 September 2026 and close on 9 October 2026.