Business support grants issued by the City of Sydney are helping to create a more diverse after-dark environment.
Applications for funding under the latest grants programme are now being called for from businesses in all parts of Sydney, including Alexandria, that seek to launch innovative night-time activities, stay open later and for improvements to venues which offer live music.
Launched in September 2017, the Business Support grants have so far assisted more than 40 businesses with funding allocations in excess of $850,000. According to Clover Moore, the city’s Lord Mayor, the aim of the programme is to help boost the city’s night-time economy and nightlife and he added:
"Our business support grants provide targeted assistance to increase the diversity of businesses open in the city at night, and help live music venues to put on more performances. So far, we've supported dozens of fantastic projects, from live jazz performances and arthouse film screenings to author talks, music trivia nights and 'meet the maker' events.”
Both for-profit and non-profit organisations can apply for the funding with programming in non-traditional and non-licensed premises encouraged. Funding is available for capital improvements that permit city venues to stage live performance and music events such as upgrades to the quality of sound.
Night-time diversification grants could cover activities such as food and cultural evenings, live music entertainment or retail promotions, which often involve promotional strategies such as flyer and poster printing.
The deadline for grant applications is March 12.