Inner West opens new economic development grants to support local businesses
Wednesday 6 August 2025
Media release
Inner West Mayor Darcy Byrne
Inner West Deputy Mayor Mat Howard
The Inner West has today opened a new economic development grants program to boost main street activity and support local chambers of commerce.
With funding up to $220,000 for the 2026-2027 financial year, applications are now open for local chambers of commerce and business associations to apply for funding.
Applicants can apply for up to $45 000 per project to be used for activations, events, business support and programs that showcase local precincts and main street offerings and drive visitation to Inner West main streets.
Inner West Mayor, Darcy Byrne said, “we know that our local chambers of commerce and businesses have great ideas about how to boost economic activity enliven our main streets. Now for the first time we are providing direct funding to help them bring these ideas to life.
“These new economic development grants provide practical support to our local businesses and will empower chambers to take ownership and lead successful business activities and showcase the unique characteristics of their business precincts.
Inner West Deputy Mayor, Mat Howard said, “This new grant program aims to support great ideas that promote a whole precinct or business area and tourism sectors.
“It’s a new way to tap into the expertise and knowledge of our local business chambers. We are looking forward to supporting ideas that promote our Inner West destinations and that invite people to visit, shop, play and explore our local villages.”
The competitive grant program is designed for chambers and business associations to apply once a year.
Eligibility is restricted to Chambers and business associations who are set up as a legal entity within the Inner West LGA, have no fewer than 30 members and have been operating for a minimum of 12 months.
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For media enquiries please contact Margaret Merten, margaret.merten@innerwest.nsw.gov.au