2026 Business Chamber Grants

Welcome to the application form for the Business Chamber stream. Inner West Council is offering an economic development grant program to boost main street activity and support local chambers of commerce.

Applications are invited from local chambers of commerce and business associations to apply for funding. Applicants may apply for up to $60,000 per project to be used for activations, events, business support and programs that showcase local precincts, main street offerings and drive visitation to Inner West main streets.

Business chambers and business associations who are set up as a formal entity within the Inner West, have no fewer than 30 members and have been operating for a minimum of 12 months are eligible to apply.

Grant Guidelines

It is essential you read the Grant Guidelines and Economic Development grants website for eligibility requirements, funding priorities, assessment criteria and other important information. Applicants are encouraged to familiarise themselves with Council’s Plans, Policies and Strategies.

Incomplete applications and/or applications received after the closing date will not be considered.

I confirm that:

• I have read and understand the Inner West Council Grant Guidelines
• I am a resident of or delivering services in the Inner West Council area or offer a project that benefits residents of the Inner West
• I am applying on behalf of an incorporated not-for-profit organisation
• I have satisfactorily completed any previous Inner West Council grants and met all contractual obligations
• I have no outstanding debts of any kind to Inner West Council
• I am applying for a specific project (i.e. grants do not offer a permanent source of funding)
• I am applying for a project that meets the Business Chamber grant stream eligibility criteria and objectives
• I can demonstrate my project aligns with Inner West Council's Community Strategic Plan, policies and regulations
• I am only submitting one application to the Inner West Council Grants Program 2026.

• Provide contact details and ABN
• Prepare a project plan (what you’ll do, why it matters, key dates, and who is involved) 
• Create a budget including income and expenses, with quotes for items over $500
• Attach supporting documents (letters of support, CVs/resumes of key personnel, examples of previous projects)
• Provide evidence of your organisation’s legal status (Certificate of Incorporation or Constitution)
• Submit financial documentation: latest audited financial statement or statement of income and expenditure
• Include Public Liability Certificate of Currency for $20 million for the project duration
• Submit your application via SmartyGrants before 4pm AEST, Friday 15 May 2026.

We do not accept duplicate applications. Applications for the same project that are submitted more than once in a round will only be considered in one stream.

It is recommended all applicants speak with a Council officer on 02 9392 5871 to clarify your project ideas, eligibility and to ensure you are applying to the correct grant stream.

Need help with this form? 

We want to support all applicants to apply. If you need help because of: 

- Disability access needs 

- Language barriers 

- First time applying for grants 

Please contact us and we'll help you.

Phone support: please call us between 9am and 5pm (Monday to Friday) on 02 9392 5682.

Deaf or hard of hearing: Contact the National Relay Service on 1300 555 727 or visit their website, https://www.accesshub.gov.au/about-the-nrs/nrs-call-numbers-and-links 

Need an interpreter? Call 131 450 and ask them to call Council on (02) 9392 5000 (free service)

Disability access needs: Let us know what adjustments you need - we're here to help.

• Please provide a response to all relevant questions
• When you have completed all of the questions click on Next Page to view the next page of the form
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• Once you have completed all pages the last page will ask you to Review your application - if you are happy with your responses you can click Submit. If your submission was received you will be sent a confirmation message saying your application has been submitted.