The City of Melbourne has released $5 million in financial support for small to medium sized businesses to invest in online and e-commerce capabilities, take part in training and professional development and undertake capital works.

Lord Mayor Sally Capp said the grants would provide financial assistance so businesses can quickly adapt to offering products online, providing services virtually and offering take-away and delivery of goods.

“We know businesses and organisations in the City of Melbourne are going through a difficult time and are looking at innovative ways to adapt to the changing circumstances and keep their businesses running,” the Lord Mayor said.

“Businesses and organisations need investment to be able to change the way they operate, and these grants will offer a cash injection to help them make swift changes and keep operating in this rapidly changing environment.

“These grants provide financial assistance so organisations can quickly adapt to offering products online, providing services virtually or offering take-away and delivery.”

Chair of the Small Business, Retail and Hospitality portfolio, Councillor Susan Riley said the grants would be assessed as they’re received so individual businesses can move quickly to make changes, keep services running and keep people in jobs.

“The entrepreneurial spirit of Melbourne’s 16,500 small businesses is alive and well, and we are determined to do what we can to help businesses and organisations during these unprecedented circumstances,” Cr Riley said.

Approximately 200 capital works projects will be matched dollar-for-dollar for up to $10,000 to help businesses adapt to the changed conditions and could include investing in new equipment, upgrading shop fittings or investing in IT and vehicles.

Up to $5000 is available for 400 businesses investing in online and e-commerce activities such as purchasing hardware and software, developing website and ecommerce, creating online content, online and e-commerce training, and digital marketing.

Up to $2000 is available for training and professional development for 500 organisations to equip staff with new and enhanced skills to prepare for changing conditions or recovery, such as attending training courses, and undertaking online learning and webinars.

The City of Melbourne also endorsed $2 million in financial assistance for artists or small organisations to develop new work, or for digital presentation of artistic works and performances.

Eligible businesses and organisations can apply for grants from 9am on Thursday 26 March online via melbourne.smartygrants.com.au