Latin American dancer outside venue.
The business activation grants program is supporting businesses impacted by construction of light rail to Commonwealth Park. The third round of the grants program has been funded by Infrastructure Canberra and is being delivered by City Renewal’s Place Management partner, Dionysus
Businesses are eager to attract more visitors through activations and events. This program provides funding to help businesses create experiences that align with their offerings and encourage foot traffic to the area.
The program aims to deliver experiences authentic to businesses that make the area a more appealing destination. These grants will fund unique, business-related experiences, activities and events that make the area more competitive. Collaborations between businesses were encouraged. Some examples of activity may include:
Standard business operations or discounts on “business as usual” products or offerings were not eligible for funding.
In addition to financial support, we can provide event management assistance, artist booking support, communications guidance, and technical advice to help bring your activation to life. If you have specific needs, we encourage you to reach out and discuss how we can support your idea. Successful applicants would be required to upload details of any grant funded activity to the Australian Tourism Data Warehouse
Successful applicants would be required to upload details of any grant funded activity to the Australian Tourism Data Warehouse to enable promotion via InTheCity.com.au.
Any business included in the highlighted area on the diagram below.
Business Activation Grants program eligibility area.
Businesses are responsible for obtaining any necessary permits and approvals required for the proposed activity. Eligible businesses can contact the City Place Manager to discuss their ideas and how to grow audiences through this grant. Email cityplacemanager@act.gov.au to get started.
Applications are being assessed against the following criteria:
The City Renewal Authority will approve, decline or suggest changes to each application. These decisions will be based on available information, not just information in the application, but also from meetings with applicants and wider observations, and made against the criteria.
Feedback on decisions will be provided, on request of the applicant.
There is no requirement for funding to be granted if a project is deemed unfit. It is the intention of the program to help businesses attract wider audiences into and around their venue.
The grants are funded by Infrastructure Canberra (iCBR) to directly support businesses and places impacted by construction of Light Rail to Commonwealth Park.
Email cityplacemanager@act.gov.au and someone will call or come to discuss your idea at a time that suits you.
Yes, the financial request of the application should reflect the value of the activity. So just ask for what you actually need, otherwise it may look inflated and not be deemed to deliver value for money.
Proposals that fund (or partially fund) the purchase of assets need to make the value proposition clear, including any ongoing maintenance or upkeep requirements.
You don’t need proof of insurance or other documents to apply. However, should insurance, be required a clear understanding of and ability to obtain it should be outlined in your application.
Each business has been allocated $5000 to deliver the activation described.
Business | Activation |
88Mph Bar | Halloween party with DJs, an Elvis impersonator, themed drinks, prizes, and themed decorations. |
Amici Bar | Sunday music series called Tipsy Sundaze that pairs live acoustic sets with Aperol towers, pizza, and wine. |
Bar Rochford | A live music event on Sunday, 18 October to celebrate the EP launch of local jazz artist Micah Heathwood. The night will include performances by Micah and his band, a supporting act, and two local DJs. |
Civic Shoes | An advertising campaign with HerCanberra, showcasing Civic Shoes’ craftsmanship and custom offerings to attract new visitors and reinforce its identity as a cornerstone of Canberra retail. |
The Cupping Room | A joyful, dog-friendly outdoor event titled Puppers of Cuppers will feature themed drinks, pet stalls, live music, and a picnic space. |
East Row Café | Saturday DJ series called Coffee & Beats combining great coffee, brunch, and live music. Enjoy lo-fi, funk, and indie sets from local DJs in a family-friendly café atmosphere. |
Highball | Weekly Latin music series called Havana Nights will blend live funk and salsa with cocktails to revive midweek city life, support local artists, and energise the area’s nightlife. |
Luna Bar | Curated spring activations featuring Saturday dance performances, DJs and Latin Nights series showcasing local talent. |
Molly Bar | A Friday night jazz series called Rhythm and Booze will featuring top local bands in a lively late-night setting. |
Mooseheads Pub | Seven themed events across September and October, including a Country Night and Halloween, each curated to engage diverse audiences. |
Each business has been allocated $5,000 to deliver the activation described.
Business | Activation |
88mph | 88mph’s NYE party features live bands, DJs, themed cocktails, and high-energy entertainment. |
Amici | Sunday music series called Tipsy Sundaze that pairs live acoustic sets with Aperol towers, pizza, and wine. |
Highball | Weekly Latin music series called Havana Nights will blend live funk and salsa with cocktails to revive midweek city life, support local artists, and energise the area’s nightlife. |
Ken Cook Menswear | Install four high-quality display light boxes to enhance window visibility and improve storefront appeal. |
Madam Lu Malaysian Restaurant | A free two-day Malaysian food and culture showcase featuring tastings, entertainment, and decorations. |
Mezzalira Ristorante | A chef-led Italian cooking class followed by a fine dining meal blending hands-on learning, culture, and cuisine. |
Molly | A Friday night jazz series called Rhythm and Booze featuring top local bands in a lively late-night setting. |
PJs in the City | A free live music event featuring a range of Canberra artists, professional production, and inclusive entertainment. |
Smith’s Alternative | Smith’s will upgrade its stage lighting to enhance performance quality, audience experience, and artist satisfaction, while launching the new system with a live event. |
Squeaky Clean Bar | Funding will be used to run the bar’s annual “Squeak Out” event in Verity Lane with live music, DJs, food trucks, and kids’ activities. |
Tomo Tomo | A two-week program of Japanese tasting events featuring themed dishes, kids’ meals, and social media promotion. |
Vice | A themed Thursday night series called ‘After Dark’ featuring steak, martinis, and live music. |
We acknowledge the Ngunnawal people as traditional custodians of the ACT and recognise any other people or families with connection to the lands of the ACT and region. We acknowledge and respect their continuing culture and the contribution they make to the life of this city and this region.