Boost for local economy | Small Business Grant recipients announced
Published on 04 December 2025
Frankston City Council has announced the successful recipients of the 2025–2026 Small Business Grants Program, with 22 local businesses awarded a record total of $200,000.
From a creative party hub and a new café experience to sustainable concrete products and specialty food manufacturing, this year’s grants will support a diverse range of exciting projects designed to boost business and employment in Frankston City.
These projects are expected to create more than 40 new jobs across industries including hospitality, health, creative services, manufacturing, education, automotive, and professional services.
Mayor Kris Bolam JP congratulated the recipients and said the grants, which Council increased by $50,000 this year, underscore Council’s commitment to helping Frankston City’s small businesses prosper.
“Small businesses are the driving force behind jobs, growth and prosperity, and we look forward to seeing how these latest grant recipients will further boost our city,” Mayor Bolam said.
“The importance of these grants for Frankston City’s local economy is clear to see, as shop vacancies decrease and new businesses start up. With our local gross regional product growing from 9 billion to 9.6 billion between 2023 to 2024, these grants deliver a strong return on investment,”
Council established its Small Business Grants Program in 2011 as a proactive response to the Global Financial Crisis, helping stimulate local economic recovery and build long-term resilience across Frankston City’s business community.
Frankston City’s economic momentum continues to strengthen, with more than 820 new small businesses established in the past 12 months, one of the strongest uptakes in the region.
As part of their submission, businesses had to clearly demonstrate how their project will support economic and/or employment growth within Frankston City.
One of the successful applicants, Lara Robshaw from children’s party venue Kidztown, shared her excitement:
“This grant will allow us to launch Big Day Celebrations, expanding our creative offerings with custom-designed props and décor,” Ms Robshaw said.
“It’s a game-changer for our business and for families looking for unique experiences. We’re thrilled to grow in Frankston and contribute to the local economy.”
Since the program began as at June 2025, Council has provided grants to over 126 businesses, supported 760 direct jobs and contributed more than $470 million to the local economy.
Previous recipients include:
Commonfolk, recently awarded 2025 Café of the Year by The Age’s Good Food Guide. Their grant helped them relocate to a larger space on Playne Street, increasing capacity.
Streamline Energy, which moved from a home-based business to a factory in Seaford after receiving a grant in 2024–2025. They’ve since hired three new employees and plan to add two more by mid-next year.
Director Steve Roberts of Streamline Energy said: “We’re so grateful for the Council’s support. The application process was smooth, and it’s wonderful to know our growth is being recognised.”
Mayor Bolam added: “Commonfolk’s recognition and Streamline’s growth is exactly what these grants are all about. Every dollar supports local jobs, innovation, and economic resilience.”
A large number of Frankston City’s business grants recipients were also acknowledged as nominees in the 2025 Frankston Business Chamber Awards.
Bernadine Geary, CEO of the Frankston Business Chamber, commended Council for its initiatives in supporting local businesses:
“Every dollar matters, and as Frankston City expands and competition for business increases, these grants can be a game-changer. This initiative shows a clear commitment to driving economic growth.”
A recent audit commended the program for its robust processes and transparency. Council has built on these findings by providing comprehensive staff training and appointing a dedicated Grants Management Officer for further oversight.
The 2025–2026 recipients were chosen by a six-person assessment panel following a stringent process and endorsed by Council earlier in November.
Below is the full list of 2025-26 successful Small Business Grant recipients;
Business Growth or Expansion
Support for existing Frankston City manufacturing, retail, health, professional services and hospitality businesses to move into larger premises, expand operations, increase their product/service offering and/or increase employment opportunities.
1. Seaford Myotherapy and Sports Massage - $10,000
105 Railway Parade, Seaford
Funding to facilitate reconfiguration of existing premises to create an additional consulting room, enabling the delivery of complementary services to the community, enhance service offering and improve accessibility for people with mobility needs. The grant will support internal wall replacement, plumbing, flooring and electrical works.
2. LF Sign Group Pty Ltd - $10,000
Factory 3/13 Silkwood Rise, Carrum Downs
Funding to purchase 3D printers for a sign manufacturing company, allowing business to adopt sustainable production methods and expand its service offering.
3. Minuteman Press Seaford - $10,000
2/3 Heversham Drive, Seaford
Funding for the acquisition of an embroidery machine, introducing a new service alongside existing printing operations, with the aim of creating a one-stop shop for custom goods and generating additional employment opportunities.
4. Nepean School of Dance - $11,000
6B Hi-Tech Place, Seaford
Funding allocated for the fit out of a dance studio, supporting a business’s expansion into a larger premises by converting a factory space.
5. The Baby Gift Company - $10,000
2/28 Malibu Circuit, Carrum Downs
Funding to support the purchase of a commercial embroidery machine to expand product offerings and upcycling baby items as part of a broader plan to create a premium custom baby gift hub.
6. TY Barber Pty Ltd - $10,000
18 Shannon Street Mall, Frankston
Funding to assist with the fit out of a recently relocated business in the Frankston City, enabling installation of additional barber station to increase service capacity, reduce customer wait times, and support business growth and employment.
7. Stone Outdoors Pty Ltd ta Stonekast - $8,000
10 Daniel Drive, Carrum Downs
Funding contribution to obtain ISO and GEECA certification to achieve a Green Star rating, strengthen competitiveness in sustainability driven markets and improve contract prospects.
8. Eliza Flower Studio - $5,000
44 Heatherhill Road, Frankston
Funding to purchase a work bench and for an upgrade to their e-commerce website, integrating SEO strategies to boost online sale and attract broader customer base.
9. Cuvee Australia Pty Ltd - $10,000
4/28 Concord Crescent, Carrum Downs
Funding for the acquisition of a commercial grade food dehydrator to support the business in becoming the first Australian manufacturer of alkalised cocoa powder made from responsibly and sustainably sourced cocoa beans.
10. Slowburn Studio - $10,000
2/3 Baldwyn Street, Frankston
Funding to support with the internal fit outs, transforming their second adjoining factory into a Frankston’s first creator hub, offering podcast studio, editing suite and shared desk space.
11. Peninsula Plus - $10,000
20 Davey Street, Frankston
Funding for the series of education sessions, development of policies and documentation templates, in preparation for launching a new service stream and registering as a Specialist Behaviour Support provider.
12. Kidztown - $10,000
28 Hartnett Drive, Seaford
Funding towards transforming the current website into an e-commerce platform with new imagery, in preparation for the launch of an additional service stream. It also supports the purchase of a laser cutter to offer custom-designed party products.
13. Cherrymotive Auto Electrical - $14,000
1/9 New Street, Frankston
Funding to support the purchase and installation of additional hoists to meet the growing demand, increase service offering and support employment.
14. PGA Institute - $5,000
600 Thompsons Road, Sandhurst
Funding to acquire lockers, furniture and wall decals to increase classroom capacity, accommodate growing enrolments and provide an inclusive learning environment for students and staff.
15. Mama Melisse - $10,000
1/ 4 Rosella Street, Frankston
Funding to acquire Robot Coupe 2 machine to expand manufacturing capabilities and a marquee to increase visibility at market events.
16. Truckpro - $7,000
1/28 Malibu Circuit, Carrum Downs
Funding towards upgrading the mezzanine by installing compliant stairs and balustrading, enabling business to increase the vehicle service capacity. Additional support includes signage and painting work to improve the overall appearance of the factory.
17. Alto Montessori Early Learning and Kindergarten - $5,000
24-26 Malcolm Road, Langwarrin
Funding towards the purchase and installation of new rope play structure, garden beds and kid’s tools to support cognitive learning. Signage at the rear of the building is also supported to improve site visibility.
18. Alliz Trading Crystal Wholesaler - $5,000
Unit 11, 10 Klauer Street, Seaford
Funding towards signage and marketing to support rebranding efforts and promote the business’s expanded new product range.
19. Fountain Law - $5,000
14/10 Lakewood Boulevard, Carrum Downs
Funding allocated for furniture and digital equipment to increase workstation capacity to accommodate planned recruitment and workforce expansion.
20. Frankston Thai Restaurant - $5,000
137 Beach Street, Frankston
Funding to acquire outdoor furniture to facilitate footpath trading and increase dine in capacity to meet growing demand.
Taking the Next Step
An existing home-based business or mobile operation wanting to take the next step into an industrial or retail space in Frankston City.
21. Square Peg Psychology - $20,000
Location TBC
Funding to assist an Edithvale-based home business in relocating to a commercial premises within Frankston, covering costs for signage and furniture.
22. Prominent Builder Pty Ltd - $10,000
17 Cambridge Street, Frankston
Funding to support a home-based business in transitioning to a commercial premises, including costs for the initial fit-out, electrical works and required energy and ventilation upgrades.
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