Council backs business with new support measures in 2025–26 Budget

Published on 14 July 2025

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Frankston City Council is delivering new investment and long-term support for local business and industry as part of its $1.7 million Local Support Package, included in the recently adopted $304.82 million 2025-26 Stronger Together Annual Budget.

With more than 14,000 registered businesses now operating across Frankston City, including a record 639 new business registrations over the past 12 months, the city is fast emerging as a regional centre for innovation, entrepreneurship and hospitality.

Initiatives targeted at supporting local businesses in this year’s Stronger Together Annual Budget range from uplifts in business grants and waived service charges to increased city centre parking.

Councillor Nathan Butler said Council's commitment to supporting business is evident in its strong track record.

"Since launching our economic development strategy and business grants program, we've helped attract major investments such as General Public, Hotel Lona and Moon Dog Brewery, and supported local businesses expand or relocate," Cr Butler said.

"We're creating a business landscape that invites new ideas, supports local entrepreneurship and rewards social value," Cr Butler said.

Frankston City Council is recognised as a Small Business Friendly Council by the Victorian Small Business Commission and provides focused economic development through a range of targeted initiatives, partnerships and local incentives.

In total, Council invests approximately $2.8 million annually in economic development, through business attraction, place activation, advocacy, partnerships and grants.

Key business and industry-related initiatives in the 2025-26 Local Support Package and Budget include:

  • Commercial rate increase limited to just 1.12% - well below the 3% State Government cap, and the lowest increase since 2022-23.
  • Three-year funding for both the Frankston Business Collective and Committee for Frankston and Mornington Peninsula to strengthen advocacy, support networking and build capacity across Frankston’s business community.
  • $300,000 in business grants, inclusive of an additional $30,000 to increase employment opportunities with small businesses.
  • Waived service charges including Public Notification Fees, Minor Event Fees and Kerbside Trading Fees.
  • Dedicated project manager to help deliver the $50 million Nepean Highway Boulevard redevelopment, aimed at revitalising Frankston's main spine and bringing business back to the precinct.
  • 70 new car parks at Frankston House, opening October 2025, to attract more customers and workers into the city centre.
  • $10,000 in new funding for the Frankston Social Enterprise and Innovation Hub, supporting businesses to adopt social procurement practices.

"This budget recognises the diverse needs of our business community and ensures help is available when it's needed,” Cr Butler concluded.

Businesses benefiting from Frankston City Council Business Grants to further improve, relocate or expand their business include Betty's Burgers, Hop Shop, Madame Tiger, Red Gum BBQ at Home, Cosy & Tasty Dumplings, Commonfolk, Spicy Web, Minty Greenhouse.

As a Small Business Friendly Council, Frankston City has also supported 98 innovative and sustainable business ideas come to life since the program began in 2012, injecting more than $1.4 million to help create economic growth and employment to the area.

Cr Brad Hill JP highlighted the importance of smart, long-term planning in delivering results for local traders.

"From waived fees to major infrastructure and new car parking in the CBD, we're focused on bringing people and investment into Frankston, while backing the businesses that already call our city home."

"It's a great example of Council and community working together to build a stronger, more vibrant local economy."

Council will continue to share details of the 2025-26 Budget's Local Support Package in the coming weeks.

View the full Budget: https://www.frankston.vic.gov.au/Council/Frankston-priorities-and-strategies/Council-Plan-and-Budget .

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