Melbourne: a city for people

Melbourne has been ranked third in the Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU) annual Global Liveability Report, assessing living conditions of 140 cities around the world. If you already live here, you probably agree that Melbourne is one of the most welcoming cities in the world. 

Read more about our world-class services 

City's most savvy

The Enterprise Melbourne advisory board comprises some of Melbourne’s most successful and savvy business people. The board provides strategic advice on major business and economic development issues and is a great resource for the City of Melbourne and the business community.

Meet the Enterprise Melbourne advisory board 

Swanston Street to benefit business

Melbourne City Council has endorsed stage one of the Swanston Street Redevelopment, a $25.6 million plan to create a world-class promenade. The benefits to business include generating greater flows of people and upgrading of retail and hospitality to complement the streets function as a major civic space.

Find out more about the Swanston Street redevelopment

Meet and greet

Did you know that the business events industry provides the highest return on an investment for the tourism sector? More than 50 business events are already scheduled for the new 6-star-energy-rated Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre, together generating around $600 million for the Victorian economy.

Find out more about how business events contribute to the economy

New in town?

Opened a new business in the City of Melbourne municipality? Please email and tell us about yourself.

Business grants now open

Since 1996, the City of Melbourne has awarded more than $4 million to 250 businesses through its small business grants program. Many successful grant applicants have gone on to become some of the city’s greatest assets. Will you be next?

If your business or event could benefit the Melbourne community – apply for a grant. Applications for Small Business Grants, Business Event Sponsorship and Event Partnership Program close at 5.30pm on Friday 12 March.

Read the case studies and apply for a grant

What’s your line?

Looking for information on the state of your industry in Melbourne? The City of Melbourne conducts regular research into many of the municipality’s biggest and fastest growing industries, from hospitality to advanced manufacturing. We’re also a great resource for information on transport and infrastructure, permits, services and more. Make Enterprise Melbourne your first stop when you’re looking for the facts.

Industry information online

City retail: a snapshot of now

Find out what’s happening in retail. Learn more about the latest trends, and get a good picture of how our retail industry is growing. The Melbourne Retail Strategy 2006–2012 is now in its third year, and the 2008–2009 retail strategy report card includes many inspiring insights into the growth of retail in the city, as well as information on future directions.

Retail in detail

Future directions for business: in your own words

In 2009, we talked with – and listened to – many business leaders within the City of Melbourne municipality. What we were told was recorded, and has been complied into a report. What did you say, and how are we responding? It’s all in the report.

View the 2009 business consultation report

Selling Melbourne to the world

The City of Melbourne has developed a new Enterprise Melbourne promotional DVD to help Melbourne businesses start up and prosper in the city. Showcasing sophisticated, diverse, creative and well-connected Melbourne as a lucrative place to do business, the Enterprise Melbourne Business DVD promotes Melbourne’s many attributes to the world.

View excerpts from the DVD

Request a copy of the DVD

Join in with Earth Hour

At 8.30pm on Saturday 27 March, city lights will switch off across Melbourne, Victoria and around the world. The City of Melbourne will be switching off its non-essential lights, marking its support for a cleaner, greener future. Join us and show your support for a sustainable city. Sign up now.

The City of Melbourne offers a range of programs to help your business grow greener.

Grow a greener business