Night-time economy grant program opens for 2026

Through the Visa Vibe Grants Program 2026, eight grants of $25,000 (one per each state and territory) will be awarded to projects that activate local precincts, encourage visitation, enhance community connection, and support the evolving ways in which Australians engage with their cities and town centres after dark.

Night-time economy importance

The night-time economy is increasingly recognised as a critical driver of economic resilience. Well-planned night-time activity also contributes to improved perceptions of safety, greater transport utilisation, and stronger local employment opportunities.

Insights from the Visa Vibe Economy Report show demand for night-time experiences remains resilient, particularly among Gen Z, with 73% going out once or more a week. Australians are reshaping life after dark, favouring community-driven, accessible and experience-led nights over traditional nightlife, with more than half seeking affordability (52%) in particular.

The Visa Vibe Grants Program is designed to help bridge this gap – providing targeted financial support that enables businesses to, trial new ideas, activate precincts and deliver safer, more inclusive experiences that give Australians more reasons to go out after dark.

Mainstreet Australia President, Troy Stuchbree, said: “Main streets and town centres are the social and economic heart of communities, and a strong night-time economy is vital in bringing them to life after dark. The Visa Vibe Grants Program provides timely support for the small businesses and precinct partners driving safer, more inclusive and affordable experiences.”

Types of projects

Applications are open to eligible businesses and organisations delivering night-time experiences across retail, arts, hospitality, culture and community-led initiatives. Successful applicants must demonstrate how their project supports at least one of the program’s core pillars: safety, affordability, inclusivity or innovation. These include:

• Night markets, festivals and events
• Creative, cultural and community activations
• Safety, accessibility and streetscape improvements
• Affordable and accessible night-time experiences
• Retail, hospitality and mixed-use night activations
• Precinct-wide or collaborative projects
• Innovation, pilots and scalable concepts
  

Visa Country Manager for Oceania, Alan Machet, said: “The Visa Vibe Grants Program opens at an integral moment for Australia’s night-time economy. Businesses operating after dark play a critical role in local culture, employment and community connection, yet face a distinct set of pressures – from regulatory complexity, council restrictions and the added expense of safety, security and compliance during late-night trading hours.”

Applications

Applications for the Visa Vibe Grants Program are now open and close 11:59pm (AEDT), Tuesday 24 March 2026. Shortlisted businesses will be notified in April 2026, with winners announced later this year.

For eligibility criteria and application details, visit mainstreetaustralia.org.au/visavibegrantsprogram/

Grant Finder

There are many more grants and programs that support certain sectors, regions and purposes.

Although an essential enabler to support business growth, we know finding grants can be complex and time consuming. The Victorian Chamber Grant Finder is your new single source of truth for business grants in Victoria.

We can help you identify which local, state or federal government grants best suit your business needs.

Read about other grants available for your business success in 2026.

Access Grant Finder here