Sutherland Shire Council has announced a new grants program targeting small business digital transformation, with funding of up to $10,000 available per eligible business.

The Digital Shire Business Grants program, opening for applications next Monday, allocates $500,000 in total funding for the 2026 financial year.

Who’s Eligible

The program targets businesses that:

• Operate within Sutherland Shire boundaries
• Have been trading for at least 12 months
• Employ fewer than 20 full-time equivalent staff
• Can demonstrate how digital investment will improve operations

Both retail and service businesses qualify. Home-based businesses are eligible if they hold appropriate council registrations.

What’s Covered

Approved expenses include:

Technology infrastructure:

• Point-of-sale systems
• Booking and scheduling software
• Inventory management tools
• Customer relationship management (CRM) systems

Digital presence:

• Website development or upgrades
• E-commerce implementation
• Online booking integration
• Digital marketing setup

Business process automation:

• Accounting software
• Payroll systems
• Customer communication tools
• Basic AI tools for administration

Hardware costs are capped at 30% of the grant total. The focus is on capability rather than equipment.

How It Works

Grants operate on a matched funding basis—Council contributes 50% of approved project costs up to the $10,000 maximum. Businesses must fund the remaining 50% from their own resources.

Applications require:

• Business plan showing intended technology use
• Quotes from at least two suppliers
• Financial statements demonstrating operational viability
• Written commitment to remain operating in the Shire for at least 12 months post-grant

Council’s economic development team will assess applications monthly, with decisions typically within four weeks.

Local Business Response

Early interest appears strong. James Chen, owner of a Gymea Bay café, has been waiting for this kind of support.

“We’ve needed an online ordering system since COVID,” Chen said. “The quotes we got were around $8,000 for something decent. Getting half of that covered makes it actually possible.”

Miranda business chamber president Wendy Hargreaves welcomed the announcement but noted the total funding pool is limited.

“$500,000 sounds like a lot, but at $10,000 per business, that’s only 50 grants. We have over 8,000 small businesses in the Shire. Early applications will be important.”

Context

The program follows similar initiatives from Georges River Council and other Sydney councils responding to federal government encouragement of local digital transformation support.

NSW Small Business Commissioner data suggests around 40% of Sydney small businesses still lack functional digital presence beyond basic social media. The gap is particularly pronounced among hospitality and retail businesses.

Council’s economic development manager Theresa Sullivan said the program aims to address competitive disadvantage.

“Our local businesses compete with online retailers and businesses from other areas with more sophisticated digital operations. This program helps level that playing field.”

How to Apply

Applications open Monday, February 3, through Council’s online grants portal. Information sessions will be held at:

• Sutherland Shire Libraries (Sutherland branch) — Wednesday, February 5, 6pm
• Miranda Westfield community room — Saturday, February 8, 10am
• Cronulla RSL — Tuesday, February 11, 7pm

Business owners are encouraged to attend a session before applying, as previous grant rounds have seen applications rejected for technical errors.

Full program guidelines will be available on Council’s website from Monday.

Other Support Available

Businesses not successful in the grants program may still access:

• Service NSW Digital Solutions program — Free workshops on digital business tools
• Business Connect advisory services — Subsidised consulting for small business planning
• TAFE Digital Skills programs — Short courses on specific technology applications

Council staff can also provide referrals to these programs during the application process.