Grants of up to $1,000 now available for multicultural-themed business activations in the City Centre and Braddon.
If you are a registered business in the City Centre Marketing and Improvement Levy (CCMIL) area, join one of Canberra’s most vibrant cultural celebrations! Connect with thousands of festival-goers through the National Multicultural Festival Business Activation Grants, proudly supported by the City Renewal Authority and Infrastructure Canberra (iCBR).
These business activation grants are designed to help you bring multicultural flair into your storefronts, menus, services, or spaces—whether it’s a special dish inspired by heritage, an in-store performance, a cultural art installation, or a themed event.
Your activation will be promoted as part of the official festival program, giving your business visibility and helping shape a more inclusive, colourful Canberra.
Applications for the National Multicultural Festival business activation grants have now closed.
We are please to announce that 14 local businesses have received a grant of up to $1,000 to deliver multicultural-themed activations during the 2026 National Multicultural Festival.
- Amici Wine Bar and Deli - An Italian jazz night featuring live music, authentic food, and wine.
- Bite & Savour - A Lunar New Year celebration featuring pastries, festive décor, and storytelling.
- CoCo Bubble Tea - A hands-on experience for participants to learn the art of Chinese-style tea making.
- Highball Bar - A late-night Latin party bringing high-energy entertainment to City West after the festival.
- Landspeed Records - A world music day with DJs spinning global sounds outside the store.
- Lunabar - A vibrant celebration of Latin culture featuring local musicians, DJs, and dance lessons.
- Molly Bar - A New Orleans-inspired evening with live music and themed food and drinks in a speakeasy setting.
- Mooseheads Pub - A K-Pop pop-up celebrating contemporary Korean culture through music and dance.
- POP Canberra - A day dedicated to showcasing locally made goods inspired by global cultures.
- Status Golf - A modern Korean screen golf experience paired with authentic Korean food and drinks.
- Unilodge at ANU - Creation of international-themed murals on eight fire escape cubes with residents and the wider community.
- VICE - A guided wine experience showcasing varieties from around the world, accompanied by live music.
- Wurrumay Collective - An immersive cultural event with First Nations cuisine and live First Nations music.
- 98 Gym - A community fitness event celebrating cultural diversity through a friendly team rowing competition.
Why get involved?
- Festival promotion: Be featured across festival channels—online, social media, and printed materials.
- Community connection: Strengthen ties with Canberra’s diverse communities.
- Customer experience: Offer authentic, elevated cultural experiences.
- Financial support: Receive up to $1,000 (+ GST) to help bring your idea to life.
- Creative expression: Showcase your business’s creativity and commitment to inclusion.
What we’re looking for
We welcome proposals that are creative, culturally inspired, and open to the public. Examples include:
- Multicultural-themed menu items, dishes, or drinks
- Pop-up performances: music, dance, storytelling, or demonstrations
- Window displays, decorations, or public art installations
- In-store events or workshops celebrating culture, heritage, or language
- Accessibility initiatives: sensory-friendly activities, multilingual materials, or mobility-friendly setups
Note: Standard business operations or discounts on regular products or services are not eligible.
How to apply + key dates
Before applying, make sure to read the Business Activation Grant Guidelines. It covers everything you need to know—eligible activations, funding amounts, delivery expectations, and available support.
Key Dates to Remember:
- Applications Open: 1 October 2025 at 3pm
- Applications Close: 5 November 2025 at 3pm
- Notification of Outcome: Early December 2025
- Activation delivery period: 27 January - 10 February 2026
Ready to bring your multicultural activation to life? Submit your application and be part of the celebration!
Need help or have questions?
We’re here to support you! If you’re unsure whether your idea fits or want help shaping your activation, reach out:
- Email: inbox@multiculturalfestival.act.gov.au
- Phone: 02 6207 8698