Regional Nightlife Gets the Spotlight With New Grant Program

Regional business groups and organisations in New South Wales looking to uplift their night-life could receive support from the Office of the 24-Hour Economy Commissioner, with the pilot round of the Regional Night-Time Economy Program now open.

The $2 million program will support up to ten regional business collectives in towns across the state, over a two-year period.

The Office of the 24-Hour Economy Commissioner consulted with local businesses, local government, and industry groups in regional areas to understand the unique needs, challenges, and priorities of these groups.

The program will offer tailored bootcamps, funding, and ongoing support to harness opportunities in regional areas and deliver initiatives that will create more vibrancy from day to night. It is designed to support organised teams of local businesses to collaborate and further develop vibrant economies in regional NSW.

“It's been a pleasure to visit the different corners of the State since our remit was expanded to include the regions. There are so many great stories, places and events across the State. And while the locale may change, the common thread is groups of businesses who are passionate about elevating their nightlife and the visitor experience," 24-Hour Economy Commissioner Michael Rodrigues said.

"This new program has been designed after extensive consultation to understand how we can best enable the night-time economies of our regions. My thanks to the many councils who and local business chambers who have informed the process."

Paula Martin, Business NSW's executive director of regional NSW and the visitor economy, added that vibrant regional towns are "the lifeblood" to local job creation, career pathways for youth, and enhance lifestyle for regional centres.

"Businesses tell us that one of the barriers to attracting workers to regional centres is the level of activity offered by town centres in the area of entertainment, culture and arts both during the day and at night," she said.

“Programs that advance the activation of town centres helps to stimulate small business growth and in turn jobs for workers close to where they live. Importantly, active towns create a local visitor economy that benefits all industry sectors.”

For more information and to apply, see here. Applications are now open, and will close on November 20th, 2025.