NSW Regional Night-Time Economy Program

Purpose and Program Overview

The Regional Night-Time Economy Program NSW supports the development of vibrant, diverse, and sustainable night-time economies in regional New South Wales. Delivered by the NSW Government through the Office of the 24-Hour Economy Commissioner, the program funds and strengthens local business collectives to boost after-dark activity, attract new audiences, and enhance regional tourism and community engagement.

Through collaborative projects, participating business groups can develop new experiences, events, and offerings that extend economic activity beyond typical trading hours. The program aims to build local capability, stimulate investment, and diversify economic opportunities in regional town centres.

This initiative forms part of the NSW Government’s broader effort to enhance regional vitality, supporting local innovation and economic resilience while encouraging safe, inclusive, and dynamic night-time precincts.

Key Grant Details

• Grant amount: Between $100,000 and $200,000 per project
  
• Status: Open
  
• Application close date: Thursday, 20 November 2025
  
• Eligible applicants: Collectives of regional NSW businesses
  
• Eligible location: Regional NSW (outside Greater Sydney, Newcastle, and Wollongong)
  
• Co-contribution required: Not specified (likely not mandatory)
  

Priority Sectors

Regional Night-Time Economy grant is open to a broad range of sectors, particularly those contributing to local hospitality, arts, entertainment, retail, and tourism industries.

Funding Scope

• Funding range: Minimum $100,000 and maximum $200,000 per approved project
  
• Funding type: Single funding stream for collective regional initiatives
  
• Project duration: Aligned with the agreed project delivery timeframe as specified by the NSW Government upon approval
  

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must:

• Be a membership-based organisation representing a regional town centre or precinct within an eligible Local Government Area (LGA)
  
• Have a valid Australian Business Number (ABN)
  
• Be registered for Goods and Services Tax (GST)
  
• Represent a collective of at least six local businesses from eligible sectors (e.g., retail, hospitality, entertainment, arts)
  
• Hold a bank account with an Australian financial institution
  

Eligible Activities and Expenses

The funding of the grant program can be used to support initiatives that enhance regional night-time activity, such as:

• Developing new experiences or events to address off-peak periods
  
• Curating activations that leverage major local or regional events
  
• Expanding or diversifying offerings to attract new audiences
  
• Extending trading hours or introducing collective late-night operations
  
• Collaborative marketing or place-making initiatives promoting after-dark participation
  

Assessment Process

• The Regional Night-Time Economy grant is competitive, with applications assessed against merit-based criteria.
  
• Key evaluation considerations include:
  
  • Project merit and innovation in enhancing regional night-time economies
    
  • Alignment with NSW Government priorities for economic growth and community engagement
    
  • Feasibility and value for money, including local impact and long-term benefits
    
  • Collaboration and partnership strength within the applying business collective
    

Recent Program Updates

• Pilot round launched in 2025 offering grants between $100,000 and $200,000
  
• Current round is open until 20 November 2025
  
• Future rounds may expand based on pilot outcomes and government evaluation
  

Application Tips

• Ensure all eligibility and membership criteria are met before applying
  
• Develop a strong collective proposal that demonstrates community benefit, economic impact, and sustainability
  
• Prepare supporting documents early, including financial details and evidence of collaboration
  
• Clearly outline the expected outcomes for the region’s night-time economy
  
• Align your proposal with NSW Government objectives for regional economic activation
  

Where to Get Help

Consider consulting a grant specialist for a personalised eligibility assessment and expert assistance in preparing a strong, compliant and competitive application. Contact Pattens Group today, and we will connect you with Australia’s best grant specialist, boasting over 35 years of experience in the industry and a 100% success rate. For official guidelines, application details, templates, and further information, visit the program’s official website at nsw.gov.au.