$200k Visa grants to power Australia’s night-time economy
Visa has opened applications for the $200,000 AUD Visa Vibe Grants Program. The national initiative backs the small businesses at the heart of Australia’s night-time economy, helping create safe, affordable, inclusive and innovative experiences after dark.
The program will award eight $25,000 AUD grants, one in each Australian state and territory, to boost small and growing businesses that are helping local communities connect, thrive and evolve in the night-time economy.
Visa Country Manager for Oceania, Alan Machet, said the grants mark a shift from insight to action. “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,” Mr Machet said.
While these challenges can limit the ability of small and independent operators to invest in innovation, insights from the Visa Vibe Economy Report, developed in partnership with McCrindle, 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.
“Visa has a deep understanding of how Australians live, spend and connect after dark. What we’re seeing is a clear demand for nights out that are safer, more inclusive and more affordable – and for local businesses, the pressure to deliver that has never been greater,” Mr Machet continued.
“The program is about backing the businesses that make our cities come alive at night and supporting the people and places powering our night-time economy. We’re incredibly proud to play a role as a long-term partner and enabler of small and growing businesses.”
With rising costs, changing consumer behaviour and increased expectations around safety placing pressure on night-time operators, the grants aim to support projects that strengthen local precincts, boost economic resilience and foster meaningful community connection after dark.
Mainstreet Australia President, Troy Stuchbree, said vibrant night-time economies are critical to the health of local communities, “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.”
“Importantly, vibrant night-time economies extend beyond capital cities, with suburban and regional centres leading innovative place-based initiatives. We’re proud to partner with Visa to help strengthen local economies and the communities they support,” he concluded.
For Kelsie Gaffey, Founder of Gracie’s Wine Room & Gracie’s Space, this means backing local venues that bring communities together after dark. “The Visa Vibes Grant program is such a great initiative and one that is so desperately needed right now in this industry. Hospitality has always been a challenging industry to succeed in, but the support of these grants has the potential to make a mammoth impact on small businesses.”
“We are constantly dealing with the rise of tax, stock, and compliance regulations - so, being eligible for a grant like this would really take the pressure off small operators and allow them to stay compliant, refresh their business model and focus on improving customer experiences,” she added.
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.
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/
Visa, 10th February 2026
