Power Of Community: How Locals Are Turning Frankston into a Small Businesses Hub

Located in Victoria next to the stunning Mornington Peninsula, Frankston is fast becoming a small business hub. Once a sleepy beachside suburb south of Melbourne, Frankston's flourishing $18 billion economy is now supported by the growing healthcare, retail, hospitality, industrial and education sectors. 

Thanks to the innovation and perseverance of local business owners and entrepreneurs, Frankston is now also home to a small business community of dedicated locals.

Read on to discover what Frankston has to offer small business owners, how it will evolve in the future, and how you can profit from this exciting period of growth.

The Rise Of The Frankston Business Hub

As the gateway to the Mornington Peninsula and home to one of the most popular (and cleanest) beaches in Victoria, Frankston's economy has traditionally relied on tourism and hospitality.

However, recent years have seen a shift towards support for small businesses and start-ups.

The state government has also committed significant investment in     revitalising Frankston Town Centre, and spent no less than $63 million redeveloping the train station.

Working with the State Government and Frankston City Council, local businesses and stakeholders have successfully kicked off the suburb's renewal. Further driven by the collective efforts of its community, Frankston has become an ideal place to work and live.

Frankston City Council Local Business Initiatives

Frankston's vision is set on economic growth and development. There are more than  44,000 businesses currently operating in the area, with a dedicated economic development team within  Frankston City Council available to offer support for new businesses. 

There's also the Frankston Business Collective (FBC), which is the area's main business organisation. The FBC acts as an advocate for its members. It organises networking events for local business owners, runs education sessions, and hosts the annual Business Excellence Awards.

Support & Grants For Local Businesses

There is no shortage of support for innovative, forward-thinking entrepreneurs and small business owners in Frankston.

The Frankston City Council (in addition to the State and Federal Governments) offer business grants designed to support and encourage local businesses. The local council alone has distributed business grants since 2012, with $150,000 up for grabs this year – but applications close on 13th September, so be quick!

With these and other grants in place helping the Frankston community and other regional suburbs across the country, it goes to show that you no longer have to be in the inner city to have a chance of starting a successful small business.

Local Events Supporting Small Businesses

Growing as it is into a small business hub and vibrant local community, small business owners will find a number of events and opportunities in Frankston that can help them thrive.

Business Courses

Frankston City Council regularly runs business courses that cater to different levels of experience. From business office skills to Microsoft Suite courses, there's plenty on offer designed to help support the budding business community.

SouthSide Festival

This annual festival held in May is a celebration of arts and culture. The festival revolves around the idea of igniting imaginations and provoking a desire to learn, engage and connect. The festival also emphasises the importance of fostering relationships between artists, businesses and the community.

At the festival, you'll find art installations, events, performances, music and more – including food and cultural events put on by local business owners. It's a great place to connect, and to market your own services or products.

Local Markets

There are a number of markets in Frankston that local business owners can take advantage of, demonstrating just how effective a community can become for small enterprises, and even for building your career through networking.

Seaford Village Makers Market

Held on the 3rd Sunday of the month, this market supports local craftspeople and artisans and is a great place for showcasing your creative talents.

Frankston Vinyl Fair

Also held on the 3rd Sunday of each month, this market is hosted by the Melbourne Record Club and Frankston Brewhouse: a great example of the power of a solid partnership in bringing community together and boosting business for both companies.

Little Beauty Market

This quaint market held during the warmer months from September to March in Beauty Park hosts a range of different stalls – including crafts, clothing, homewares and more.

Starting Your Own Small Business In Frankston

With a growing economy, multiple infrastructure projects in the works, and plenty of support for small business owners, Frankston is a great place for determined entrepreneurs with the next big idea.

Set up a stall at one of the many local markets, appeal to state and local government funding initiatives and grant competitions, and lean into the general push to turn Frankston into the small business hub it's quickly already growing into. 

If things go well, you'll only be a short commute away from Melbourne to expand. But in the meantime, save the unbearable office or warehouse renting costs and inner city parking fees, and turn to your community partnerships to build a solid foundation for your business.