The City of Whittlesea is currently developing the Economic Growth Strategy 2026-2036 and has prepared a series of discussion papers exploring key opportunities and challenges. Businesses and industry are invited to read and contribute feedback during the consultation period, to help shape the future of our local economy.

These papers will focus on four priority areas:

• Unlocking Business Growth and Innovation
• Building Jobs, Skills and Training
• Driving Investment, Infrastructure and Industry Forward
• Growing Economies through Culture and Connection

The City of Whittlesea Business to Business Grant Program supports local businesses to grow and contribute to a prosperous and inclusive local economy. Dollar-for-dollar grants of up to $10,000 are available across two grant streams: Business improvement and innovation and elevating your business.

The program is offered exclusively to members of the City of Whittlesea Business Network, which is free to join and available to businesses located in the municipality.

Download the grant program information booklet to learn more and find out if your business is eligible.

Highlighting the City of Whittlesea as a place for culinary excellence, four local cheese producers triumphed at the 2025 Melbourne Royal Food Show, earning an impressive 21 medals including 8 gold, 7 silver, and 6 bronze. Thomastown-based Floridia Cheese won ‘Best In Class’ in the fresh, hard, and other cheese categories. Pantalica Cheese Company, That's Amore Cheese, and Giorgio’s Artisan Cheese also received top honours, highlighting the region's exceptional talent in crafting fresh, semi-hard, and specialty cheeses.

Epping-based business Interroll Australia specialises in material handling solutions for a range of industries, including e-commerce, food, and automotive. Their commitment to a circular economy is reflected in its impressive sustainability practices, which are integrated into everyday operations. By identifying valuable resources within their waste streams—such as metals used in manufacturing—Interroll not only reduces disposal costs but also generates additional revenue from materials that would otherwise end up in landfill.

Share your positive business sustainability story with Georgie Nathan, Circular Economy Officer, by email georgie.nathan@whittlesea.vic.gov.au

The City of Whittlesea welcomes VICSEG New Futures to their new, larger premises at 560 High St, Epping. This not-for-profit organisation employs 108 staff speaking 50+ languages from 30 nations. Across six campuses, they deliver certificate and diploma courses to refugees and migrants, creating pathways into community and care services facing skills shortages, including aged, disability, and childcare. The new site enables hands-on training, growth, and increased employment opportunities.

Congratulations to Funfields Theme Park on creating 40 years of family fun! From a simple toboggan run in the 1980s, it has grown into a world-class theme park, still proudly family-owned and operated. Located in Whittlesea, Funfields offers a wide range of wet and dry attractions. Open from November to April, it welcomes over 200,000 visitors annually and employs around 250 staff, mostly local youth, while staying true to its mission to create a place for family fun.

The City of Whittlesea Business Directory provides members of the business network with free exposure to over 240,000 residents and 21,000 businesses. Hosted on the City of Whittlesea website, your business profile can include your contact details, website, trading hours, and more, showcasing your products or services to new customers and potential partners. 

A number of local, state and national programs are available to financially support City of Whittlesea residents and businesses to become more sustainable and save money.

The Victorian Government Digital Jobs Program provides construction and advanced manufacturing sectors with free digital technologies training. Attend the information session on 12 November to learn more.

Sustainability Victoria offers grants of $15,000 to $50,000 to bring recycled material innovations to market.