What are the benefits for businesses?

Grants can be used to purchase new equipment, improve existing products and processes, test new products and processes and develop supply chain capability.

What support is available?

Grants of between $50,000 to $250,000 are available. All grants must be matched by a minimum cash co-contribution of $2 for every $1 granted.

Eligibility criteria

Applicants must meet the following criteria to be eligible for assistance under the program:

• be an eligible legal entity¹
• hold an Australian Business Number (ABN)
• be an employing business registered for WorkCover insurance with WorkSafe Victoria
• agree to meet any co-contribution requirements with eligible cash expenditure
• be currently engaged in manufacturing or the manufacturing supply chain or demonstrate a genuine commercial connection to the manufacturing supply chain in Victoria
• employ at least 20 FTE (full-time equivalent) staff or have an annual turnover of greater than $1.5 million (preference will be given to applicants that have less than 200 employees and turnover of less than $100 million)² attest that they:
  • agree to conduct the proposed activities in Victoria
  • have met all industrial relations obligations as an employer in accordance with the National Employment Standards
  • will participate in future program evaluation activity
  • will provide financial reports for the last three financial years to enable the Department of Jobs, Skills, Industry and Regions (the department) to conduct a Financial Risk Assessment (FRA).

¹ Eligible legal entities include companies incorporated pursuant to the Corporations Act 2001 and registered with the Australian Securities and Investment Commission (and including where the company is acting in its capacity as a trustee).

² Companies that employ fewer than 20 FTE may be considered for funding if employment will reach at least 20 FTE by the end of the proposed project. Companies with more than 200 employees and a turnover of greater than $100 million must demonstrate that the project cannot be realised without government funding.

How to apply

1. carefully read these program guidelines and frequently asked questions (FAQs)
2. compile all necessary supporting documents as detailed in the program guidelines and application form as outlined in the guidelines
3. submit application online
4. await email confirmation of application submission. Please check spam or junk mail if confirmation email cannot be seen in your inbox.

Applications for this program closed at 5pm on Thursday, 6 April 2023.

Program guidelines

Manufacturing Growth Program guidelines (PDF 263.88 KB)

Manufacturing Growth Program guidelines (DOCX 203.4 KB)

Project plan template

Manufacturing Growth Program project plan template (DOCX 125.78 KB)

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

Read the full list of FAQs before applying.