How do I know if my business is eligible?
To check your business’s eligibility for this stream, please refer section 2 of the program guidelines.
What types of projects will be considered eligible for this program?
Projects must clearly demonstrate how the funding will support:
- the creation of new jobs, and
- increased productivity through investment in new technologies and processes.
- With the following highly desirable:
- transition to employment security or higher value jobs, and/or
- skills development and uplift.
How do I apply?
Applicants must undertake the following steps to apply:
- Carefully read the program guidelines and confirm eligibility for this grant.
- Compile all the necessary supporting documents to apply as detailed in the Application Section (Section 5) of the program guidelines.
- Submit the application online .
- Await email confirmation of application submission. Please check spam/junk mail if confirmation email cannot be seen in your inbox.
When is the closing dates for applications?
Applications for this program closed at 5pm on Thursday, 6 April 2023.
Can I submit a late application?
No, late applications will not be accepted.
How much funding is available?
Grants of between $50,000 and $250,000, excluding GST, are available on a competitive basis.
How many applications can I submit?
Applicants are only eligible to submit one application for consideration for funding under this stream.
Can a joint application be submitted?
No. Joint Applications are not permitted under this program.
What financial commitment is required from businesses?
All grants must be matched by a minimum cash co-contribution of $2 for every $1 granted.
Is in-kind allowable as co-contribution?
No. In-kind contributions are excluded (i.e., non-monetary resources).
Can other government funds form part of the co-contribution?
No. Funds from other Victorian or Commonwealth Government programs cannot form part of the co-contribution.
How do I calculate the cash co-contribution?
Example one: If the total project cost is $150,000 (excluding GST), the maximum grant contribution will be $50,000 (excluding GST). The remaining $100,000 (excluding GST) must be covered by the Applicant.
Example two: If the total project cost is $1,000,000 (excluding GST), the maximum grant contribution will be $250,000 (excluding GST). The remaining $750,000 (excluding GST) must be covered by the Applicant.
Does the business need to be located in Victoria?
The business must be currently engaged in manufacturing or the manufacturing supply chain or demonstrate a genuine commercial connection to the manufacturing supply chain in Victoria.
Does the project need to be located in Victoria?
Yes. The project must be located in Victoria.
How are grant applications assessed?
Eligible applications will be assessed against the assessment criteria as outlined in the program guidelines. All supplementary attachments and information provided as part of the application will be taken into consideration during the assessment process.
To be competitive an application must address each assessment criterion and make the best possible case for funding. Claims made against each criterion must be substantiated and full details of all underlying risks and assumptions should be clearly stated.
Do businesses have a right of appeal?
There is no right of appeal and feedback will be provided to unsuccessful applicants by the department.
Do successful applicants have to sign a grant agreement to receive funding?
Yes. Successful applicants will be sent a Letter of Offer inviting them to enter into a legally binding grant agreement with the department.
What is included in the grant agreement?
The grant agreement details all funding obligations and conditions.
How quickly do businesses have to start their projects?
Projects will be expected to commence within 60 days of execution of the grant agreement.
When do projects need to be completed?
Successful applicants will need to complete the project activities within 12 months of the date of the grant agreement.
Can I start my project before I have signed a grant agreement?
No. Funding will not be provided for retrospective activities, i.e. Where project expenditure is incurred prior to receipt and acceptance of a letter of offer and project commencement.
How will my personal information be treated?
For the departments practices and policies related to the collection, use and storage of applicant’s information, please read the Privacy Statement.
If successful, will my project details be made public?
Possibly. Grant recipients must agree to cooperate with the department in the preparation of materials used to promote the benefits of the program to industry, such as a media release or case study on the project and consult with the department prior to the publication of any project promotion materials.
Successful projects may be announced by the Minister in a media release and may also be listed on a Victorian Government website.