What is the Microenterprise Development Grants Program?
Microenterprise Development Grants will provide support to organisations with experience in delivering capability development programs that address socio-cultural constraints to economic participation and entrepreneurship for priority groups of Victorians.
The grant program is designed to comprise flexible delivery methods that enable participation of priority groups including people on a low income or unemployed, women experiencing disadvantage, people with disability, Aboriginal people, young people and people from culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) backgrounds.
What is the definition of a Microenterprise?
For the purpose of this grant, a microenterprise is considered a small-scale business often operated by a sole trader or a business with five or fewer employees.
What assistance is available through this grant program?
A maximum of $300,000 (excl. GST) in funding.
How do I know if my organisation is eligible?
To check your organisations eligibility for the program please check section 3 of the Program Guidelines.
When are the opening/closing dates for applications?
Applications open on 22 March 2022 and close at 11:59pm on 10 April 2022.
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 necessary supporting documents to apply as detailed in the ‘Documentation and Information Requirements’ section of these Program Guidelines.
- Submit application online via the Microenterprise Development Grant Program 2022 web page.
- Await email confirmation of application submission. Please check spam/junk mail if confirmation email cannot be seen in your inbox.
What can the grant be used for?
Th grant can be used to deliver a Project that must be based in Victoria and work with people who wish to start their own microenterprise, from one or more from the list of priority groups:
- Women experiencing disadvantage (including: facing barriers to employment, over 45 years, impacted by family violence)
- Young People (18 to 25 years)
- Low-income or unemployed people
- Aboriginal people
- People who are Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD)
- People with a disability.
What type of Activities can be delivered?
Examples of eligible activities include:
- Microenterprise support that develops capability to start and operate a small/microbusiness, including skill development across small business domains, such as financial literacy, systems and processes, sales, marketing, logistics and digital support
- Mixed methods of delivery including on-line, in person one to one support, workshops and/or group activities
- Coaching and/or mentoring
- Networking opportunities and culturally appropriate supports.
Activities must meet COVIDSafe requirements and be accessible to all participants.
Activities should be adaptable to support remote program delivery when required and include flexible delivery methods that support various learning styles.
Do I need to be registered for GST?
Yes, businesses must be registered for GST to be eligible for the program.
Can I partner with another organisation to act as an auspice?
No, applicants cannot have another organisation act as an auspice.
Can I partner with another organisation to deliver the program?
No, applicants cannot partner with another organisation to deliver the Program.
How are grant applications assessed?
Applications will be assessed against the assessment criteria by a DJPR panel. The assessment process can be viewed in detail in section 6.1 of the Program Guidelines.
When can I expect to hear the outcome of my application?
Applicants will be notified in writing regarding the outcome of their application up to ten weeks from the closing date.
How long do I have to deliver my program/project?
Successful applicants must commence their project prior to 30 June 2022. Approved projects must be completed by 5 December 2023. Post-completion reports to be finalised within three months of completing the Project and by no later than 30 March 2024.
Where do I find more information?
For further information please check the Program Guidelines or email SPE@ecodev.vic.gov.au.
An information session will be held on Monday 28 March 2022 from 4pm to 5pm. Register for the session via Humanitix.