Program overview

Grants from $10,000 to $100,000 (excluding GST) are available to help eligible Aboriginal businesses in Victoria to grow and develop.

The program aims to help businesses to:

  • secure vital support for sustained success
  • expand into new markets, boost revenue and reach more customers
  • build, maintain and develop their workforce.

Businesses who have applied for funding from the Aboriginal Business Support Program can also apply for a grant under this program.

Applications for the Aboriginal Business Growth Program are open until 5pm on Friday 6 September 2024.

Eligibility criteria

To be eligible for a grant, the business must:

  • be an Aboriginal owned and operated business
  • operate in Victoria and engage with regional suppliers or have activity servicing regional areas
  • hold a current Australian Business Number (ABN)
  • be registered for GST
  • be registered with the responsible federal or state regulator.

The following applicants are not eligible to apply:

  • not-for-profit organisations, unless otherwise agreed in writing by the Department of Jobs, Skills, Industry and Regions prior to an application being made for support under this program
  • Commonwealth, state or local government agencies or bodies
  • companies not incorporated in Australia
  • unincorporated associations.

Activities and expenses eligible for funding

Grant funds can be used to:

  • buy new assets, equipment and machinery
  • develop and execute business plans
  • run feasibility studies and site analysis
  • undertake specialised training
  • undertake minor building alterations and fit outs
  • hire labour and contractors for projects
  • implement business improvement strategies including technical training, professional development and mentoring.

Grant amount

Applicants can apply for funding between $10,000 and $100,000 per ABN for eligible program activities.

Program guidelines

Aboriginal Business Growth Program — Guidelines (PDF 164.73 KB) PDF icon

Aboriginal Business Growth Program — Guidelines (DOCX 285.11 KB) DOCX icon

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

Read the full list of frequently asked questions (FAQs).

How to apply

Applications are open until 5pm on Friday 6 September 2024.

Please read all the information on this page, including the program guidelines and the frequently asked questions (FAQs)  before applying.

Make sure you complete all the questions in the application form and submit it on the Business Victoria grants portal via the link at the bottom of this page.

You are encouraged to reach out to your relevant Aboriginal business support organisation if you would like help with your application.