Questions about the Aboriginal Business Investment Program

What is the Aboriginal Business Investment Program?

The Aboriginal Business Investment Program provides grants to eligible Aboriginal businesses operating in Victoria. The program aims to enable these businesses to access resources to sustain or grow their business. There are two grants on offer under this program:

What is the definition of an Aboriginal business?

The program guidelines define an Aboriginal business as one that is at least 51% owned and operated by Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander people.

An Aboriginal business’s status may be verified through organisations such as the Kinaway Chamber of Commerce, Supply Nation, Traditional Owner groups and Aboriginal Led (including Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations).

What is the Aboriginal Business Support Program?

Grants ranging from $5,000 to $10,000 (excluding GST) are available for business support that will improve the operations and financial sustainability of an Aboriginal business.

These funds can be used for activities including training, mentorship, networking, marketing, expert advisory services and accreditation.

What is the Aboriginal Business Growth Program?

Grants ranging from $10,000 to $100,000 (excluding GST) are available to support investments that help Aboriginal Victorian businesses grow and develop.

These funds can be used to buy new equipment, complete building alterations or get technical advice and training.

How many grants can I apply for?

You can apply for:

  • one grant per ABN in the Aboriginal Business Support Program, and/or
  • one grant per ABN in the Aboriginal Business Growth Program.

Do successful applicants have to sign a contract to participate in the program?

Yes. If your application is successful, you will be offered a grant. As part of this you will receive a contract (Grant Agreement) to sign.

When will I find out if my grant application is successful?

The Department of Jobs, Skills, Industry and Regions aims to notify all applicants of the outcome of their fully completed and submitted application from October 2024 onwards. There may be delays if your application:

  • does not meet all the eligibility criteria
  • does not have correct evidence or documentation
  • has incorrect information, such as the wrong ABN.

Questions about eligibility

Are all Aboriginal businesses eligible to apply?

Businesses must be based in Victoria, have an active ABN and be registered for GST.

They must also have an economic connection to regional Victoria. This can include:

  • a presence in regional Victoria
  • operations that service regional Victoria
  • regional suppliers and supply chains.

Applicants must meet the eligibility criteria as specified in the guidelines.

Will all eligible applicants receive funding?

This is a competitive grant process. Not all eligible applicants will receive funding.

Applications will be assessed against the assessment criteria detailed in the program guidelines, and how well this has been addressed within the application.

What types of expenses are eligible for funding?

Eligible expenses are those that support businesses to improve operations and their financial sustainability. Eligible activities and expenses can include:

  • business advisory services, like financial planning and legal help
  • buying equipment and materials
  • building skills including through mentoring
  • joining networks and organisations
  • obtaining business accreditations
  • attending relevant business conferences in Victoria
  • marketing and promotion
  • product development and testing.

What types of expenses are not eligible for funding?

Ineligible expenses include:

  • operational costs such as existing staff wages, travel, entertainment, accommodation, and vehicle hire
  • international travel expenses for conferences or events
  • activities that have already received government support (including local, state, and federal government funding)
  • expenses for activities or costs that have already occurred.

Questions about submitting an application

How do I apply for the grant?

You can apply for the grant through the link provided on the Program webpage, which will take you to the application form.

You will need to complete all questions in the application form and upload the necessary supporting documents.

To be considered for a grant, you must submit your application by 5pm on 6 September 2024. Late applications and drafts will not be accepted.

You can confirm that you have submitted your application by checking your nominated email. If you can’t see it in your inbox, check your spam/junk mail.

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

Please also check the program guidelines for more information about applying for the grant.

What specific documents are required when applying?

When applying for the grant, you must:

  • confirm your business is a member of the Kinaway Chamber of Commerce or Supply Nation or provide a letter of support from an Aboriginal-led organisation
  • submit quotations or pricing for proposed goods from suppliers
  • submit itemised quotations for proposed goods or services from a third-party service provider.

Your application and any supporting documentation will be assessed as outlined in the program guidelines.

How does the assessment process work?

A Departmental panel will assess all applications against the following weighted criteria:

  • how well the proposed activities support the grant program objectives and outcomes: 50%
  • planning and delivery of the activities: 30%.
  • supporting regional Victorian Aboriginal Community and Culture: 20%

For further information about the assessment process, please refer to the program guidelines.