What is the Supply Chain Uplift Program (SCUP)?

The SCUP provides grants of between $2,000 and $100,000 (excl. GST) to support business improvement or capability uplift activities, such as:

  • business systems and process certifications
  • tender response assistance
  • industry specific compliance requirements
  • supply chain collaboration activities
  • development of defence R&D and technology transfer activities
  • product development.

I haven't spoken to Hanwha Defense Australia (Hanwha), can I still submit an application?

No. Before submitting a SCUP grant application, applicants will be required to attest they have registered their details on Hanwha’s BenchOn portal.

Once SCUP applicants have registered on this portal, they can submit an application.

The Department will verify an applicant’s eligibility with Hanwha prior to assessment.

How should I contact Hanwha before I submit my application?

  • Applicants do not need to have a contract with Hanwha, but do need to engage with Hanwha before applying by registering on the company’s BenchOn here.
  • SCUP applicants should contact also Hanwha about their project via the following email: scup@hanwha-defence.com.au.
  • Applicants may wish to include the following information about their project:
    • A brief description of their proposed project
    • A brief description of how their proposed project will support Hanwha / Victoria’s defence industry
    • An indicative project timeline
    • Approximate project costs
    • Contact details for the SCUP project lead.

Do I need to provide a letter of support from Hanwha in my application?

No. However, the Department will verify your eligibility with Hanwha prior to assessing your grant application.

Can I apply for financial support to purchase IT-related upgrades for my business (e.g. computers, screens, other IT equipment)?

  • Routine operational expenses, such as replacement of computing hardware, are considered ineligible expenditure and are not permitted under the Guidelines.
  • Businesses seeking funding for specialist computing hardware will need to provide justification and evidence in their application that those items are critical to the success of the project.
  • Requests of this nature will be assessed on a case by case basis.

Do I need to contribute funding as part of the SCUP?

Yes. SCUP applicants will need to provide evidence of the ability to contribute 1:1 matched funding as part of their application.

Can I contribute funding I have received from the Victorian or Commonwealth Governments as part of my 1:1 contribution?

No. Funding received from other Victorian or Commonwealth Government programs cannot be used by a business as part of their funding 1:1 contribution.

How are applications for SCUP funding assessed?

All applications will be assessed individually against the eligibility and assessment criteria, as well as the ability to contribute 1:1 matched funding through an open-round grant process.

The Supply Chain Uplift Program Assessment Panel will review all eligible applications and provide recommendations.

Further information, including a list of the Assessment Criteria, can be found in the Guidelines.

I would like to apply for funding for multiple eligible activities. Do I need to submit one application per activity?

No. Businesses can apply for funding for multiple activities in one application, provided they have not reached the $100,000 (excl. GST) limit. Applicants should ensure each of the activities are clearly outlined in the Project Plan and are supported by the required documentation.

I have already received funding from SCUP; however, I would like to apply for funding for another eligible activity. Can I submit more than one application for the SCUP?

Yes. Businesses that have received funding from the SCUP program can apply for additional support at a later date for other eligible activities, provided they have not reached the $100,000 (excl. GST) limit. Businesses can also apply for funding for multiple activities within a single application.

I am a business looking to establish activities in Victoria, can I apply for this program?

No. The SCUP has been established to support business improvement activities for Victoria’s local defence industry.

However, non-Victorian businesses that are interested in establishing operations in Victoria to participate in the Land 8116 program and are seeking investment facilitation support can apply for funding via the Supply Chain Investment Program stream, by contacting defence@ecodev.vic.gov.au.