As part of the Business Competitiveness Program, Victorian manufacturers can apply for grants of up to $500,000 to support and expand their operations.

The program provides grants of up to 33% of eligible project expenditure allocated on a competitive basis. All grants require a minimum co-contribution from the applicant of 67% of total eligible project expenditure ($2 for every $1 funded by the Victorian Government).

For example, a $900,000 project where capital equipment is purchased and implemented may be eligible for a grant amount of $300,000. The maximum grant amount is $500,000 and the minimum grant amount is $50,000.

The Business Competitive Program will help eligible Victorian manufacturers implement new manufacturing technologies and processes.

Use of funds:

Eligible project expenditure includes the following activities relating to the proposed project:

• capital expenditure (e.g. manufacturing machinery and equipment)
• other project related non-capitalised expenditure (e.g. related to product and process improvements, prototyping, evaluation and testing of new products and processes, and supply chain capability development)
• minor building alterations and fit-out costs
• training specific to the technology (external costs only)
• labour and contractors (but does not include internal salaries).

Eligibility:

The program is open to small and medium sized businesses that are on a growth trajectory and require support to expand their manufacturing operations.

To be eligible for the program an applicant must:

• operate a business located in Victoria
• hold an Australian Business Number (ABN)
• be currently engaged in manufacturing or the manufacturing supply chain or demonstrate a genuine commercial connection to the manufacturing supply chain
• employ at least 20 FTE^* (full-time equivalent) staff or have an annual turnover of greater than $1.5 million (preference will be given to applicants that employ less than 200 people)
• agree to meet any co-contribution requirements with eligible cash expenditure.

*Companies with fewer than 20 FTE staff may be considered but will need to demonstrate why their project should be funded and how it will stimulate job creation.

HOW:

Applications for the program are open until 20 June 2021. 

Click the button below for full guidelines, eligibility criteria and to apply:

AFS work with a number of clients in the manufacturing industry and understand the challenges faced by by businesses in this industry. You can find out more about the services we offer on our Manufacturing industry page, or speak to our specialist Dennis Barnett on 03 5443 0344.