Government Grants
Is your business seeking to :
Make a capital investment (e.g. purchase equipment or property)?
Upskill your staff (e.g. provide training to increase productivity)?
Grow your business (e.g. create a diversification strategy, create a succession plan or undertake research and development initiative)?
Overview of government grants
We can help you identify which state, local or federal government grants best suit your business needs.
Type of grants:
Eligibility grants: Businesses can automatically access some grants if they meet the eligibility criteria. There is often a cap on the total funding provided and support/grants will be provided until funding runs out.
Contestable or competitive grants: Competitive grants require businesses to present a strong business case outlining how their activities will meet the relevant criteria. These business cases will be compared and funding will be awarded to the strongest business case. Sometimes, although the business will not be awarded the full amount requested, they will be offered a percentage. Many grants also require a financial co-contribution from successful applicants.
Eligibility criteria:
Eligibility criteria is often based on the following business characteristics:
Geographic location (e.g. within a specific local government area)
Size (turnover or number of employees) and stage of business life cycle (e.g. start-up or operating for more than three years)
Industry or sector that the business operates in
International engagement activities.
Contact points within government
Each level of government has dedicated Customer Relationship Managers (CRMs) or Economic Development teams who help businesses identify and apply for support they are eligible to access. This is a free service.
Federal Government: AusIndustry
Contact 13 28 46 or business.gov.au
Victorian office: 111 Bourke Street, Melbourne.
State Government: Business Victoria
Contact 13 22 15 or business.vic.gov.au
Victorian Government Business Offices (VGBOs) are located throughout the state.
It is recommended that when you speak to the CRMs or the Economic Development teams, you raise the following points so that they can determine what support is available for your business:
Your business type and structure
Business size (turnover and number of employees)
Industries you operate in
The types of customers and suppliers you deal with
Whether you operate internationally (or plan to do so in the future)
Whether you undertake any research and development activities
What your plans for growth are