The Made in Victoria  Manufacturing Growth Program Round 2 has grants of up to $250K that will assist small to medium sized enterprises (SMEs) that are on a growth trajectory and require support to expand their manufacturing operations.

Deadlines and Timings

Applications are open and will close on 19 December 2023 at 5PM AEDT.

Projects will be expected to commence within 30 days of execution of the grant agreement and evidence provided that the applicant has committed a minimum of 10% of eligible project expenditure by this date.

Successful applicants will need to complete the project activities within 12 months of the date of the grant agreement.

Overview and Grant Amount

The program will assist small and medium manufacturers with an existing presence in Victoria to:

• expand their capacity and capability by implementing new manufacturing technologies as outlined in the Made in Victoria 2030 – Manufacturing Statement;
• improve productivity and competitiveness in local and global supply chains;
• create new jobs, upskill and reskill workers; and
• support Victoria’s transition towards net zero emissions

Grant funding of between $50,000 to $250,000 are available. All grants must be matched by a minimum cash co-contribution of $2 for every $1 granted.

Eligibility and Criteria

The Made in Victoria – Manufacturing Growth Program is open to small to medium sized enterprises (SMEs) that are on a growth trajectory and require support to expand their manufacturing operations. Applicants must meet the following criteria to be eligible for assistance under the program:

• be an eligible legal entity
• may be a company, a trust, or a partnership that hold an Australian Business Number (ABN)
• be an employing business registered for WorkCover insurance with WorkSafe Victoria
• agree to meet any co-contribution requirements with eligible cash expenditure
• be currently engaged in manufacturing or the manufacturing supply chain or demonstrate a genuine commercial connection to the manufacturing supply chain in Victoria
• 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 have less than 200 employees and turnover of less than $100 million)*

*Note: Companies that employ fewer than 20 FTE may be considered for funding if employment will reach at least 20 FTE by the end of the proposed project. Companies with more than 200 employees and a turnover of greater than $100 million must demonstrate that the project cannot be realised without government funding.

Joint applications are not permitted under the program. Each application can only contain a single project proposal.

Eligible Projects

This grant will support the purchase and commissioning of capital equipment (recorded as fixed assets in the applicant’s accounts) and associated project expenditure related to manufacturing product and process improvements, prototyping, evaluation and testing of new products and processes, and supply chain capability development. Projects must clearly demonstrate how the funding will support:

• the creation of new jobs, and
• increased productivity through investment in new technologies and processes

With the following highly desirable:

• transition to employment security or higher value jobs, and/or
• skills development and uplift

Eligible Expenditures

Eligible project expenditure includes:

• capital expenditure (e.g., manufacturing machinery, equipment, and technology);
• other project-related non-capitalised expenditure (e.g., related to product and process improvements, evaluation and testing of new products and processes, technology development and supply chain capability development);
• minor building alterations and fit-out costs;
• training specific to the technology (external costs only);
• labour and contractors related to the delivery of the project (but do not include internal salaries)
• be incurred by the grant recipient within 12 months of execution of the Grant Agreement;
• be a direct cost of the project;
• be exclusive of Goods and Services Tax (GST)

The program is NOT intended to support projects which involve:

• routine replacement or a minor upgrade of plant and equipment;
• purchase of vehicles;
• routine operational expenses, including, communications, accommodation, office computing facilities or software, printing and stationery, postage, legal and accounting fees, and bank charges;
• costs related to preparing the grant application, preparing any project reports, and preparing any project variation requests;
• projects where the primary purpose relates to offshore or interstate manufacturing;
• building websites, marketing, sales, and promotional activities;
• early-stage Research and Development (R&D) activities;
• expenditure that is incurred prior to the project commencing;
• internal salaries;
• entertainment cost;
• land acquisition; or
• expenditure where other grants or subsidies are available, e.g., Solar for Business Program

For more information, interested parties are encouraged to read the program guidelines set by the funding grant. Submissions must be lodged through their online portal.

Expert Assistance

We have over 15 years of experience preparing EMDG and R&D tax incentive claims and can assist in making sure you receive your maximum rebate.

Working with us means you get the maximum grant with minimum risk and effort. Our expertise includes R&D Tax Incentive registration and tax schedules, Export Grants, Capital Expenditure and Infrastructure Grants.

Get in touch with us and let’s discuss this more in detail.

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