Program Overview

The Social Enterprise Capability $25k Voucher Stream will support capability development projects within individual Victorian social enterprises.

Projects supported under the Program will:

• lead to organisational efficiencies through implementation of new-to-the-firm business systems and processes that increase firm productivity and/or
• increase new market development through identifying new market opportunities and developing workable plans to access those markets and/or
• increase financial readiness, better equipping social enterprises to identify and manage investment and funding opportunities and/or
• increase contract readiness, better equipping social enterprises to access government and corporate procurement opportunities.

 

Deadline date:

Closing date for applications is Friday 2nd March 2018

 

What grants or funding is available?

Voucher of up to $25,000 towards an eligible business capability project under the following service types:

• business process & systems improvements
• business transformation
• financial management planning
• industry standards implementation & certification
• tender guidance.

A voucher of up to 80 percent of the total cost of services towards an eligible business capability project, provided on a cash co-contribution basis, with successful Applicants contributing a minimum value of 20 percent towards the project.

Voucher funding is not for ‘business as usual’ activity and the applicant organisation is required to articulate how their proposed project is likely to lead to the program’s long term goals.

 

What are the eligibility criteria?

The voucher program is open to social enterprises that are on a growth trajectory.

For the purposes of this program, ‘social enterprises’:

• are led by an economic, social, cultural or environmental mission consistent with a public or community benefit
• derive a substantial portion of their income from trade
• reinvest the majority of their profit / surplus in the fulfilment of their mission.

Applicants must meet the following criteria to be eligible for assistance under the program:

• Are a social enterprise registered in Victoria with an Australian Business Number (ABN)
• Meet any co-contribution requirements with eligible cash expenditure
• Be a legal entity that the applicant can clearly evidence is a “social enterprise” or able to demonstrate a business model that is underpinned by an economic, social, cultural, or environmental mission consistent with a public or community benefit
• Meet all industrial relations obligations as an employer in accordance with the National Employment Standards
• Have an operating presence in Victoria and undertake the project in Victoria
• Conduct the majority of proposed project activities in Victoria in partnership with an approved Registered Service Provider
• Agree to participate in future program evaluation activity

Social Enterprises of any size are eligible for this program (no minimum or maximum employee numbers or turnover.) 

NOTE: Commonwealth, State and Local Government agencies and bodies are not eligible to apply.

What is the assessment criteria?

Applicants will be required to submit an application online in conjunction with a quotation (including a detailed Scope of Services) provided by a Service Provider such as Treadstone.

All questions in the application need to be completed to proceed to assessment.

A Departmental assessment panel will assess all voucher applications against the following assessment criteria and scoring:

• 30% – Extent to which the project, funded by the voucher, has the potential to benefit the company in the long term (e.g  job growth, access to new markets, improved productivity).
• 30& – Extent to which the proposed project will deliver on and/or aligns with the Voucher Stream objectives. The main objectives of the Food Innovation Voucher Stream are:
  • foster industry engagement and collaboration between R&D providers and businesses;
  • increase commercialisation rates of research through development of innovative products, packaging and processes in growth oriented SMEs;
  • improve productivity levels by shifting the food sector’s focus and culture from reactive to proactive, and from survival to competitive and disruptive; and
  • reduce the barriers and challenges faced by businesses which are limiting the level of investment in disruptive innovation.
• 20% – Demonstrated capacity or capability to successfully implement the project or project findings.
• 20% – The need for Government support for the project to proceed.

More information can be found in Boost Your Business Vouchers Program Guidelines.

 

How do I apply?

SMEs must first obtain a quote from a Registered Service Provider; an eligible organisation selected by the Department to provide services, supported through a Voucher, to an Applicant.

Social Enterprise Capability Voucher Stream Application

 

Want to get the best possible result?

Don’t wait till it’s too late.

Working with Treadstone means you get the maximum grant with minimum risk and effort. We provide expert advice and take care of your application, allowing you to continue to focus on your essential business operations.

Treadstone is an experienced, outcome focused team with a proven track record of success since 2008; recently securing three $1m+ grants for our clients.

To ensure you have the best chance of getting grant funding contact us or call 03 9008 5937.