Submit Applications for Morris Business Grant Program (Australia)

Deadline: 17 August 2025

Morris, in collaboration with the Geelong Chamber of Commerce, pledges a Grant to Foster Business Growth in the Geelong region.

The Morris Business Grant is designed to provide financial support to businesses aiming to grow and expand. This grant will assist a business in overcoming their financial barriers and achieving their strategic objectives.

Aims

The Morris Business Grant aims to drive investment at a time when other funding streams for SMEs are very hard to find.

Grant Objectives

Stimulate Business Growth: Provide financial support to enable businesses to scale operations, increase revenue, and expand market presence via Asset Purchase and or Sale & Leaseback of Equipment.
Enhance Business Capabilities: Support businesses in upgrading technology, developing new products, investing in capital improvements and assisting with Business Development or Employee Training.
Promote Economic Development: Contribute to the economic vitality of the local community by empowering SMEs to achieve sustainable growth.

Funding Information

Grant amount: $25,000.

Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for the Morris Business Grant, your business must answer YES to the following:
- 1-50 employees
  - A business employing 1-50 employees
- Business Location
  - Based within City of Greater Geelong, Surf Coast, Golden Plains or Borough of Queenscliffe shires.
- Registered ABN
  - The business is registered with a current ABN

Assessment Criteria

The following framework will guide the Assessment Panel in determining the successful Grant recipient:
- Evaluation Focus: Assess the potential for the business to grow and expand with the investment.
  - How will the $25,000 investment contribute to the business’s growth?
  - What are the projected growth metrics (e.g., revenue increase, market expansion) over the next 12-24 months?
  - Does the business have a clear growth strategy?
  - Feasibility and Impact of Investment
- Evaluation Focus: Determine the feasibility of the proposed use of funds and its impact on the business.
  - How realistic and well-defined are the objectives and goals associated with the investment?
  - What specific outcomes are expected from the investment, and how will they be measured?
  - How will the investment address key growth challenges or opportunities?
  - Scalability and Market Potential
- Evaluation Focus: Evaluate the scalability of the business and its potential to capture a larger market share.
  - Can the business make effective use of the investment?
  - How does the submission add value to the scale or growth of the business?
  - Are there opportunities for business product, service, or output expansion?
  - Alignment with Grant Objectives
  - Evaluation Focus: Ensure that the grant proposal aligns with the primary objective of fostering business growth through investment.
  - How well does the proposal align with the grant’s objective of promoting business growth?
  - Does the proposed project focus on significant growth areas (e.g., technology upgrades, market expansion, new product development, capital investment)?
  - How will the investment support the business in achieving long-term growth?
  - Applicant’s Capability and Track Record
- Evaluation Focus: Assess the applicant’s ability to successfully execute the growth plan based on their skills, experience, and track record.
  - Does the applicant have the necessary skills and experience to drive business growth?
  - What is the track record of the business or individual in achieving growth targets?
  - Are there any successful case studies or past examples of growth under the applicant’s leadership?
  - Budget and Financial Planning
- Evaluation Focus: Evaluate the budget and financial planning for the proposed growth activities.
  - Are the projected expenses justified and well-documented?
  - How will the investment be managed to maximize growth outcomes?