Request for Proposals: Aboriginal Business Growth Program (Australia)

The Program reflects the Aboriginal community focus on improving connections to community, Country and culture, and the Victorian Government’s commitment to self-determination, enabling business growth and economic inclusion.

Objectives

• The objectives of this program are to:
  • support Aboriginal businesses to access needed capital and expertise
  • support business improvements that contribute to the overall sustainability and competitiveness of Aboriginal businesses
  • resource Aboriginal enterprises to realise their economic development objectives
  • support the ability of Aboriginal enterprises to build, retain and develop their workforce.

Funding Information 

• Grant amounts of $10,000 to up to $100,000 (ex GST) are available to eligible applicants.
• Applicants may apply for one grant under this Program per ABN.
• Applicants that have applied for funding from the Victorian Aboriginal Support Program may also apply to this Program.

Outcomes

• The intended outcomes of this program are:
  • Aboriginal business owners have increased business capability
  • Aboriginal businesses have more resources to support business growth
  • more Aboriginal people are economically independent
  • Aboriginal community enterprises have increased ability to attract more investment
  • Aboriginal people have more opportunities to participate in economic activity.

Eligible Activities & Expenses

• Eligible activities and expenses may include:
  • asset, equipment and machinery acquisition
  • business case development and delivery
  • feasibility studies
  • site analysis
  • minor building alterations and fit out costs
  • labour and contractors related to projects
  • business and process improvement activities
  • technical and specialist training
  • targeted professional development and mentoring.
• The project may be made up of one or more activities and expenses.
• The department reserves the right to determine eligible activities and expenditure in alignment with Program objectives and outcomes.

Eligible Applicants

• Applicants applying to this program must meet all of the following criteria:
  • be an Aboriginal owned and operated business.
  • be based in Victoria and have an economic connection to regional Victoria.
  • hold a current Australian Business Number (ABN).
  • be registered for GST.
  • be registered with the responsible federal or state regulator.

Ineligible Applicants

• The following are not eligible to apply:
  • not-for-profit organisation, unless otherwise agreed in writing by the Department prior to an application being made for support under this program.
  • a Commonwealth, state or local government agency or body.
  • a company not incorporated in Australia.
  • an unincorporated association are available to successful applicants.

For more information, visit Business Victoria.