The Andrews Labor Government is supporting businesses across the state to create jobs and new opportunities, with applications for the third round of Boost Your Business vouchers now open.
The Andrews Labor Government is supporting businesses across the state to create jobs and new opportunities, with applications for the third round of Boost Your Business vouchers now open. The Department of Jobs, Innovation and Trade is managing a program called Boost Your Business which provides grants of up to $50,000 across a range of sectors, building company capability and employment. Vouchers of up to $50,000 are available to eligible businesses across categories including Food Innovation, Advanced Manufacturing, Defence, Aerospace and Security, Social Enterprise Capability, Asia Gateway and Victoria-Israel Innovation. An additional stream, Entrepreneurs with Disability, has also been included as part of the program in round three to help business owners with a disability grow their businesses. The program allows successful businesses to partner with top universities and industry experts, to help them identify new export markets, explore research and development opportunities and make new products. The first two rounds of vouchers provided more than $6 million, supporting over 200 Victorian businesses. “The vouchers give businesses the chance to build relationships, expand their market access and grow networks with decision makers and buyers in our highly sought after Asian markets.” - Minister for Jobs, Innovation and Trade Martin Pakula. At a glance Potential assistance Each Voucher Recipient may be able to receive up to:
- $50,000 under the Advanced Victorian Manufacturing Stream
- $50,000 under the Asia Gateway Stream
- $50,000 under the Defence, Aerospace and Security Stream
- $25,000 under the Entrepreneurs with Disability Stream
- $50,000 under the Food Innovation Stream (up to $10,000 for early stage feasibility and testing voucher)
- $25,000 under the Social Enterprise Capability Stream • $50,000 under the Victoria Israel Innovation Stream
Eligibility Applicants must meet the following criteria to be eligible for assistance under the program:
- be a business registered in Victoria with an Australian Business Number (ABN)
- meet any co-contribution requirements with eligible cash expenditure
- be a legal entity
- meet all industrial relations obligations as an employer in accordance with the National Employment Standards
- have an operating presence in Victoria
- employ between 20-200 staff or have an annual turnover of greater than $1.5 million (preference will be given to Applicants that employ fewer than 200 people)
- Conduct the majority of proposed activities in Victoria in partnership with an approved Service Provider
- Agree to participate in future program evaluation activity.
Further information can be found here.