The Victorian Government recognises the important role that small-scale, craft and premium agribusinesses play in Victoria’s agricultural sector and regional economies.
The sector is closely linked to Victoria’s agri-tourism appeal and reputation as a producer of high-quality, niche agricultural offerings. The sector also helps shape Victoria’s food and culinary culture, showcasing the diversity of its regions.
Through the 2018 election commitment ‘Taking Our Local Produce to the World’, the Victorian Government is supporting small-scale and craft food and beverage producers across Victoria grow, increase market opportunities and strengthen Victoria’s regional offering to deliver flow-on benefits for jobs and tourism.
The Small-Scale and Craft Program is a four-year program that builds on targeting businesses looking to scale-up operations, diversify product lines, expand exports and create new jobs.
It will help achieve our goal of increasing agricultural exports to $20 billion by 2030.
Two streams of funding are currently open under the program:
Stream One – Small-Scale and Craft Business Development: Grants up to $25,000 are available to eligible small-scale and craft agribusinesses for projects that support businesses to scale up, expand their operations and diversify their products – with applications closing on 6th December 2019.
Stream Two – Job Creation and Economic Development: Grants of $25,000-$200,000 are available to eligible small-scale and craft agribusinesses for significant projects that will deliver benefits to the community and generate jobs. Projects involving multiple businesses are encouraged to apply. An expression of interest template can be found online at agriculture.vic.gov.au/artisanag, which closes on 31st December 2019.
The Small-Scale and Craft Program builds on the State Government’s Artisanal Sector Program to support premium small-scale producers in Victoria. The Artisanal Sector Roadmap identified a collective vision for the sector, opportunities to grow the sector and activities to achieve that vision.
Nearly 250 recipients were awarded grants under the Artisanal Sector Program, totalling an investment of $1.1 million in the sector.
The deadline to apply is the 6th December 2019 for Stream One and 31st December 2019 for Stream Two.
If you need help with an application or want to know more, get in contact with us today by emailing info@hainesconsultinggroup.com.au
For further information: https://www.business.vic.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0007/1867867/Small-Scale-and-Craft-Program-Guidelines.pdf