Up to $125,000 per successful applicant to support projects in regional Victoria that contribute to cultural tourism, workforce development, planning, heritage preservation, and business growth.
Current status of program
CLOSED
To register your interest in future rounds or discuss alternative grant opportunities please contact us here.
On this page you will find
What is the First Peoples Tourism Growth Program?
The First Peoples Tourism Growth Program (FPTGP) is a Victorian Government initiative designed to empower First Peoples-led businesses operating in the visitor economy. It provides targeted financial support for projects in regional Victoria that contribute to cultural tourism, workforce development, planning, heritage preservation, and business growth.
Delivered as part of a $10 million investment in Aboriginal Cultural Tourism Initiatives through the broader $20 million Aboriginal Economic Development Fund, the program aims to strengthen the cultural and economic futures of First Peoples communities.
This competitive grant is structured in two stages:
- Expression of Interest (EOI)
- Invitation-only Grant Application
First Peoples Tourism Growth Program level of support
- Maximum Funding: Up to $125,000 per successful applicant
- Minimum Funding: No minimum specified
Co-contribution: Not required
However, if your total project cost exceeds the grant request, you must demonstrate how the additional amount will be funded. If you do commit to a co-contribution, you will be asked to provide
- a written confirmation from your organisation’s authorised representative or board
- bank statements showing cash availability.
Grants can be used over a 12-month delivery period (April 2026 – April 2027), but no project expenditure can commence before a formal grant agreement is signed.
First Peoples Tourism Growth Program important dates
- This program is currently closed
- Register your interest with GrantHelper
First Peoples Tourism Growth Program objectives
The program is built around key objectives that align with the Victorian Government’s Yuma Yirramboi Strategy and the Experience Victoria 2033 Plan:
- Protect and promote First Peoples culture, heritage, and autonomy in tourism
- Support business development and economic empowerment
- Encourage culturally respectful storytelling and knowledge-sharing
- Foster sustainable tourism practices and equitable partnerships
- Grow the long-term viability of First Peoples tourism careers and enterprises
Projects and expenditure eligible for First Peoples Tourism Growth Program support
To be eligible, your proposed project must be located in regional Victoria and contribute to one or more of the program’s strategic goals. Projects must align with relevant planning documents such as Country Plans, Destination Management Plans, Yuma Yirramboi or Experience Victoria 2033.
Eligible Activity Categories
1. Workforce Development
- Accredited and non-accredited training (including micro-credentials)
- Tourism industry certifications (e.g. Ecotourism, Quality Tourism Framework)
- Memberships with Kinaway, Supply Nation or VTIC
2. Industry Excellence and Planning
- Business cases and feasibility studies
- Product development strategies
- Funding strategy or asset requirement assessments
- Marketing plans and website development
3. Cultural Heritage Stewardship
- Digitisation and archiving of traditional knowledge
- Cultural mentorship and storytelling programs
- Video/documentation of traditional practices
- Interpretive signage and placemaking
- Legal costs for ICIP strategy development
4. Asset Investment
- Purchase or lease of tourism-specific assets:
- Vehicles, boats, kayaks (with operational experience)
- Hospitality fit-outs, furniture, tools, lighting
- Cultural display cases and instruments
Note: Asset acquisitions must be supported by strategic or operational asset management plans. The assets must be used solely or primarily for the funded project.
Ineligible Expenditures
The following costs are not eligible:
- General operational costs or non-project wages
- Retrospective project costs (incurred before grant agreement)
- Ongoing expenses beyond project completion
- Costs associated with preparing the grant application
- Previously funded activities (unless new outcomes are demonstrated)
Other First Peoples Tourism Growth Program important details that you will need to know
Organisations eligible for First Peoples Tourism Growth Program support
Applicants must meet all the following:
- Be a Victorian Aboriginal-owned and operated business (minimum 51% Aboriginal ownership and control)
- Hold an active ABN
- Be registered for GST
- Be registered with the appropriate regulator (ASIC, ACNC, etc.)
- Be either operating in tourism or planning to enter the sector
- Comply with relevant child safety requirements
You must also provide proof of Aboriginal ownership, either by:
- Membership with Kinaway Chamber of Commerce or Supply Nation
- Or a letter of support from a recognised Aboriginal-led organisation
Not eligible:
- Not-for-profit organisations (unless approved in writing)
- Government agencies
- Overseas companies
- Unincorporated associations
See the guidelines for full details of organisational requirements.
First Peoples Tourism Growth Program assessment criteria
Stage 1: Expression of Interest (EOI) Assessment Criteria
1. Opportunity (20%)
- Alignment with community and cultural development
- Clarity of the business concept
- Identification of the target audience
2. Solution (20%)
- Clear description of proposed activity
- Anticipated benefits for tourism, job creation, and wellbeing
3. Market Analysis (20%)
- Understanding of the competitive landscape
- Identification of delivery risks
- Unique selling proposition (USP)
4. Business Model (20%)
- Viability and income generation potential
- Consideration of planning approvals and requirements
5. Team (10%)
- Roles and qualifications of team members
- Identification of the project lead
6. Investment Ask (10%)
- Clearly stated funding request
- Explanation of how the grant will be used
Stage 2: Invited Grant Application Assessment Criteria
1. Business Model (35%)
- Ongoing sustainability and revenue generation
- Market size, trends, and demographic insights
- SWOT analysis
- Pricing strategy and cost estimates
- Future maintenance planning
2. Planning and Delivery Capability (35%)
- Project readiness and implementation plan
- Team roles and project management structure
- Use of current quotes or estimates for budgeting
- Key milestones and timeline
- Planning approvals and permits (if applicable)
- Identification of service delivery partners
- Risk assessment and mitigation strategies
- Evidence of stakeholder engagement
3. Alignment with Program Objectives (30%)
- Clear project outcomes aligned with program goals
- Alignment with tourism and cultural development strategies
- Demonstrated value for public funding
- Support through stakeholder letters or consultations
How do I get the First Peoples Tourism Growth Program?
Applicants must:
- Read and understand the guidelines.
- Ensure eligibility for the funding. Applicants that do not meet all the eligibility criteria will not be considered.
- Deliver the project/s as outlined in the application.
- Provide complete information requirements such as:
- Audited or accountant-prepared financial reports (if over $50K)
- Project plan, business plan, and operational documents
- Asset management plans for asset-based requests
- Permits and approvals (if project includes building works)
- Child safety and redress compliance documentation (if applicable)
Information to prepare for the First Peoples Tourism Growth Program application
Step 1: Submit an Expression of Interest
Your EOI must include:
- Project pitch
- Market assessment
- Business model
- Team overview
- Funding requested
- Eligibility proof
Step 2: If Invited, Submit Full Grant Application
Invited applicants will receive a private application link. You’ll need to prepare:
- Detailed project description
- Financial documentation
- Business and asset plans (if relevant)
- Stakeholder letters (if applicable)
Applying for the First Peoples Tourism Growth Program
All applicants must complete the EOI template from the Business Victoria website.
Register your interest with GrantHelper to explore your alignment with this grant and how we can assist you to increase your chances of success.
First Peoples Tourism Growth Program resources
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