Up to $500,000 to support Australian small and medium producers to develop unique products, technologies, and processes, driving innovation, enhancing sustainability, and expanding market opportunities.
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 Coles Nurture Fund (CNF)?
Coles has launched Round 13 of the $50 million Nurture Fund to support Australian small to medium-sized food and grocery businesses with up to $500,000 per project. This grant helps producers innovate, develop sustainable practices, and grow their businesses.
Since 2015, the fund has awarded more than $36 million to 108 businesses driving game-changing initiatives—from zero-waste organic mushroom facilities to extending premium blueberry growing seasons.
Coles Nurture Fund level of support
- Minimum and Maximum Funding: Grants of up to $500,000 are available per project. There is no minimum grant amount specified.
- Co-contribution Requirements: Applicants must demonstrate they can fund their share of the project. This must be supported by a funding declaration from an external accountant on company letterhead, confirming both solvency and the ability to cover co-contribution costs. No fixed percentage is required
Coles Nurture Fund important dates
- This program is currently closed
- Register your interest with GrantHelper
Coles Nurture Fund objective
The Coles Nurture Fund (CNF) supports small and medium-sized Australian businesses in the food and grocery sector to:
- Accelerate innovation in product development, technology and process improvement.
- Deliver sustainability benefits, including waste reduction and energy efficiency.
- Enhance differentiation in the marketplace.
- Extend growing seasons and reduce import reliance.
- Unlock new market opportunities and improve productivity.
Projects and expenditure eligible for Coles Nurture Fund support
The Coles Nurture Fund is focused on supporting projects that are forward-thinking, environmentally responsible, and capable of transforming the operations of Australian small-to-medium-sized producers. To be eligible, a project must demonstrate uniqueness, innovation, and deliver outstanding sustainability benefits. Projects should also offer a clear pathway to commercial or operational improvements.
Eligible Projects May Include
Projects that:
- Introduce unique products not currently on the market, which meet emerging consumer trends or fill gaps in the supply chain.
- Develop new technologies or processes to streamline agricultural production, improve quality, or reduce costs.
- Upgrade facilities or equipment to reduce environmental impact, enhance efficiency, or enable product diversification.
- Extend growing or production seasons, improving consistency of supply and reducing the need for imports.
- Implement energy-efficient infrastructure such as solar, refrigeration upgrades, or water-saving systems to cut emissions and utility costs.
- Innovate in packaging, logistics, or IT systems that improve supply chain performance, traceability, or food safety.
- Deliver on-farm or in-factory sustainability initiatives, such as closed-loop waste systems, zero-waste strategies, or circular economy approaches.
- Enable market expansion or access to new domestic or export markets through scalable innovation.
These projects should show how the applicant can achieve productivity improvements, access new market opportunities, or make a measurable contribution to environmental and social outcomes within the sector.
Ineligible Expenditure
Certain types of costs cannot be funded through the Coles Nurture Fund. These include:
- Operational expenses such as rent, electricity, water, or general business utilities.
- Marketing, advertising, or promotional costs unrelated to the capital development of the project.
- Salaries or remuneration for existing staff involved in the business.
- Purchase of real estate or land.
- Legal or litigation-related expenses, including costs associated with compliance or court proceedings.
- Funds used as loan security or to comply with financial obligations not directly tied to project delivery.
Applicants should ensure that their project budget is focused on capital investment, innovation implementation, and transformation initiatives that align with the Fund’s objectives.
See the guidelines for full details of eligible projects and expenditure.
Other Coles Nurture Fund important details that you will need to know
Organisations eligible for Coles Nurture Fund support
To apply, organisations must:
- Have an annual turnover of less than $25 million.
- Employ 50 or fewer full-time employees (excluding casual seasonal staff).
- Be registered with a valid ABN.
- Have been trading for a minimum of two years.
- Provide financial statements for the previous two financial years.
Coles Nurture Fund assessment criteria
Applications will be assessed against the following key criteria:
- Innovation (Unique Idea or Solution) – Demonstrate how the project introduces a new product, technology, or process to the market.
- Sustainability – Show clear environmental benefits, such as waste reduction or energy efficiency.
- Commercial Impact – Highlight productivity gains and potential to capture new markets.
- Strategic Alignment – Align the project with food production, grocery, energy efficiency, or logistics innovation.
- Feasibility and Readiness – Prove the project’s viability, backed by financial records and clear project plans.
Applicants are encouraged to provide data-driven evidence of impact where possible. While percentages are not explicitly defined, strong alignment with these areas will increase competitiveness.
How do I get Coles Nurture Fund?
You should read and understand the guidelines.
You need to ensure you are eligible for the funding. Applicants that do not meet all the eligibility criteria outlined above will not be considered.
Successful applicants will demonstrate:
- a unique and innovative project that creates value for business and customers
- a sound project plan that identifies key activities/milestones and establishes the project’s long-term sustainability
- the need for funding and its impact on the project’s timing and scale
- the skills, experience and resources to successfully deliver the project within the agreed timeline
Information to prepare for the Coles Nurture Fund application
Before applying, ensure you have:
- A detailed project proposal, including the project’s innovation and sustainability benefits.
- Financial statements for the previous two years.
- A funding declaration from an external accountant confirming your ability to co-fund the project.
- Governance details, including key members of your management team.
Applying for Coles Nurture Fund
Complete the online form available at coles.com.au/nurturefund.
Register your interest with GrantHelper to explore your alignment with this program and how we can assist you to increase your chances of success.
Coles Nurture Fund resources
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