Coles Nurture Fund

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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.

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.
  • Co-contribution: Applicants must provide evidence of their ability to fund their share of the project costs. A funding declaration must be signed by an external accountant on their company letterhead confirming solvency and co-investment capacity.

Coles Nurture Fund important dates

Coles Nurture Fund objective

The Coles Nurture Fund aims to support Australian small-to-medium-sized businesses in the food and grocery sector to:

  1. Innovate through new products, technologies, and processes.
  2. Drive sustainability by reducing waste and adopting energy-efficient practices.
  3. Enable growth through differentiation and productivity improvements.
  4. Extend growing seasons and reduce imports to enhance market opportunities.

Projects and expenditure eligible for Coles Nurture Fund support

Eligible projects must demonstrate:

  • Innovation in product, technology, or process development.
  • Adoption of energy-efficient or waste-reduction solutions.
  • Creation of opportunities for productivity improvements and market growth.

Ineligible Expenditures

Funding cannot be used for:

  • General operational expenses (e.g., rent, utilities, and marketing).
  • Real estate purchases or remuneration for existing staff.
  • Securing loans or engaging in litigation.

See the guidelines for full details of eligible projects and expenditure.

Other Coles Nurture Fund important details that you will need to know

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.

 

Applications will be assessed against the following key criteria:

  1. Innovation (Unique Idea or Solution) – Demonstrate how the project introduces a new product, technology, or process to the market.
  2. Sustainability – Show clear environmental benefits, such as waste reduction or energy efficiency.
  3. Commercial Impact – Highlight productivity gains and potential to capture new markets.
  4. Strategic Alignment – Align the project with food production, grocery, energy efficiency, or logistics innovation.
  5. 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.

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

 

    Before applying, ensure you have:

    1. A detailed project proposal, including the project’s innovation and sustainability benefits.
    2. Financial statements for the previous two years.
    3. A funding declaration from an external accountant confirming your ability to co-fund the project.
    4. Governance details, including key members of your management team.

     

    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

    Is Your Business Eligible for This Government Grant?

    GrantHelper can assist with your organisation’s grant application, no matter what stage of the funding journey you’re at.

    Whenever You’re Ready, Here Are 5 Ways We Can Help You

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