Funding opportunities of up to $1 million to support impacted Victorian timber industry businesses or forestry businesses to explore, invest, and implement new business 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 Timber Innovation Grants program?
The Timber Innovation Grants (TIG) program is part of the Forestry Transition Program, which aims to support businesses, workers, and communities impacted by the cessation of commercial native timber harvesting in Victorian State forests. This program is designed to help forestry businesses explore new opportunities, diversify their operations, and contribute to local economies by creating sustainable jobs.
The program has a two-stage application and selection process:
- Stage 1 – Expression of Interest (EOI)
- Stage 2 – Grant Application
TIG level of support
The program offers grants of up to $1,000,000 (excluding GST) to eligible projects. In some cases, grants exceeding this amount may be considered on a case-by-case basis. Projects must align with the program’s objectives, particularly job creation and retention in communities affected by the native forestry transition.
Co-contribution
- A cash co-contribution is not a requirement for projects with a total value of up to $250,000 where jobs will be retained or created.
- The level of financial co-contribution will be factored into the assessment process. That is, an application with a higher percentage of applicant contribution will be assessed more favourably.
- For projects with a total value of over $250,000, a minimum 1:1 cash co-contribution will be required by the applicant for every dollar over $250,000.
- In-kind contributions may be taken into consideration at the discretion of the department.
Applicants are expected to maximise their co-contribution. Co-contributions can be drawn from a range of sources such as:
- equity from the business or business investors
- loans from financial institutions
- grants from the Australian Government
- contributions from local government authorities
- contributions from utility/service providers
- funds from other sources.
Sources of cash co-contribution must be disclosed in the application. Note that the purchase of land will not be considered a co-contribution.
See the guidelines for a table of co-contribution examples.
As part of Round 3, support will include a Grant Application Assistance Service for the first time. Businesses can apply for vouchers of up to $7,500 which will provide them with access to a panel of Registered Service Providers. These Providers will help businesses to prepare and submit strong submissions for the grants program.
TIG important dates
- This program is currently closed
- Register your interest with GrantHelper
TIG objectives
The main objectives of the Victorian Timber Innovation Grants Program are to:
- Support native timber businesses in transitioning to other industry sectors.
- Promote investment that leads to the creation and retention of sustainable jobs.
- Foster innovative business models and alternative industry sectors to build local economies.
Projects and activities eligible for TIG support
Eligible project activities include:
- Designing, developing, or implementing new processes, products, or innovation opportunities.
- Purchasing or modifying plant or equipment.
- Investing in new product streams and technologies.
- Conducting feasibility studies (limited to $100,000 in government funding).
- Engaging consultants or research expertise to support transition opportunities.
Projects must be completed within two years unless otherwise agreed upon with the Department.
Ineligible project activities include:
- Funding for DEECA forest and fire management works.
- Purchase of vehicles.
- Projects requiring ongoing government funding.
- Retrospective funding for already commenced or completed projects.
- Ongoing operating costs like rent or salary subsidies.
- Timber plantation establishment.
- Regulatory compliance costs.
Other TIG important details that you will need to know
Organisations eligible for TIG support
Eligible applicants must:
- Have or had a Timber Sale Agreement, Forest Produce Licence, or Forest Produce Agreement with VicForests as of January 1, 2023, or
- Have or had a harvest/haulage contract with VicForests as of January 1, 2023, or
- Be a haulage sub-contractor, truck operator, road contractor, seed-collector, or other forest-based activity contractor with at least 30% of annual revenue derived from a VicForests contract over the past five years.
Additionally, businesses must:
- Have an Australian Business Number (ABN).
- Operate or plan to operate in Victoria.
- Comply with the National Employment Standards under the Fair Work Act 2009.
TIG assessment criteria
Applications will be assessed based on:
- Project outcomes (60%): Transitioning away from native timber, supporting local employment, and creating/retaining jobs.
- Organisational capability (40%): Ability to complete the project, resources, skills, and compliance with industrial relations obligations.
How do I get the TIG?
You should read and understand the guidelines.
You need to ensure your organisation is eligible for the funding. Organisations that do not meet all of the eligibility criteria outlined above will not be considered.
Successful applicants will demonstrate:
- a clearly articulated business plan that will support the transition from a dependence on native timber supply
- achievable outcomes that will grow and diversify the business and deliver broader economic and community benefits
- the necessary expertise, skills and resources to support successful completion of the project within the agreed timeline
Information to prepare for the TIG application
Stage 1 EOIs require a short description of the project, its ability to support the business to transition away from a dependence on native timber supply and outcomes and benefits of the project.
Stage 2 grant applications require additional documentation to support the project, such as previous research, feasibility studies, business cases, business plans, business transition plans, business diagnostic plans, project plans, project budgets, costs benefit analysis or letters of support.
Applicants for grants exceeding $50,0000 are also required to provide their past three years of ATO compliance reports so that a financial risk assessment can be undertaken.
Project Plan and Project Risk Assessment templates are provided.
Applying for TIG
EOIs are submitted via the deeca.my.site.com portal. A grant application form link will be emailed to successful EOI applicants.
Register your interest with GrantHelper to explore your alignment with this grant and how we can assist you to increase your chances of success.
TIG resources
I need help applying for grants
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