Grants up to $500,000 to support Victorian manufacturing SMEs to invest in new manufacturing capability that will underpin new job creation and increased industry competitiveness.
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
- An overview of the Business Competitiveness Program (BCP)
- Every detail you will need to know
- Resources and help to get the grant
The Business Competitiveness Grant Program from the Victorian Government is designed to boost job creation in the Victorian manufacturing sector.
The Business Competitiveness Program helps established and emerging Victorian manufacturers to achieve sustainable growth by creating new jobs, increasing their competitiveness within the sector, and strengthening their supply chains.
What is the Business Competitiveness Program?
The Business Competitiveness Program (BCP) supports small and medium manufacturers (SMEs) in Victoria to expand their manufacturing operations and implement new manufacturing technologies and processes for generating sustainable new local jobs.
Funding aims to stimulate job creating investment in Victorian industry sectors that have a significant competitive advantage, to ensure Victorian industry is sustainable and thriving into the future.
Grants of up to 33 percent of eligible project expenditure, up to a maximum grant amount of $500,000, will be allocated on a competitive basis for projects to be completed within 18 months of receiving the grant.
Eligible projects include the purchase and commissioning of capital equipment, manufacturing product and process improvements, prototyping, evaluation and testing of new products and processes, and supply chain capability development. Further details can be found below.
The Business Competitiveness Program is a key pillar of the Victorian Government’s Manufacturing and Industry Development Fund investing $60 million over the next three years from the beginning of the 2022 Financial year.
BCP Program level of support
Grant
- $50,000 to $500,000
- Maximum 33% of total project costs
Co-contribution
- Minimum 67% of total project costs
- In-kind contributions and funding from other Victorian or Commonwealth programs are excluded
BCP Program important dates
- This program is currently closed
- Register your interest here with GrantHelper
BCP Program important details that you will need to know
BCP objective
The program will assist SMEs with an existing presence in Victoria to expand their manufacturing operations and implement new manufacturing technologies and processes that provide a critical foundation for generating sustainable new local jobs (including high-value jobs).
The program aims to create jobs, increase industry competitiveness, and help strengthen local supply chains in traditional and emerging manufacturing sectors where Victoria has competitive advantages.
The program also aims to contribute towards the Victorian Government’s objective of zero carbon emissions.
Organisations eligible for BCP support
The program is open to SMEs that are on a growth trajectory and require support to expand their manufacturing operations. Applicants may apply individually or jointly. Where a project involves more than one applicant, the lead organisation should submit the application, but both applicants may contribute to project expenditure to meet any co-contribution requirements.
Companies must:
- be a legally structured business registered in Victoria with an ABN
- agree to meet any co-contribution requirements with eligible cash expenditure
- agree to meet all industrial relations obligations as an employer in accordance with the National Employment Standards
- have an operating presence in Victoria
- be currently engaged in manufacturing or the manufacturing supply chain or demonstrate a genuine commercial connection to the manufacturing supply chain
- employ at least 20 FTE* staff or have an annual turnover of greater than $1.5 million (preference will be given to applicants that employ less than 200 people)
- agree to conduct the majority of proposed activities in Victoria
- provide financial reports for the last three financial years to enable the Department of Jobs, Precincts and Regions (the Department) to conduct a financial risk assessment (FRA)
- agree to participate in future program evaluation activity
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*Companies with less than 20 FTE may be considered but will need to provide a compelling argument demonstrating why their project should be funded and how it will stimulate job creation.
An Incorporated Trustee can apply on behalf of a Trust provided that the Trustee:
- will remain sufficiently liable for the performance of any agreement it signs
- comply with the criteria as set out above for companies (excluding the first criteria)
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Individual partners may apply on behalf of a partnership provided that the partners:
- will remain sufficiently liable for the performance of any agreement they sign
- comply with the criteria as set out above for companies (excluding the first criteria)
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The following are not eligible to apply:
- Individuals
- Commonwealth, state and local government agencies or bodies
- Publicly funded research institutions
- Industry associations
- Not-for-profit organisations
- Community-based organisations
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See the guidelines for full details of eligible and ineligible applicants.
Projects and activities eligible for BCP support
Eligible project expenditure includes the following activities relating to the proposed project:
- capital expenditure (e.g. manufacturing machinery, equipment and technology)
- other project-related non-capitalised expenditure, such as those related to:
- product and process improvements
- prototyping
- evaluation and testing of new products and processes
- technology development
- supply chain capability development
- minor building alterations and fit-out costs
- training specific to the technology (external costs only)
- labour and contractors (excluding internal salaries)
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Applicants must clearly demonstrate how funding the project activities will support the creation of new jobs.
The BCP will not fund:
- routine replacement or a minor upgrade of plant and equipment
- purchase of vehicles
- routine operational expenses
- costs related to preparing the grant application, preparing any project reports and preparing any project variation requests
- projects where the primary purpose relates to offshore manufacturing
- building websites, marketing, sales and promotional activities
- early stage R&D activities
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See the guidelines for full details of eligible and ineligible activities.
Information to prepare for the BCP application
All applications must provide:
- a project plan, including quotations from supplier/s to support estimated costs (Template will be available)
- audited financial reports for the past three years (including profit & loss, balance sheet and notes to the accounts)
- management or interim accounts for the current year, if the most recent financial report is more than 6 months old
- business plan incorporating financial projections (profit & loss and cash flow – template will be available)
- evidence of cash co-contribution
- Director’s letter of support
Applying for BCP
Application forms are available from the Business Victoria website.
Book a no obligation discovery session with GrantHelper to increase your chances of success.
BCP Program assessment criteria
Projects will be assessed against the following criteria:
| Ref | Criteria | Weighting |
| 1 | Need for Government support – Impact of funding on outcomes – Other funding options pursued | 30% |
| 2 | Job creation – Number of sustainable jobs and timeline for creation | 30% |
| 3 | Other benefits – Enhancement of competitiveness of business sector/supply chain – Broader social and environmental contribution | 25% |
| 4 | Capacity and capability to successfully implement the project – Applicant’s track record – Resource allocation Deliverables and milestones | 15% |
See the guidelines for full details of the assessment criteria.
BCP Program resources
- Source
- Guidelines – previous round
- FAQs – previous round
- Project Plan template
- Cash Flow Projection template
How do I get BCP Program?
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:
- an innovative project that meets the program’s objectives of investing in manufacturing capabilities that will underpin job creation and increased industry competitiveness
- clear and realistic deliverables and milestones
- the broader social and environmental benefits that will be generated by the project
- the importance of funding on the timing and scope of the project and its outcomes
- a project team with the track record and necessary skills and resources to support successful completion of the project within the agreed timeline
I need help applying for grants
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