Victoria Distillery Program

VIC Distillery Support – Business Growth Fit-for-Purpose Grant

  • Funding up to $200,000 is available, on a 30-50% co-contribution basis
  • Applications are open until March 25th, 2025

The Distillery Support (Business Growth Fit-for-Purpose) grants provide direct funding for tailored projects designed to help Victorian distillers take the next step in the development of their business.

The grants are part of the $20 million Distillery Door Program, which will focus on developing skills, increasing tourism opportunities, expanding businesses through infrastructure investment and develop and grow exports, supporting employment and economic opportunities across Victoria.

Key Requirements

Successful applicants will be required to make a cash co-contribution of a minimum of 30% or 50% of the total eligible expenditure on the project.

Co-contribution will be:

  • 30% cash co-contribution if no more than 10,000 litres of alcohol produced in the 2023/24 financial year
  • 50% cash co-contribution if greater than 10,000 litres of alcohol produced in the 2023/24 financial year
  • Co-contributions must be cash

What is eligible for funding?

Grant funding may be used for the following types of projects:

  • Plant and equipment to facilitate growth and competitiveness of businesses to meet demand and improve cost
  • Technology adoption (excluding on-going maintenance and service support costs) to increase business efficiency
  • Items that support product diversification and new product development
  • Items that build on the Hazardous Areas and Dangerous Goods Audit (HADGA) or general safety improvements at the distillery not eligible under the HADGA
  • Items that enhance sustainability including electrification, greenhouse gas emission reduction, energy saving, waste reduction, water reduction
  • Activities that increase export capability
  • Marketing activities that increase consumer awareness of your product
  • Other eligible expenditure may be accepted on a per case basis

The project must be completed and fully acquitted within 3 months of the execution of the Grant Agreement. Exceptions will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

What companies are eligible for funding?

To be eligible to apply for funding, you must:

  • Have a current Australian Business Number (ABN)
  • Be registered as a business in Victoria
  • Be a legal entity
  • Own at least one still with a capacity of fifty (50) litres or more
  • Hold a valid ATO Manufacturer’s Licence to produce distilled alcoholic beverages
  • Hold a current General, Producer’s or Remote Seller’s Liquor Licence issued by Liquor Control Victoria
  • Be able to meet the agreed (minimum 30-50 percent) cash co-contribution requirement

Is this grant competitive or entitlement based?

Competitive – Your application will be assessed among other applications by a judging panel.

How can I increase my chances of winning this grant?

By engaging a specialist government grants consultant, such as Avant Group to assist with eligibility checks and collation of relevant documentation.

As part of your engagement with Avant Group, your account manager will assess the required documentation and provide tailored support to strengthen your grant submission.

How can I get help with my application? Or know if I’m likely to win funding?

Avant Group offers a no-obligation assessment of your eligibility for funding and will assess your likelihood of a successful grant application.