Victorian Land Systems Fund – (SCUP)

Victorian Land Systems Fund (SCUP)

Eligible applicants may apply for grants of between $2,000 and $100,000 (excl GST).

To be eligible, applicants must provide a 1:1 matched funding contribution based on the grant amount.

Grant funds can be used to undertake the following eligible activities:

  • business systems and process certifications
  • tender response assistance
  • industry specific compliance requirements
  • supply chain collaboration activities
  • development of defence R&D and technology transfer activities
  • product development.

Support Victorian defence industry business to work with Hanwha Defense Australia (Hanwha) as part of its supply chain through the Victorian Land Systems Fund – Supply Chain Uplift Program. The program will help build businesses’ capabilities. So they can help Hanwha deliver the Commonwealth Government’s $1 billion Land 8116 Self-Propelled Howitzer program.

Funding will support eligible Victorian businesses to:
- undertake equipment fit outs and minor facilities upgrades
- develop new or enhance current defence services or products
- undertake defence R&D
- meet industry-specific compliance requirements and gain relevant accreditations
- prepare tenders
- participate in trade missions to pursue collaboration and export opportunities.

Key Requirements

Applicants should have engaged with Hanwha before applying for this program.

Applicants will be asked to provide project information, including:

  • a description of the project and expected project outcomes
  • reasons for undertaking the project
  • the key personnel, associated costs, delivery timeframes, key milestones and deliverables
  • a risk management plan
  • a project budget.

Applicants will need to attach a Project Plan to the application form. Please note, further supporting documentation may be required.

SCUP grant applications will be assessed on a rolling basis until 30 June 2024 or until program funds have been exhausted.

What is eligible for funding?

An eligible project must assist the applicant’s entry into Hanwha’s domestic and/or international supply chains and support the development of the business’ Victorian-based operations.

Where an applicant is seeking support to win work in a foreign market, satisfactory evidence must be provided to verify that any direct exports by the Applicant will be allowed under relevant Australian and international laws.

For grants to fund the cost of an audit to obtain a certification, funding will only be provided to a grant recipient after it has successfully provided proof of certification.

What companies are eligible for funding?

Applicants must meet each of the following criteria to be eligible for assistance under this Program:

  • have Hanwha’s support for its application to this program (please note the department may verify your claim with Hanwha)
  • be a legal entity with an operating business presence in Victoria
  • apply to activities linked directly to the applicant’s Victorian business operations
  • have an Australian Business Number (ABN)
  • be able to meet the required cash co-contribution ($1 for every $1 provided)
  • attest that the business complies with all workplace health and safety obligations and meets all industrial relations obligations as an employer.

Preference will be given to SMEs seeking to access the program; however, companies with over 200 employees can apply and will be assessed on a case-by-case basis. For the Program, an SME is defined as a company with 200 or fewer employees.

Is this grant competitive or entitlement based?

Entitlement. Applications are assessed against eligibility criteria.

How can I increase my chances of winning this grant?

By engaging an accredited government grants consultant, such as Avant Group.

As part of your engagement with Avant Group, your account manager will assess the required documents and will provide the following as needed to support your grant submission.

Grant application writeup including a detailed presentation illustrating how the grant funding will contribute to your project, how the funding will contribute to the project’s budget, a project milestone plan, delivery timeline, impact on employment if applicable and a breakdown of the management and leadership team for the project

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.