Regional Development Victoria

The Victorian Government has committed to deliver the Wine Growth Fund (the Fund), a grants program designed to support initiatives to develop the Victorian wine industry.

The Fund forms part of the Victorian Government's $1million commitment to support the Victorian wine industry. The Victorian Government also committed to establish the Wine Industry Ministerial Advisory Committee and deliver the Wine Industry Development Strategy. The Wine Industry Ministerial Advisory Committee provides guidance for the Fund, including input into guidelines and grant priorities.

Grants up to a maximum of $20,000 are available to individual organisations. Collaborative projects involving more than one organisation may be funded up to $50,000 per project.

Applicants are expected to make a financial contribution and/or source third-party funding. Grants will be provided on a $1 for $1 basis. Matching funds may be from a variety of sources including from a group of wineries or growers, associations, regional organisations or the Commonwealth Government. In-kind contributions are not accepted as part of the funding contribution.

Fund Objectives

The Wine Growth Fund aims to develop and grow the wine industry in Victoria, and to support the industry to be viable and sustainable.

The key objectives of the Fund are to:

• Support adaptation to a new industry operating environment
• Increase visitation and expenditure within Victorian wine regions
• Develop profitable and sustainable export markets
• Strengthen industry structure and coordination
• Support investment and jobs.

Achieving positive outcomes: Wine Growth Fund case studies

Who can apply

Applications will be considered from:

• businesses or organisations directly involved in the Victorian wine industry, including the growing, making and marketing of wine in Victorian wine regions
• businesses or organisations which act as consultants, service providers, researchers or educators to the wine industry if their project is considered to be a wholly wine industry activity
• groups of individuals, businesses or organisations directly involved in the Victorian wine industry, including the growing, making and marketing of wine in Victorian wine regions.

Applicants are required to hold Australian Business Number (ABN) or provide written advice from the Australian Tax Office that no withholding tax is required from the grant payment.

How to apply

Prospective applicants are advised to:

• read the Fund Guidelines carefully to establish eligibility
• discuss the proposed application with your local Department of Economic Development, Jobs, Transport and Resources (DEDJTR) office
• submit an expression of interest
• expressions of interest which are supported may then  complete an application form. DEDJTR officers can assist applicants to complete application form.

Timelines

The following key dates are indicative of the likely timing for the application process, but may be subject to change:

Key Milestone	Date
Opening of Round Two	9 June 2017
Closing date for Expressions of Interest	4 August 2017
Closing date for Applications	15 September 2017
Applicants notified of outcomes	1 December 2017
Contract negotiation with successful applicants	From 1 December 2017
Project start date	From 1 December 2017

A list of RDV office locations and contact details can be found at www.rdv.vic.gov.au/contact-us

Projects located in outer metropolitan regions should contact the DEDJTR Dandenong, Ringwood or Bundoora offices (see further details on page 13 of the Program Guidelines).

For further information about the Fund please contact your local RDV office or email rdv@rdv.vic.gov.au

Achieving positive outcomes: Wine Growth Fund case studies