Local manufacturers in Victoria are slated to receive up to $250,000 in funding through the state government’s Made in Victoria – Manufacturing Growth Program.
Announced by Minister for Manufacturing Sovereignty Ben Carroll, the grant program is intended to help small and medium-sized manufacturing businesses in the state compete on the global stage and create highly skilled jobs.
The grant is also aimed at helping recipients introduce new technologies, expand operations, and improve productivity.
The program’s latest round is a key element of the Victorian Labor government’s plan to foster the advanced manufacturing sector in the state and builds on the success of previous grant rounds.
More than $10 million have been distributed to 29 projects in 2022, which enabled the creation of more than 550 new jobs across the state, the Victorian government said in a press release today.
“We’re backing local businesses to get the support they need to succeed and take advantage of new opportunities – keeping Victoria at the forefront of Australian manufacturing,” Minister Carroll said.
“Victoria is the home of advanced manufacturing in Australia and we’re continuing to invest in this sector because we know how critical it is to growing our economy and creating jobs,” he added.
Victorian businesses have benefitted from grant programs launched by the state in 2022, including Waste Converters Recycling, which sought to establish new robotics lines, and Dentalife Australia, which brought manufacturing back to Victoria for its hospital-grade disinfectant wipes.
“This grant has helped us expand our medical device infection control manufacturing facility, reducing the reliance on imported products and creating more local jobs,” said Tom Stray, managing director for Dentalife.
Victoria’s manufacturing sector is a key driving force of the state’s economy, employing more than 260,000 workers and contributing approximately $31 billion to the economy per annum.
Applications for the Made in Victoria – Manufacturing Growth Program will be accepted until 6 April. To register, visit business.vic.gov.au.
