Industry grants and support

Overview of Victorian Government defence industry support

The defence sector is a priority for Victoria. The Victorian Government seeks to grow and strengthen the industry with a focus on:

• small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs)
• research and development (R&D) capabilities
• highly skilled engineering workforce.

The Victorian Government provides ongoing support for a range of key initiatives including:

• industry development programs
• subsidised attendance at major trade shows
• financial support.

These initiatives ensure that the state’s defence sector capabilities continue to grow.

Members of the Defence and Aerospace team at the Department of Jobs, Skills, Industry and Regions are available to discuss your business needs.

For further information about how the Victorian Government can support your business, please contact us at defence@ecodev.vic.gov.au

Victorian Land Systems Fund Supply Chain Uplift Program - Applications Open

On Tuesday 6 September 2022, the Victorian Government opened applications for the Victorian Land Systems Fund - Supply Chain Uplift Program. The program will build businesses’ capabilities so they can help Hanwha deliver the Commonwealth Government’s $1 billion Land 8116 - Self-Propelled Howitzer and $5-7 billion Land 400 Phase 3 - Infantry Fighting Vehicle programs.

Eligible businesses can apply for funding of between $2,000 and $100,000 (exc. GST) to undertake a range of business improvement activities.

To apply and for more information visit the Business Victoria website.

Businesses that are contracted to Hanwha  to participate in the Land 8116 and / or Land 400 Phase 3 programs - and are seeking to establish or expand their operations in Victoria - can apply for funding via the Victorian Land Systems Fund - Supply Chain Investment Program stream, by contacting us at defence@ecodev.vic.gov.au.

Digital Jobs Program

The Digital Jobs program provides training to upskill leaders and workers in the construction and advanced manufacturing sectors with in-demand digital skills.

The Digital Jobs program is a Victorian Government Economic Growth Statement initiative that provides Victorian businesses in the construction and advanced manufacturing sectors with access to free training to upskill leaders and workers with digital skills that are critical for innovation and technology adoption.

The program is open to businesses operating in the construction or advanced manufacturing sectors that are looking to apply digital technology to their operations.

The program will support businesses to:

• utilise digital technologies to keep up to date with emerging changes in their industries; and
• make informed and strategic decisions on technology adoption.

To find out more about the program, register for the upcoming Business Information Session on Wednesday 6 May at 11 am. Register here.

Exhibit on the Victorian Government Pavilion at Avalon Airshow, Indo Pacific and Land Forces

The Victorian Government Pavilion hosts around 60 Victorian businesses at each major domestic defence trade show (Avalon Airshow, Indo Pacific and Land Forces). The Pavilion offers a large, high profile exhibition space for the Victorian defence industry to showcase its capabilities to key decision makers.

To find out how you can exhibit in the Victorian Government Pavilion at the next trade show, visit Victorian Defence Events.

Defence & Industry Study Course 

Applications for Victorian Government support

The Defence and Industry Study Course (DISC) is a seven-month course delivered by Defence and attended by ADF members, defence industry and Federal and State agencies.

Victorian Government Support for DISC 

DISC provides unparalleled access to Defence and the sector for industry. The benefits for industry to attend are invaluable and the Victorian Government is offering funding of up to 50% of the course fee for attendance of employees of eligible businesses.

The process for seeking Victorian Government assistance is separate to applying to Defence to attend DISC. Victorian defence SMEs that have submitted applications to Defence for staff to attend DISC can also apply for Victorian government financial assistance for staff to attend the course. These applications will be assessed against a set of program guidelines following Defence advice on the final panel for the course.

Please note:

• The Victorian government is offering funds of up to 50% of the course fee for up to five participants from eligible Victorian businesses to attend DISC.
• To apply for Victorian Government assistance the participants and businesses must have submitted an application to Defence to attend DISC

To apply for Victorian Government assistance to attend DISC please contact the Defence team at defence@ecodev.vic.gov.au for more information and the application form.

Investment Support

The Victorian Government’s Defence and Aerospace team works closely with new market entrants and local companies to help them establish and grow their physical presence in the state.

The Victorian Government offers a dedicated project team to assist potential market entrants by:

• providing introductions to stakeholders in the defence industry ecosystem and innovation partners with specialised industry and research expertise
• considering potential support packages
• delivering a concierge service for site selection and facilitating approvals for development of proposed sites
• supporting a pipeline of skills development and talent attraction
• supporting global exports and connections with Victorian Government Trade and Investment offices overseas.

Invest Victoria

Invest Victoria provides investment information, advice and services to companies considering establishing or increasing their presence in Melbourne and regional Victoria. The Invest Victoria team connects investors with local partners.

Invest Victoria tailors support to each investor’s needs, providing specialist advice on:

• specific industries
• workforce capabilities
• industry networks
• infrastructure.

Find out more about Invest Victoria

Global Victoria

Global Victoria is the Victorian Government’s premier trade facilitation agency and gateway to international economies and networking communities. Victoria has an international network of 22 Victorian Government Trade and Investment offices located in key export markets.

Find out more about Global Victoria

Other Victorian Government support

For a complete list of grants and programs on offer by the Victorian Government, visit the Business Victoria website

Commonwealth Government programs

For a list of support programs run by the Commonwealth Government visit How to get involved in Commonwealth Government Defence programs.