Industry grants and support

Overview of Victorian Government defence industry support

The defence sector is a priority industry 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 program.

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.

Non-Victorian businesses that are interested in establishing operations in Victoria to participate in the Land 8116 program and are seeking investment facilitation support can apply for funding via the Victorian Land Systems Fund - Supply Chain Investment Program stream, by contacting us at defence@ecodev.vic.gov.au.

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

The Victorian Government Pavilion hosts around 32 local businesses at each major domestic defence trade show (Avalon Airshow, Indo Pacific and Land Forces). The Pavilions offer 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 (DISC)

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.

The course costs $10,450 GST inclusive. DISC 2023 applications closed 5pm Monday 6^th March 2023.

Victorian Government Support for DISC

Separate to applying to Defence to attend DISC, Victorian defence SMEs can apply for Victorian government financial assistance for staff to attend the course.

• The Victorian government reimburses up to $5,225 GST inclusive (or 50% of the course fee) for up to five eligible students to attend DISC.
• Seeking Victorian Government support to attend DISC is a separate process to applying to attend DISC and must be completed first.
• Applications are now closed for DISC 2023.

Find out more about DISC: Defence & Industry Study Course | Business & Industry | Defence

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 23 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.