$24.5M program that support innovative, job creation projects that strengthen and diversify Northern Melbourne’s economy and employment base.
Looking For A Manufacturing Grant?
Call 1300 658 508
Overview
The Melbourne’s North Innovation and Investment Fund (MNIIF) is a $24.5 million competitive, merit-based grants program. Under the MNIIF, eligible projects will focus on encouraging new investment to create new or additional business capacity that results in sustainable jobs. The minimum grant will be $50,000.
The Melbourne North region is defined as the four Local Government Areas of:
- Hume
- Whittlesea
- Moreland
- Darebin
Case Studies
In November 2015, Bulletpoint assisted Harry & Larry’s Ice-cream secure $1,200,000. Based in Brunswick, Harry & Larry’s manufacture a range of specialty ice creams.
The grant will see 30 new jobs created and investment in a factory expansion with custom engineered production lines, including the latest freezing technology, to make a range of gourmet ice creams and desserts in complex shapes and layers.
In March 2014, Bulletpoint assisted Cottage Cheese Farm secure $765,000. Based in Glenroy, Victoria, Cottage Cheese Farm is a speciality cheese manufacturer making mainly Haloumi, Ricotta and Mozzarella cheeses.
They received funding to assist with construction of a $6M purpose built cheese and yoghurt manufacturing facility. The project will allow them to expand current operations and introduction of new product lines.
Bulletpoint has assisted a number of clients secure manufacturing grants. Check out more case studies.
Background
The Melbourne’s North Innovation and Investment Fund (MNIIF) will support investment by business leading directly to new sustainable jobs in the Melbourne North region to assist the region to diversify its economic base. Eligible projects will focus on encouraging new investment to create new or additional business capacity that results in sustainable jobs.
Funding
A total of $24.5 million in funding is available. There will be competitive funding rounds and all funds awarded must be expended by 30 June 2016 when the Melbourne’s North Innovation and Investment Fund (MNIIF) will close.
The minimum grant under the Melbourne’s North Innovation and Investment Fund (MNIIF) will be $50,000. There is no maximum grant limit within the total grant funding available under the Melbourne’s North Innovation and Investment Fund (MNIIF). Grants will be up to 50 per cent of eligible expenditure.
Financial assistance will only be provided for:
- up to 50% of projected eligible project costs; and
- on the provision of satisfactory evidence that the agreed payment milestones have been achieved.
Eligible Projects
Eligible expenditure includes:
- acquisition of new equipment or machinery that can be capitalised in the applicant’s accounts; and
- construction or fit-out of a new building or extension to premises.
Expert Assistance
Writing a good quality grant application is a critical element in the application process. An application needs to be well thought through, written concisely, have clear objectives and purpose, and show clear links to the objectives of the grant guidelines.
The grant application must answer all questions, provide all required information and respond to the merit criteria. It should also reflect your organisation’s business strategy.
Writing a good application takes time and effort, and requires particular writing skills.
Bulletpoint are expert grant consultants and can assist with all aspects of grant preparation.
Call 1300 658 508
Timing
Round 2 closed on Thursday 14 May 2015.
Update
The Minister for Industry, Innovation and Science, Christopher Pyne, and the Victorian Minister for Industry, Lily D’Ambrosio, announced the successful applicants for the second round of Melbourne’s North Innovation and Investment Fund.
“The grants will support these businesses to invest more than $14 million in capital equipment and new facilities to capture new opportunities both at home and abroad,” Mr Pyne said.
“We are committed to supporting workers and communities when economic and industrial structural change occurs. The grants we announce today will help local businesses respond to these changes and create jobs.”
Following the closure of its Australian supplier, Kestrel Manufacturing Pty Ltd will use the funding to establish new manufacturing lines in Melbourne’s North to produce key inputs for its oil and chemical spill equipment.
“More than securing the production of a key input for their current products, this project will create 45 jobs as the business grows and collaborates with customers to develop new products,” Mr Pyne said.
Another grant recipient, the Brunswick based Harry and Larry’s Ice Cream, began making small batches of ice cream for its retail store in a Melbourne shopping centre. The grant will see 30 new jobs created and investment in a factory expansion with custom engineered production lines, including the latest freezing technology, to make a range of gourmet ice creams and desserts in complex shapes and layers.
“Such investments in manufacturing show just how capable Victorian businesses are in driving innovation. We know it is critical to create jobs and grow our economy,” Ms D’Ambrosio said.
“Having secured national customers and established its own brand, this business knew that ongoing success requires innovation.”
The Melbourne’s North Innovation and Investment Fund is a $24.5 million package developed by the Australian and Victorian Governments and Ford Australia in response to Ford’s announcement that it will cease local production in 2016.
“Ford Australia is proud to be contributing to the Fund to support investment by local business that generates employment growth,” President and CEO of Ford Australia Graeme Whickman said.
“It is an important element of Ford Australia’s commitment to transform its Australian business and support those affected by our changes.”
The recent grants build on the 16 projects already underway and expected to create more than 470 jobs by June 2016.
For more information visit –www.business.gov.au/MNIIF Projects Supported
