Rural and remote parts of Victoria have so much to offer tourists and travellers, and the Government is taking action to help new initiatives to attract visitors.

Find out what the Enabling Tourism Fund is and whether you may be eligible to apply before applications close soon on 28 March 2024.

What is the Enabling Tourism Fund?

The Enabling Tourism Fund 2024 has been established to support regional and rural Victorian tourism projects as they work to reach investment-ready status.

The aim is to create demand-driving infrastructure projects across regional and rural Victoria.

How does the fund work?

According to Business Australia, the Enabling Tourism Fund is made up of two grant streams:

• Stream One – Testing the Concept: Applicants can apply to receive funds to test the concept of a new infrastructure project, such as a feasibility study, master plan or business case.

• Stream Two – Preparing for Investment: Applicants can apply for their share of funding to prepare a combination of materials to ensure a project is ready for infrastructure investment. Materials could include a detailed design package, funding strategy, or stakeholder and community engagement plans.

How much funding is available?

Both funds will offer between $20,000 and $500,000 (excluding GST) to successful applicants. The money is required to go towards the actions specific to each stream.

Who is eligible?

Applicants must be one of the following types of entities to apply:

• Private sector proponents (defined as a privately owned or commercial organisation that has overall control and responsibility for a project that is predominantly funded through private capital)

• Local and State Government entities based in Victoria including:
  • Public Land Managers
  • Land Management Authorities and Committees of Management
  • Local Government Authorities
  • A Victorian Alpine Resort (such as one of the Six alpine resorts are legally incorporated under the Alpine Resorts (Management) Act 1997 and managed by Alpine Resorts Victoria)

• State or Local Government owned entities

• Incorporated associations

• Not‑for‑profit organisations, including community groups that are an incorporated body, cooperative or association

• Traditional Owner Corporations, organisations and groups, and Aboriginal‑owned businesses.

Eligible applicants must also:

• Possess an Australian Business Number (ABN)
• Be financially solvent.

Where an entity is not incorporated, an auspicing arrangement may be considered

Conditions:

• Applicants can only apply for one of the grant streams

• Not all applicants will be successful, however businesses given funding in a previous round are still eligible to apply.

How to apply

You can apply for either stream via the Business Victoria website.

Extensive documentation is required to apply for the fund, so ensure you carefully check what is needed on the FAQ page and use the templates provided.

If you need help gathering the relevant documentation to apply for the Enabling Tourism Fund, reach out to our team today.