Market Accelerator VIC Grant Program

Purpose and Program Overview

The Market Accelerator VIC program provides funding for projects in Victoria. The program intends to increase the value and market demand for recycled materials. This directly strengthens Victoria’s circular economy.

The main objective is to validate and commercialise products and processes. These products must use Australian recycled materials. Eligible materials include plastics, paper, cardboard, glass, tyres, organics, textiles, e-waste, and batteries.

The grant aims to bridge the gap between innovation and market readiness. It supports commercialisation through advisory services. The total funding pool is not stated, but applications close when funds are fully subscribed.

Key Grant Details

• Grant Amount: Funding ranges between $15,000 and $50,000 (excluding GST).
• Application Dates: The closing date is Wednesday, November 5, 2025. Applications close on this date or when funds are fully subscribed.
• Eligible Entities: Victorian organisations, including businesses, social enterprises, registered charities, and sole traders.
• Co-contributions: The guidelines do not state a required co-contribution.
• Location Applicability: Applicants must be currently operating in Victoria, or planning to establish a presence in the Victorian market.

Priority Sectors

The program is open to Victorian organisations across many sectors.

Priority is placed on projects that:

• Use Australian recycled materials such as plastics, paper, cardboard, glass, tyres, organics, textiles, e-waste, and batteries.
• Strengthen Victoria’s circular economy.
• Focus on the food, drink, and packaging sectors are specifically mentioned as suitable.

Funding Scope

Market Accelerator VIC grant provides support for specific commercialisation activities.

• Minimum and Maximum Grant: Funding ranges from $15,000 to $50,000 per project.
• Funding Categories: Funding supports validating and commercialising products or processes using recycled materials.
• Eligible Duration: The project timeline or duration is not stated.

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must be active entities with the necessary commercial rights.

• Be one of the following entity types: business, social enterprise, registered charity, or sole trader.
• Have an active Australian Business Number (ABN).
• Be currently operating in Victoria, or have an intention to establish a presence there.
• Have the legal right to commercialise the product or process that uses recycled materials.

Eligible Activities and Expenses

The grant funds activities that fast-track market readiness for recycled products.

Eligible expenses include:

• Validating and commercialising products and processes that use recycled materials.
• Advisory services provided by an Advisory Service Provider, such as:
  • Business case development
  • Marketing strategy
  • Investment attraction
  • Product assessment and certification

Assessment Process

This is an open program. The closing condition “or when funds are fully subscribed” suggests a competitive element where early, strong applications may be prioritised.

The key focus of assessment is:

• The potential to increase the value and demand for recycled materials.
• The effectiveness in validating and commercialising products or processes.
• The strengthening of Victoria’s circular economy.

Recent Program Updates

The Market Accelerator VIC program is currently open for applications. The closing date is November 5, 2025. It targets commercialisation to increase the use of Australian recycled materials in Victoria.

Application Tips

Act quickly, as the program closes when funds are fully subscribed. Ensure your product or process clearly uses Australian recycled materials. Outline a plan for how advisory services will bridge your specific gap between innovation and market readiness. Select an Advisory Service Provider before applying.

Where to Get Help

Consider consulting a grant specialist for a personalised eligibility assessment and expert assistance in preparing a strong, compliant and competitive application. Contact Pattens Group today, and we will connect you with Australia’s best grant specialist, boasting over 35 years of experience in the industry and a 100% success rate. For official guidelines, application details, templates, and further information, visit Sustainability Victoria and other associated Australian government websites.