Portland Diversification Fund (PDF) VIC

Purpose and Program Overview

The Portland Diversification Fund (PDF) was a $7.5 million Victorian Government grant program established to stimulate economic diversification and resilience in Portland and the wider Glenelg Shire. It formed part of the broader $17.4 million Portland Economic Diversification Plan, aimed at strengthening local industry and reducing reliance on a narrow economic base.

The program sought to expand business opportunities, attract new investment, and support job creation by funding projects that enhanced the region’s long-term economic sustainability. Administered by Regional Development Victoria (RDV) in partnership with the Glenelg Shire Council, the fund supported businesses, not-for-profits, and community organisations undertaking strategic and growth-oriented projects.

The initiative also addressed critical workforce issues by allocating $1 million specifically for worker housing shortages in the Glenelg Shire, ensuring the community could retain and attract the skilled labour needed to support business growth.

Key Grant Details

• Grant amount: Up to $500,000 per project (larger amounts considered for strategic initiatives)
• Application period: Open until funds are exhausted or by early 2025
• Eligible applicants: Businesses, not-for-profits, and community organisations
• Co-contributions: Required from applicants (financial contribution towards the project)
• Location: Victoria – Glenelg Shire, with emphasis on Portland

Priority Sectors

No specific industry sectors were prioritised. The program was open to a broad range of sectors that contributed to regional diversification and economic resilience.

Funding Scope

• Funding range: Up to $500,000 per activity, with flexibility for higher amounts where projects had a significant regional impact
• Eligible categories:
  • Strategic planning and feasibility studies
  • Infrastructure projects
  • Business expansion and investment initiatives
  • Workforce development activities
• Project timeline: Projects required completion by 30 June 2025

Grant Amount in Total

The total funding pool available under the program was $7.5 million.

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants were required to meet the following conditions:

• Be a business, not-for-profit organisation, or community group
• Be registered and operating within the Glenelg Shire (Victoria)
• Hold an active ABN and comply with GST obligations (if applicable)
• Make a financial co-contribution to the project
• Demonstrate the capacity to deliver the project by June 2025
• Comply with insurance and regulatory obligations

Eligible Activities and Expenses

Portland Diversification Fund supported a wide range of initiatives, including:

• Infrastructure upgrades or development
• Capital equipment purchases linked to expansion
• Strategic planning and feasibility studies
• Workforce training and development
• Business diversification projects
• Initiatives addressing worker accommodation shortages

Assessment Process

• The fund operated on a competitive basis.
• Projects were assessed against key criteria, including:
  • Project merit – economic and community benefits
  • Strategic alignment – contribution to regional diversification and resilience
  • Value for money – demonstrated outcomes relative to investment

Recent Program Updates

• The Portland Diversification Fund Program was open until early 2025 or until funds were exhausted.
• A portion of the funding was dedicated to worker housing solutions.
• The Victorian Auditor-General’s 2019 report noted challenges in measuring outcomes due to a lack of consistent data rules and set performance targets across regional investment programs like the PDF.

Application Tips

• Review eligibility carefully to confirm organisational and project fit.
• Prepare supporting documentation early, including financial statements and project plans.
• Ensure alignment with regional development priorities to strengthen the case.
• Clearly demonstrate economic benefits, such as job creation, business growth, or supply chain diversification.
• Provide a strong cost–benefit rationale and evidence of capability to deliver.

Where to Get Help

Consider consulting with a professional grant specialist like Pattens Group. We offer initial assessments to review your business’s eligibility and evaluate how well your project aligns with the grant’s objectives. You can also visit the Regional Development Victoria (RDV) website for official application templates, guidelines, and further support.