Grants

Some of the world’s best startup ecosystems are built on strong communities, fostered by regular, inclusive events that bring together founders and talent.

LaunchVic is committed to supercharging a more connected and vibrant startup culture in Victoria by supporting grassroots initiatives where founders, talent, and the broader community can connect.

Overview

LaunchVic is inviting expressions of interest from groups interested in running a regular series of city events to help people access, navigate, and build new networks within our local startup ecosystem.

$200,000 funding is available over three years to support this activity.

Timings: 

Expressions of Interest Open: Thursday 15 May

Expressions of Interest Close: Thursday 29 May 5PM (AEST)

Shortlisted applicants will be invited to participate in a closed Request for Proposal (RFP) process.

A single grant to the successful party will be awarded by the end of June, with events expected to commence from August 2025.

Submit EOI

Grants of up to $400,000 to establish new pre-accelerators that help university students and research teams launch their startups, with a requirement for 1:1 matched cash contribution from applicants.

Timings for this Grant Round: 

Stage 1

• Round launched: Wednesday 26 February 2025
• Information Session: Thursday 13 March 2025 11am (AEDT) by webinar
• Round Closes: Thursday 22 May 2025 10am (AEST)
• Communications: to unsuccessful and shortlisted applicants by 4 June 2025

Stage 2

• Interviews: Tuesday 10 or Wednesday 11 June 2025
• Communications: to unsuccessful and applicants expected late June
• Contracting: Contract execution with recipients expected in mid-late June
• Announcement: An announcement will follow once contracts are executed

Overview

LaunchVic is seeking to fund the establishment of high-quality Pre-Accelerator Programs delivered by Victorian-based Universities to support aspiring startup entrepreneurs.

• The successfully funded University Pre-Accelerator Programs will:
  Support startup entrepreneurs by helping them bring their startup idea to life and create an MVP; and
• Increase the pipeline of startups being created across Victoria.

This Project will give Victorian Universities the opportunity to apply for funding to develop a greater entrepreneurship focus within the university, and deliver a pre-accelerator program.

Applicants will need to demonstrate a clear need or gap within their university ecosystem, have demonstrable experience growing startups and startup communities (or commit to working with delivery partner/s who do), and request grant funding for a pre-accelerator program that can realistically help aspiring founders to start and grow startups.

View the Program Guidelines 

Watch the Information Session

Read our FAQs

Apply Online

All unsolicited proposals must demonstrate strong alignment with the following principles:

• Alignment with strategy – The proposal clearly aligns with LaunchVic’s strategy 2024-2028.
• Uniqueness – The applicant is uniquely positioned to deliver the program. i.e. there is no other organisation that could do what you are proposing.
• Expertise – The applicant demonstrates the professional expertise and capability to deliver a successful outcome with minimal risk.
• Impact – The proposal responds to a genuine need and will deliver tangible benefits to the Victorian startup ecosystem.
• Need for funding – There is a credible and compelling case for LaunchVic investment.
• Value for money – The proposal represents a sound return on investment for the Victorian startup ecosystem.
• Sustainability – The program includes a clear pathway to sustainability—either by becoming self-sufficient or by strengthening ecosystem resilience.

Proposals that do not meet all of these criteria will not be reviewed.

If your proposal is deemed appropriate for funding, it will be subject to further assessment and due diligence in line with LaunchVic’s established grant processes.