Victorian distillers are set to receive government support to expand production and create innovative new products, with the opening of applications for the Business Growth Fit-for Purpose grants, as part of the $20 million Distillery Door Program launched in 2021.
More than 180 distillers employ over 9000 people in jobs across regional and metropolitan Victoria. The Distillery Door Program has previously provided over $7 million in direct funding to support distillery businesses in creating new jobs and opportunities.
Grants of up to $200,000 are available for tailored projects that help distillers to grow their business with new equipment, technology, or promotional projects.
Minister for Agriculture, Ros Spence, visited Bakery Hill Distillery in Kensington to announce the opening of applications, a location which has previously benefited from the Distillery Door Program – receiving a grant of $63,180 to set up a tasting room bar at their new distillery from the Boosting Visitor Economy and Infrastructure stream.
“Victoria is home to some of the finest distilleries, producing world-class spirits that showcase local craftsmanship, create jobs, and position the state as the Australian leader of premium, homegrown spirits,” said Spence.
“These grants will provide significant support to help Victorian distilleries expand, upgrade their equipment, and bring more locally made products to market.”
Applications will be open for six weeks, closing on 25 March. For further details and to apply, visit agriculture.vic.gov.au.
The Distillery Door Program also opened a $1.2 million program education pathway in March 2024, delivered by the National Distilling Institute in collaboration with the Spirits Victoria Association and the Australian Distillers Association. The initial courses will be a Certificate IV in Artisan Fermented Products and micro-credential courses for safety in distilleries.
