Round 3 Grant Funding Program Guidelines (Round Open)
LaunchVic Overview
LaunchVic was established in 2016 by the Victorian Government to support the development and growth of the
local startup ecosystem.
Since its establishment, LaunchVic has run two successful funding rounds, supporting 26 projects that will help
grow the ecosystem and ensure the right startup infrastructure is in place for Victorian startups and startup
entrepreneurs to grow their businesses.
LaunchVic has also reviewed its strategy to ensure the company is best placed to provide more support to
stakeholders and address identified market failures that inhibit the growth of the startup ecosystem. In
developing its forward strategy LaunchVic has identified key areas of focus that include: engaging the Victorian
community in the startup ecosystem to address market failures; and positioning Victoria as a world-class
internationally recognised startup ecosystem.
As a part of its revised strategy, LaunchVic will provide frequent funding opportunities, including grant rounds, for
stakeholders to access funds to support programs that will grow the local startup community. Funding
opportunities will address specific needs in the ecosystem, including increasing diversity and inclusion; and driving
capability and excellence.
Round 3 Grant Funding Program: Overview & Objective
LaunchVic’s third funding round will focus on increasing diversity and inclusion, by supporting organisations to
deliver programs that improve access and participation in the Victorian startup ecosystem for first generation
migrants and refugees.
Migrants and refugees are recognised as important contributors to successful startup ecosystems. They are
known to have high risk appetites, having chosen or been forced to start a new life in a new country – often with
no capital, no credit history, no assets, and no security. The risk-taking that defines a migrant’s experience often
continues to as they embark on entrepreneurial journeys to establish themselves. Migrant entrepreneurs have
begun and lead some of the world’s most successful and innovative companies, and have been shown to be twice
as likely to start businesses. For the purposes of this grant round, LaunchVic defines migrants as first generation
migrants i.e. they were born overseas.
LaunchVic is specifically looking to invest in organisations that will deliver quality educational, acceleration,
incubation, mentoring, or other programs that will support Victorian migrants and/or refugees to develop
startup businesses.
LaunchVic defines startups as businesses with high impact potential, that use innovation and/or address scalable
markets. LaunchVic funds programs that support startups and entrepreneurs who are seeking to launch a startup,
these are referred to as ‘startup entrepreneurs’.
LaunchVic is seeking to invest between $50,000 and $500,000 per application for programs that run up to 2 years.
Applications requesting more than $500,000 will be considered, but must be exceptional!
How to apply
Applications must be submitted through the new LaunchVic online application system. Applicants will need to
provide information on their organisation, the project and address eligibility and key assessment criteria. You will
also need to read and submit the declaration at the end of the application. You can download a preview of the
online form via the online system before starting your submission. You will be required to register basic details via
the SmartyGrants system before applying, click on the link here to get started.
Eligibility
Applications must be submitted via the LaunchVic online application system by the due date and time (5pm AEST
Wednesday 5 July 2017). Applications will not be accepted after this date and will not be accepted outside of the
LaunchVic online application system.
Applicants will need to address the eligibility criteria via the LaunchVic online application system. You must
identify the type of organisation and project focus.
Type of Organisation
1. The types of organisations that are eligible to apply for Round 3 grant funding include a:
a) registered company headquartered in Victoria; or
b) registered company with offices in Victoria; or
c) registered company located outside of Victoria proposing a project to be delivered in Victoria; or
d) unregistered company that agrees to setup a registered company in Victoria
Project Focus
2. The project must primarily benefit Victorian migrant and/or refugees
3. The project must also primarily benefit:
a) existing startups; and/or
b) entrepreneurs looking to launch a startup (startup entrepreneurs)
Note: Any unsuccessful application submitted in Round 1 and Round 2 may be resubmitted in Round 3, however
applicants must use the LaunchVic online application system and update the application as per the key
assessment criteria to be assessed.
Project Details
Applicants must outline the project details including: project title, project summary, project start and end dates
and funding amount.
LaunchVic is specifically looking to invest in organisations that will deliver quality programs including:
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Pre-Accelerator Program – New or Current (Extension)
Accelerator Program – New or Current (Extension)
Incubator Program – New or Current (Extension)
Educational Program
Mentoring Program
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Events Program
Other program ideas can be submitted however LaunchVic is not seeking applications for co-working spaces
under this round.
Key Assessment Criteria
1. Project Overview &
Impact
Outline the proposed project and how it will deliver impact and benefits to
first generation migrants and/or refugees in the Victorian startup
ecosystem.
2. Organisation & Team
Tell us about the organisation and team members, including background
information on the organisation and relevant experience in delivering and
managing similar programs. Please include LinkedIn profile links and/or
website links.
3. Measures of Success
Outline the measures of success and success metrics for the project.
Provide figures on how many startup entrepreneurs and/or startups the
program will support.
4. Engagement
We want to know how much experience you have engaging with:
1) the Victorian startup ecosystem
2) migrants and/or refugees
5. Funding
You will need to outline:
1) how much funding you are requesting and address why you need
LaunchVic’s support. LaunchVic is seeking to invest between $50,000 and
$500,000 per application. Applicants requesting more than $500,000 will be
considered, but must be exceptional!
2) value for money for the project
3) the cash and/or in-kind contributions by the lead organisation.
Applications with cash and/or in-kind support will be looked on more
favourably
4) the cash and/or in-kind contributions by partner organisations (not
mandatory). Letters committing support by partner organisations for the
project and cash and/or in-kind contributions will need to be uploaded. If
there are partner contributions, letters are mandatory.
Project Budget: You will need to outline the income and expenditure for
the project.
6. Sustainability
Details about the sustainability of the project beyond LaunchVic funding
will be required.
7. Pitch Deck
A project pitch deck will need to be uploaded with your application. This is
an opportunity to succinctly tell the story of your proposed project and
inject your personality. A PDF is required, maximum 15 pages.
For those that need some guidance, check out the Pollenizer Universal
Pitch Deck, a starter kit for great pitches
You may also include a video pitch online link with your application, up to 3
minutes, in addition to the pitch deck (not mandatory).
Assessment and selection
All applications will be assessed for eligibility and eligible applications will be evaluated against the Key
Assessment Criteria by LaunchVic, and the outcomes will be determined by the LaunchVic board and their
decision is final.
Applications must be submitted via the LaunchVic online application system by the specified deadline.
All applications are made at the applicants’ own cost and will not be reimbursed, whether the application is
successful or unsuccessful.
Shortlisted applicants will be requested to pitch their project to LaunchVic and provide financial information
regarding their organisation to enable due diligence to be undertaken upon request by LaunchVic.
Successful applicants will be required to enter into a contract with LaunchVic and provide project reporting
and/or evidence of project progress to receive payments under agreed milestones. A copy LaunchVic’s standard
contract is available via the LaunchVic online application system and required for viewing before completing the
declaration.
Timeline
The following provides guidance on the approximate timings for the Round 3 Grants Program. Please note that
there may be updates to timings recorded via the LaunchVic website during the round.
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Funding round open: Thursday 1 June 2017
Information session: 10am – 11am Wednesday 14 June 2017 (Location: Docklands).
Information session (online): Friday 23 June 2017
Funding round close: 5pm AEST Wednesday 5 July 2017
Shortlisted applicants pitch day: Tuesday 1 August 2017
Successful recipients announced: End of August 2017
To register your interest in attending an Information Session, please email LaunchVic Grants Team with the email
subject: LaunchVic Round 3 Grants - Information Session
Contact us
If you would like more information about the Round 3 Grants Program or require assistance, please contact the
LaunchVic Grants Team