Social Enterprise Incubator Grants

The Resilient Community, Social Enterprise Incubator Grants provide funding of up to $5,000 for incorporated and not-for-profit community organisations that are considering the future launch of a social enterprise activity aimed at building community resilience.

A community-based social enterprise is a purpose-driven business that uses trade to solve social, environmental, or cultural challenges within a local community. They earn income by selling goods or services but reinvest most of the profit back into their community mission

Grants are available to organisations wishing to undertake business case development and/or impact modelling. Funding cannot be used to subsidise an existing enterprise. Applications from community organisations and not-for-profit organisations that serve communities with a permanent population of 5,000 or less will be considered favourably.

Applications close 30 May 2026.

Grant Guidelines

Resilient Community, Social Enterprise Incubator Grants are only available to not for profit / incorporated community organisations that operate within the South Gippsland Local Government Area.
Funding is aimed at future social enterprise proposals; however, an existing enterprise may apply for business case development if one has not been previously undertaken.
Funding can only be used for the purpose of business case or impact modelling development; funding cannot be used to subsidise an existing enterprise or activity.
In line with Council’s Grant Giving Policy the following groups or activities are not eligible to make application to any of its community grant giving programs.
- Individual persons
- Political parties or associated lobby groups
- Fundraising activities
- Activities that exclude community members based on faith, gender, sexuality, ability or political belief.

Assessment

Assessment of applications will be undertaken by an assessment panel comprising two South Gippsland Shire Council Officers with experience in Community or Business Grant Giving, and an external assessor with experience in social enterprise or grant giving.
Recommendations will be provided to the Executive Director of Empowering Communities for approval.
Decisions regarding allocation or non-allocation of funding made by the delegated officer are considered final.

Funding Agreement and Acquittal requirements

Successful applicants will be required to complete a funding agreement with banking and contact information.
All successful recipients must complete an acquittal form which may include provision of completed business case/impact modelling documentation.
All grants must be finalised within 12 months of signing a funding agreement. An extension may be agreed to if the request is made in writing at least 3 months prior to the 12-month completion date.

If you have any queries, please do not hesitate to contact Council’s Grants Team on 5662 9200 or via email to grants@southgippsland.vic.gov.au