The Coles Nurture Fund is now accepting applications from Australian producers and manufacturers for financial support to help them create innovative, market-leading products, sustainable processes, and technology.
Coles has announced the launch of a new round of the Coles Nurture Fund, allowing small and medium-sized enterprises to apply for grants of up to $500,000.
Businesses with creative concepts, less than 50 full-time employees, and annual sales of less than $25 million are eligible to apply.
Coles Group General Manager of Corporate and Indigenous Affairs Sally Fielke stated that the fund assisted Australian producers in realising their visions.
“Since 2015, the Coles Nurture Fund has committed more than $30 million in financial support to more than 90 Australian producers, helping them transform their infrastructure, reduce waste, become more energy efficient and install new equipment to support greater volumes of fresh produce,” Fielke said.
This year, Fielke added that Coles want to encourage more businesses to invest in projects that promote innovation and improve the sustainability of their farms and facilities.
Previous Coles Nurture Fund initiatives have included a vacuum truck to gather manure for conversion into renewable energy, Australia’s first quinoa processing facility, and a cutting-edge factory to produce grass indoors.
According to National Farmers Federation CEO Tony Mahar, innovation and sustainability are two essential pillars that will support the farm sector’s success in the future.
Mahar said Australia’s farm sector is full of exciting potential as the sector strives to become Australia’s next $100 billion business.
“We know that innovation and sustainability are critical to the future of Australian farming, and it’s great to see this investment helping farmers to innovate and grow their businesses,” Mahar stated.
Endhill, a Victorian beef producer, got a $400,000 grant from the Coles Nurture Fund in 2018 to purchase cutting-edge machinery that can harvest lucerne in the paddock and convert it to cattle pellets. The pellets are more convenient to handle and store than hay bales, and they can be fed to cattle as a supplement to grass.
Endhill Pty Ltd General Manager Dane Martin urged other Australian growers to submit applications to the Coles Nurture Fund.
“Without the Coles Nurture Fund, we probably wouldn’t have been able to get this project off the ground. I certainly would encourage other producers to apply for the Coles Nurture if they have an innovative idea or a plan to become a more sustainable business,” Martin said.
