Coles Nurture Fund

No. Coles encourages applications from all small to medium businesses that meet the eligibility criteria as set out in section 3 of the Application Guidelines. 

To be eligible to apply for the Coles Nurture Fund your business must have been trading for a minimum of two years at the date when you submit your application. 

Each applicant can apply for up to $500,000 in financial support.

No, however, you do have to demonstrate that you are able to fund the costs of the project that are in excess of the funding provided by the Coles Nurture Fund.

Funding will be paid in instalments based on project expenditure and milestones. If your application is successful, Coles will work with you to develop mutually agreed terms. Financial support will not be paid up-front or in one single amount.

Projects should be unique, drive innovation and provide outstanding sustainability benefits.

No. Funding cannot be provided on a retrospective basis (i.e. expenses incurred before the Funding Agreement has been executed).

Coles anticipates providing feedback to applicants within three months of the closing date for applications.

Please read the Application Guidelines, this FAQ document and the Application Form carefully. You will find the answers to most of your questions there. However, if you require further assistance please email nurturefund@coles.com.au. 

Yes. Coles will open Round 11 in January 2023. 

Yes. Coles received an overwhelming number of excellent applications for previous rounds. If you are applying again, we suggest that you review your application carefully to make sure it is complete (including all relevant attachments) and that it meets the eligibility criteria.

There is no requirement for successful applicants to become a Coles supplier. However, Coles is passionate about working with small innovative Australian businesses, so we’d be pleased to discuss opportunities with successful applicants. 

Application forms are available on the Coles Nurture Fund website, www.coles.com.au/nurturefund. 

Yes. As per the application guidelines, eligible businesses must be registered for GST. 

Applicants who are partnerships do not need to provide audited financial statements but must provide financial statements which have been independently prepared by their accountant.

Application forms with all attachments should be emailed to nurturefund@coles.com.au by 5pm AEST on Friday, 25 February 2022. A hard copy of the application form is not required.

All financial support provided for Round 10 will be in the form of grants.