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. This includes the ability to provide two full years of financial information. 

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 of 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 13 in January 2025.

Yes. Coles received an overwhelming number of excellent applications in 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. 

To apply visit the Nurture Fund website when the new round opens at 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.

All financial support provided for Round 12 will be in the form of grants.