Now open for applications, the Creative Enterprises Program is a competitive funding program that invests in Victorian creative organisations, strengthening the state’s creative economy and giving Victorians access to diverse creative opportunities and experiences.

Through the Creative Enterprises Program the Victorian Government invests in the leadership, operations, organisational infrastructure and capacity of non-government, not-for-profit creative organisations.

The program is open to organisations who work across all creative forms and in all parts of the state and aims to fuel creative activity for the benefit of all Victorians. It invests in organisations that can work with Government to:

  • support the resilience and growth of Victoria's creative industries;
  • broaden the diversity of creators, artists and audiences; and
  • enhance community engagement, access and participation in the creative industries across the state

The application process will prioritise organisations that are working towards operational sustainability and have the capability to leverage a four-year investment and work with Government to deliver on key priorities listed above.

This program has three streams:

  1. First Peoples Organisations
    Recognising and embracing Aboriginal self-determination principles, creativity and culture
  2. Industry service organisations
    Recognising the benefit of the services that they provide to our creative ecology, communities and audiences
  3. Creative organisations
    Recognising a record of achievement in the development and delivery of creative programs

Please read the Program Guidelines carefully before you apply. Frequently asked questions (FAQs) are also available. Online information sessions will be held, see dates and times below.

How can I apply?

Applications for this program are open and close at 3pm on 3 September 2025.

Creative Enterprises Program applications are submitted via the Department of Jobs, Skills, Industry and Regions (DJSIR) Grants Portal.

  • To apply to the First Peoples Organisation stream please click HERE
  • To apply to the Creative Organisation stream please click HERE
  • To apply to the Industry Service Organisation stream please click HERE

If you wish to work on DRAFTS, or see your SAVED APPLICATIONS, please click here to return to the Grants Portal.

You can access guidelines, drafting tools and the budget template in the Guidelines and tools section below.

For information regarding the portal, including how to register and FAQs, please visit using the grants portal

Information Sessions

Creative Enterprises Program - General Overview information session, recorded 30 July 2025

Please also find the First Peoples Cultural Competency resources mentioned in that session here!

Who can I talk to?

Please read the guidelines and FAQs prior to contacting program staff. Please call +61 3 9623 1394, between the hours of 9.30am-4.30pm Monday to Friday, to be directed to the Creative Enterprises Team.

Translating and Interpreting Services

If you require translating and interpreting services, please call 13 14 50 and select your preferred language.

You will then need to tell the interpreter that it is related to Creative Victoria, Department of Jobs, Skills, Industry and Regions.

The interpreter will connect you with a Creative Victoria staff member and the interpreter will be online to assist with your questions.

Please note this will be a free service.

Guidelines and tools

After you apply

Once you submit your application on the Department of Jobs, Skills, Industry and Regions Portal you’ll receive an email acknowledgement.

Our Program team will then check that your application meets all the eligibility criteria.  All eligible applications will be assessed by external Advisory Panels against the program criteria. Recommendations are then made to the Minister for Creative Industries.

Applicants will be notified of the outcome of their application in December 2025.

See Information for applicants

Please note

Due to the expected demand for this program, and the available budget, this round will be highly competitive. Organisations should plan accordingly.

Please don’t make commitments based on the assumption that you’ll receive funding until you have received written confirmation of your application outcome.