Business Acceleration Fund

The BAF is a $40 million grants program supporting the implementation of regulatory reforms that make Victoria an easier place to do business. It aims to save businesses and workers time and money by streamlining regulatory processes across the State’s regulators and local councils.

Under the Victorian Government’s Economic Growth Statement announced on 10 November 2024, the BAF received $14 million of additional funding to support state agencies and local councils implement digital and AI projects and initiatives that boost Victoria’s regional economy.

• The Digitisation and AI stream supports regulators and local councils aiming to digitise outdated processes, adopt AI for approvals, reduce red tape or implement a ‘tell-us-once’ model. Potential projects include creating digital concierge platforms, expanding reusable government services or digitising historic records.
• The Regional stream is available for proposals that enhance growth and productivity in regional Victoria. Examples include streamlining regulations for key regional industries like freight, food production or manufacturing, or digitising regional and shire council systems.

Apply for funding

Applications for the next round close on 31 August 2025. A subsequent round for the regional stream only will close on 31 October 2025.

To apply:

1. Complete the 2023-27 Business Acceleration Fund application form below.
2. Submit the form to DTF at reg.reform@dtf.vic.gov.au.

We will contact you with any questions about your proposal. We can also help you with your application, including idea testing and draft reviews.

About the BAF

The BAF and its predecessor, the Regulation Reform Incentive Fund (RRIF), have already supported more than 130 game-changing projects across Victoria’s state and local governments and regulators.

These projects are already seeing many benefits for Victoria’s businesses, including:

• more targeted regulations
• faster licensing
• accessible and user-friendly application processes
• streamlined and digitised applications
• simplified pre-employment credential processes.

We encourage co-contributions, especially for larger projects.

Need inspiration? Here are some successful projects the BAF has funded:

• Set up a Resources Victoria Approvals Coordination role to significantly reduce approval times for construction projects.
• Remove the need for unnecessary food safety compliance programs for 30,000 low-risk businesses, so they can focus on customers and business development.
• Streamline annual liquor licence renewals for around 25,000 bars, restaurants and venues.
• Digitise health, hospitality and trader applications, so businesses can get their approvals faster.

View the list of projects funded through the RRIF and BAF below.