Coles opens new round of grants for sustainable innovation

Coles is hoping to drive innovation with its Coles Nurture Fund, which is providing grants of up to $500,000 for small businesses. The fund’s 10th round has now opened for applicants.

Small businesses with fewer than 50 full-time employees and a turnover of less than $25 million in annual revenue can apply for the fund. The business must also have been operating for over two years. The fund’s goal is to cultivate and develop businesses whose ideas can lead to advances in sustainability.

“At Coles, we aim to drive generational sustainability in Australia and one of the ways we believe we can do this is by funding innovative projects which make a significant difference — whether it’s increasing recycling and renewable energy, reducing water use or supporting the local production of Australian food and beverages,” said Sally Fielke, Coles General Manager Corporate Affairs.

The Coles Nurture Fund has provided $28 million in grants since it was established in 2015 and has supported over 80 businesses. Some of the past recipients are a locally grown garlic outfit, a pig farm that runs wholly on solar power and soft plastic recycler RED Group.

Those interested can apply here for funding. The closing date for this round is 25 February. Those who were not successful in previous grant rounds are welcomed to apply, assuming they otherwise meet the criteria for the application.

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