Who is eligible to apply?

EOIs are invited from organizations operating within the fibre and textile industries (such as producers and manufacturers) or servicing the industry (such as training and education institutes, research organizations, industry associations").

How do I apply for funding?

Interested parties can submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) to IFC at any time using the Expression of Interest form. 

How do I select the most suitable program for my project?

Download the Program Selection Aid PDF

Do I have to be based in Victoria to receive funding?

Yes.   To be eligible for IFC funding, businesses must have an Australian Business Number and be based in Victorian.

What are the assessment criteria?

EOIs will be assessed by the IFC Board against program goals and against:

• A description of outcomes the applicant is seeking
• A description of what is proposed and the specific deliverable
• Alignment with funding program objectives selected by applicants and
• Expected benefits.

What’s involved in submitting an Expression Of Interest?

IFC will need you to provide answers on:

• The training project you are proposing.
• How the training aligns with the objectives of the program you have selected.
• Describe what success will look like for your organisation, if this project is implemented.
• What alternative approaches to achieving this outcome have you considered?
• What do you believe to be the strategic consequences to your organisation of not implementing this project?

What happens after EOIs are accepted?

An Independent Training Implementation Report will be commissioned to provide advice to support plan development and eventual implementation. 

Using this advice - and at no cost to applicants - a representative of the Fibre and Textile Provider Network will be assigned to support applicants and training providers to design a quality training implementation plan from their project EOI as well as providing a single point of reference and support during project implementation.

How long will it take to have my EOI approved?

If forms are submitted within the required timeframes, it is anticipated applicants will be advised of their success or failure within two weeks.

If EOIs are not submitted within the IFC’s requested timelines, the response may take up to six weeks.

How is this new funding strategy different to previous programs?

The new funding strategy is linked to objectives that support industry in key areas that have been identified as important for the future growth and profitability of the industry.

Under the new strategy, any training activity can be funded within each program, as long as it fits with the objectives of that program.

Finally, the turnaround for acceptance will be much more efficient and timely.

How was the new funding strategy created?

The IFC commissioned the Victorian Fibre and Textiles Industry Analysis, which lays the foundation for the strategic direction IFC has taken to meet the training requirements of the Victorian fibre and textiles industry.

A particular focus was creating programs that help develop the skills required to take advantage of new and emerging opportunities

The IFC took that information and developed the new funding strategy to help industry successfully implement training which will result in measurable benefits.

This unique approach will support companies, regardless of size, to access training through reducing the application and project planning burden.

Where can I direct further questions?

You can call the International Fibre Centre on 03 5227 2379 or download a copy of our brochure  Link to brochure