ACT
Innovation Connect
How much? $5000 to $50,000
How does it work? Innovation Connect is forCanberra-based businesses that are in the early stages of developing innovative products and services.
Applications must fall into one of three categories: proof of technology, accelerating innovation or clean technology. Funding can be used for such initiatives as commercialisation training, IP strategies and advice, market testing and mentoring.
The grant is designed for smaller scale business, requiring applicants to have an annual turnover of less than $2 million.
Grants are awarded on a dollar-for-dollar matched-funding basis. Payments are made following the completion of agreed milestones.
Formal applications are currently open but close this Wednesday 13 August 2014 at 5pm. More information can be found here.
First Start Loan
How much? Up to $650,000
How does it work? This is a loan, not a grant, but the Queensland government is offering substantial money through this program, so it is worth taking a closer look if your business is in primary production.
First Start Loans offer loans up to $650,000 for setting up a “primary production enterprise”, or becoming a full-time primary producer, with a loan term of 20 years and low interest rates.
The loans are designed to enable successful applicants to expand current operations, to achieve viability or to assist with entering into a first primary production enterprise.
Applications are currently open and more information can be found here.
Accelerate Ideas
How much? $25,000 – $50,000
How does it work? This program is designed for Queensland-based business that can show they have a bright idea with potential commercial viability.
Grants of between $25,000 and $50,000 are available on a dollar-for-dollar matched funding basis and cover such programs as market research, export strategy development, prototyping, intellectual property protection assessment and commercialisation strategy development.
Applications close August 31 for the most recent round of funding and more information can be found here.
Business Planning Program
How much? Up to $10,000
How does it work? The funding is aimed at businesses looking for growth opportunities. It offers money for the creation of a structured plan and timeline to improve business potential.
This program is designed for SMEs that are already operating and financially viable, with a minimum turnover requirement of $300,000 per year.
Areas of improvement include performance, market expansion, product/business expansion, employment and possible export markets.
Applications are currently open and more information can be found here.
Gateway Business Program
How much? $2000 – $25,000
How does it work? The Gateway Business Program is designed for SMEs looking to export a product or service. Businesses must have a turnover of at least $150,000 a year and have operated for at least two years.
Funding can go towards projects such research, development, attending trade shows, adapting websites for specific international markets, export specific mentoring or support for incoming buyers.
Applications are currently open and more information found here.
Business Transformation Voucher Program
How much? Up to $50,000
How does it work? Given the current state of the manufacturing industry,these vouchers were designed to help South Australian manufacturers develop and implement new activities or improve existing operations, as well as gain expert advice to assist in their growth.
Businesses must be financially viable and have been operating for at least 12 months.
Funding can go towards activities such as business/manufacturing process improvements, marketing and brand strategy, business model development, management training/mentoring and export readiness.
Applications are currently open and more information found here.
Regional Events Scheme
How much? $5000 to $50,000
How does it work? Administered by Tourism WA, the program is designed to assist with the development of events as tourist attractions within regional Western Australia.
Funding can go towards such projects as conferences, meetings, annual general meetings, promotional/business exhibitions, expos, conventions, anniversaries and centenaries and trade shows.
Events must be held between 1 July 2014 and 30 June 2015, to be eligible for the 2014-15 funding round.
The next round of applications will open in October and more information can be found here.
City of Perth Small Business Grants
How much? Up to $2000
How does it work? The City of Perth each year offers funding to small businesses within the council area to assist with start-up, expansion or any other creative business-related projects.
Some of the projects the funding can be used on include utilising empty city spaces, capital investment on building fit out costs and aesthetic improvements to improve the streetscape.
Limited funding is available and applications are considered on a first come, first served basis.
Applications are currently open and more information can be found here.
Tasmanian Innovation & Investment Fund
How much? $50,000
How does it work? The Tasmanian Investment Fund is designed to prevent the state’s economy from relying on forestry, to embrace a wider range of businesses and technology, especially in regional areas. It is a competitive, merit-based grant.
Funding can go towards activities that strengthen Tasmania’s economic and employment base, or projects that generate new investment and create sustainable job opportunities in Tasmania.
Successful applicants have to provide a minimum cash commitment to at least match the total amount of grant funding.
Applications are currently open and more information can be found here.
Small Business Jobs Bonus
How much? Up to$1000
How does it work? This is one for all the small SMEs in Tassie.The Small Business Jobs Bonus offers $1000 for new positions created by Tasmanian small businesses between 1 July 2014 and 30 June 2015.
Full-time positions get a bonus of $1000 and new part-time positions that exceed 20 hours per week will attract a payment of $500.
The funding pool is capped at $2 million, so get in quick.
Applications are currently open and more information can be found here.
Image credit: Flickr/jlascar
Kirsten Robb is a former journalist at SmartCompany. Previously, she worked at News Corp as a property reporter for Leader Newspapers and the Herald Sun, and holds a Masters of Journalism at Melbourne University.
