A focus on locally available grants that are there to assist companies developing businesses and products.
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With all the doom and gloom being spread about the state of Australia’s manufacturing industry, a mix of Federal Government and State Government vouchers and support programs are available for Victorian and Australian companies. The Geelong region has been recognised as being significantly impacted by Ford ‘s plans and so a combined State/Federal/Ford Australia $24.5M funding program, the Geelong Region Innovation and Investment Fund (GRIIF) is available on merit specifically for companies looking to create jobs and diversify the region’s economy and employment base. Grants will be made from $50,000 without a maximum limit. Find out more. Melbourne’s Northern region is also being supported through the similarly structured Melbourne’s North Innovation and Investment Fund (MNIIF) worth $24.5M. See details here. Both funds have announced their first commitments to New Age Caravans in Epping and Carbon Revolution in Waurn Ponds. In other news, the Victorian Government has announced a new category under their existing Innovation Voucher Program. Called the Smart Design Voucher, this is aimed at companies wanting to try design research for the first time, or companies wanting to significantly enhance their product or service offering through more sophisticated use of design. The vouchers are limited to a total voucher value of $25,000 with an additional minimum 25% cash contribution from the business. You can find out more about it here.
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AusIndustry exists no more...or does it? The change in the Federal Government last year has now flowed through to changes in the way the Federal Government is supporting industry and business. Changes have been progressively announced leading up to end of the 2014 financial year in June, mainly dealing with the ending of existing grant schemes and hinting at new assistance that will be rolled out in the 2015 financial year. The new business website / portal replaces the old AusIndustry portal and can be found at http://www.business.gov.au/Pages/default.aspx The AusIndustry organisation however still exists to deliver services under the new programs.
There is a new Entrepreneur's Infrastructure program incorporating a 2 stage business review and implementation process where small amounts of financial support are provided. The new Growth Fund programs are still to have details released, but these are focussed on supporting the transition of the automotive industry capabilities into new businesses and industries. |
