Table of Contents
The Entrepreneurs’ Programme is designed to assist SMEs in growth sectors to improve their productivity by supporting business improvement. The programme has three elements. It focuses on encouraging and supporting SMEs to develop their capabilities, extend their networks and exploit growth opportunities through the following:
- Business management;
- Research connections; and
- Accelerating Commercialisation.
The programme’s primary focus is providing businesses with access to the best advice and contacts so that they can solve the problems they face. Below, we unpack what is a business growth grant, who is eligible and how to apply.
Business Growth Grants
Business Growth Grants are available as part of the Entrepreneurs’ Programme. The grants assist businesses in making improvements, recommended through the delivery of Business Management Activities, and include:
- Business Evaluations – a preliminary evaluation by a business advisor. This is followed by a range of services that have been customised to suit the business’ particular needs.
- Business Growth Services – a preliminary analysis by a business advisor. This is followed by a range of services (including access to specialist advisers and facilitators and introductions to experts) that support the business over an extended period to achieve growth.
- Supply Chain Facilitation – a range of services to facilitate access to supply chain opportunities in growth sectors.
Business Growth Grants – small, co-funded grants to enable the business to engage contractors to assist it with implementing the improvements recommended through a Business Evaluation, Supply Chain Facilitation or a Business Growth Service.
Following a Business Management Activity, if you receive recommendations for improvement, you may be eligible to apply for a Business Growth Grant. This grant can help you with the cost of engaging a consultant in implementing the recommendations. Notably, a Business Growth Grant is not available for normal, everyday improvements to your business. These can include costs related to website development or general legal advice.
Who is Eligible?
To be eligible to apply for a Business Growth Grant, you must meet all of the following criteria:
- Apply for a Business Growth Grant before the relevant deadline (which is generally within six months of receipt of the Business Management Activity services).
- you must be implementing recommendations received during Business Management Activities (and they must not be ordinary everyday business operations).
- Ability to fund the costs of engaging the consultant before receiving the Grant.
How to Apply
To apply for a Business Growth Grant, you must complete the online Business Growth Grant Application Form at business.gov.au.
Grant Agreement
- If your application is successful, you must enter into a Grant Agreement with the Department of Industry and Science, acting on behalf of the Commonwealth. An example of a Grant Agreement is available for your review on business.gov.au.
- Please note that you must not start or pay for the project, in part or full, until both parties sign a Grant Agreement.
The LegalVision Startup Manual provides guidance on a number of common challenges faced by startup founders including structuring, raising capital, building a team, dealing with customers and suppliers, and protecting intellectual property.
The guide includes 10 case studies featuring Australia’s top VC fund partners and leading Australian startups.
Key Takeaways
The Entrepreneurs’ Programme has now closed. For more information or details about other available grants, visit the Business Government website.
If you require further information on other grants available to your business, our experienced startup lawyers can assist as part of our LegalVision membership. For a low monthly fee, you will have unlimited access to lawyers to answer your questions and draft and review your documents. Call us today on 1300 544 755 or visit our membership page.
We appreciate your feedback – your submission has been successfully received.
