From today Australian entrepreneurs will not have to repay Early Stage Commercialisation grants for businesses developing a new product, process, or service. Additionally, the annual turnover limit for applicants will rise from $20 million to $50 million and access to skilled managers now have the option to apply for an Experienced Executives grant of up to $350,000 - previously $200,000.

The Australian Government's small business website www.business.gov.au. has finally been upgraded to make it more user friendly. Business owners can now search for government funding and support more easily following changes to the Grants & Assistance Finder Tool which provides improved access to government grants and assistance. The search tool lists more than 600 grants but does not provide advice on how to successfully claim each grant.  That still a lucky dip unless you use a professional grants consultant like Pattens.  Contact grants@pattens.com

Australia's small businesses account for nearly 98 per cent of all businesses in the agriculture sector, about 96 per cent in the services sector, about 91 per cent in the mining sector and just over 88 per cent in the manufacturing sector and also accounted for nearly half of total industry employment and a third of industry value-added in  2009/10.  Clearly small businesses have a major presence in all industry sectors.

The Australian Government has agreed to contribute $100,000 under the TQUAL Grants program to the refurbishment of Peaka Homestead at the Australian Inland Botanic Gardens at Mourquong near Mildura. Peaka Homestead adds to an already impressive collection of heritage buildings.  It provides a fully operational catering kitchen and training room for use by tourists and students and allows for weddings and other functions on-site.

The Australian Sports Commission (ASC) and Australian Government Office for Women are looking to develop the next generation of female leaders in sport.  Applications open on 17 March and close on 29 April 2011 for the 2011-12 round of Sports Leadership Grants and Scholarships for Women. The ASC and Office for Women’s Sports Leadership Grants and Scholarships are offered to inspire and assist women in the sports industry to reach their full potential in leadership, through education and development opportunities.



 

Alan Pendleton, Chair of RDA Sydney welcomed the announcement of the $1 billion five-year Regional Development Australia Fund by the Minister for Regional Australia, the Hon Simon Crean MP, in his opening address at the 2011 Regional Development Australia National Forum held in Canberra during March. 

The Regional Development Australia Fund will fund projects which support infrastructure needs and enhance the economic and community growth of Australia’s Regions.

By avoiding common mistakes you can increase your chances of obtaining a grant.

Applications for the Strategic Tourism Investment Grants opened today to give tourism operators the opportunity to revolutionise their products with project funding of up to $1 million to be matched dollar for dollar with private sector investment.  The Strategic Tourism Investment Grants is part of a $40 million investment over 4 years in the tourism industry under the TQUAL Grants program. They will support three key national priorities – Indigenous tourism, economic development and tourism employment.

Scammers claiming to represent the Australian Government have been targeting Australians. The Department has advised a cold-call scam operation where the scammer announces themselves as the Australian Government Grants Department and claims ownership of the Government’s www.grantslink.gov.au website. The scammers have personal details of those they call and offer grants services or grants upon payment.

Applications open today for a fresh round of Australian Government funding for tourism projects under the TQUAL Grant program for projects that will nurture quality tourism experiences and support Australia’s marketing campaigns.