Category: News

Export Market Development Grant

Round 3 Opening Soon

Newsletter | February 20, 2023

 

Austrade have just announced that the dates for the EMDG 3rd Round of applications

• Opening: 9am on Tuesday 15th March 2023
• Closing: 4pm on Tuesday 14th April 2023

 

The EMDG program is an essential financial aid initiative of the Australian government that supports local exporters. Annually, it provides assistance to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Australia to commence or expand their export operations.

The aim of the program is to foster the growth and diversification of foreign markets for Australian products, thereby benefiting Australia. This is achieved by extending targeted financial aid for marketing/promotional activities and enhancing marketing skills to Australian SMEs. The ultimate goal is to boost the promotion of eligible Australian products in foreign markets by recipients of the EMDG program.

 

The new EMDG program provides 3 Tiers of grants:

• Tier 1 – first time exporter
• Tier 2 – existing exporter / existing product(s)
• Tier 3 – existing exporter undertaking a major strategic shift – new products / new markets

 
 

How much can you receive?

The likely grant amounts for the EMDG Round 3 will be determined once applications are closed and assessed. As the annual program funding is capped at approximately $157m, the grant amount will be divided equally by the number of eligible applicants within each tier. The grant amounts in the second round FY 2022-23 may give some guidance, assuming the application demand and funding remains stable:

• Tier 1 – up to $10,000 per financial year
• Tier 2 – up to $18,000 per financial year
• Tier 3 – up to $28,000 per financial year

Grant Agreements will be for one year, with a possibility of extension subject to the availability of funds. This is to ensure we can better manage the available funding in future.

 
 

Export Market Grant Agreement Terms

Grant Agreements will be for one year, with a possibility of extension subject to the availability of funds. This is to ensure Austrade can better manage the available funding in future.

Applications will be considered for planned expenditure in respect of eligible promotional activities undertaken from 1 July 2023. Grant agreements in this round may be issued for one year or for two years, with a possibility of extension subject to the availability of funds, and the maximum allowable grant term for the relevant tier under the EMDG Rules.

Please note: Eligible exporters are only eligible to claim EMDG grants for a maximum of 8 years so any claim history under the prior program from 1992 will be included in assessing eligibility – this includes picking up any claim history from a prior entity operated by the same owners undertaking the same type of business activities.

 
 

How can Ryan help?

Here at Ryan, we are 100% successful in lodging EMDG applications and getting first time and existing exporters the financial aid Austrade offer. Today is a great time to get in touch to begin preparations for lodging your export application. There is a limited window to lodge so the sooner we get started the better we can help your business.

We help our clients create

• A Strategic Marketing Plan
• A Marketing Activity Budget
• Scope and identify marketing activities for eligibility

In addition to building the collateral required, we will

• Lodge the EMDG application on your behalf and
• Align your record keeping ready for the compulsory milestone reporting required to receive the funds.

 
 

Contact us for assistance

 
 

Further information can be found on the Frequently Asked Questions and you can download the Guidelines at EMDG Grants Guidelines and legislation.

 

For tips on filing an EMDG Round 3 application
Give us a call or schedule an assessment

 
 

Services
Ryan can assist with services such as:

• Scope your potential to claim various grant programs
• Assist with the preparation and lodgement of grant applications
• Review or provide a health check on your internally prepared grant applications
• Establish record-keeping practices as required under various grant programs
• Provide prepayment loans against future cash refunds under the R&D Tax Incentive
• Keeping industry informed on all new Government policy and grant initiatives

Don’t hesitate to give us a call or schedule a free assessment.

Future Drought Fund

Drought Resilience Farming Practices

Newsletter | December 13, 2022

 

With a single funding round and a large amount of funding on offer, we here at Ryan recommend agricultural businesses explore the Future Drought Fund. Today, we bring you more information on this program, it’s requirements, and what it offers.

Supporting your Research. Boosting your Development. Investing in your success

 
 

THE FUTURE DROUGHT PROGRAM

The $5 billion Future Drought Fund provides secure, continuous funding for drought resilience initiatives. It will help Australian farms and communities prepare for the impacts of drought. The Future Drought Fund launched its first programs on the 1st of July 2020 to build resilience to future droughts, and are slated to continue through to 2024.

The program has several main points of focus:

• Harnessing Innovation
• Better Risk Management
• Better Climate Information
• More resilient communities
• Better land management

Successful projects must be carried out between June 2023 and June 2025.

TCF recommends applicants consider applying for the Drought Resilience Farming Program which is a segment of the Future Drought Fund.

 
 

WHAT IS THE DROUGHT RESILIENCE FARMING PROGRAM?

The objective of the program is to fund activities that support adoption of proven and existing Australian and/or internationally generated research and development (R&D) practices and technology that:

• Reduce the impacts of drought on agricultural productivity and/or enable a quicker recovery of farmers and their lands from drought
• Have potential to be adopted at a large scale (either across multiple farms, a farming system, landscapes, regions or industries)
• Can demonstrate public benefits.

 
 

FUNDING & TIMELINE

• Grant amount: $100,000 to $3,000,000 per application for projects up to 24 months
• Application opened: 11 November 2022
• Application closes: 9 January 2023
• Earliest start date of grant activity: June 2023
• Latest end date of grant activity: June 2025

Applicants will be required to contribute funding (co-contribution/s) to the delivery of the project.

 
 

WHO CAN APPLY?

Grants are open to public and private sector organisations that have applied expertise in clean technology innovation. Each organisation can submit a maximum of 3 Expressions of interest per grant round.

Eligible applicants must be either a(n):

• Indigenous Corporation
• Company
• Corporate Commonwealth Entity
• Non-Corporate Commonwealth Statutory Authority
• Corporate State or Territory Entity
• Non-corporate State or Territory Statutory Authority
• Local Government Entity
• Cooperative
• Incorporated Association
• Statutory Entity
• Partnership

See below linked guidelines for additional information

 
 

WHAT TYPES OF PROJECTS ARE ELIGIBLE?

The Future Drought fund is interested in projects that drive adoption of proven and existing drought resilience practices and technologies at large scales, including those that:

• improve the growth of crops, including crop management and crop rotation, during and following times of drought
• improve pasture and soil health including the management of livestock, crops or using alternative crops that regenerate soil between seeding/while in drought
• map farmland, in particular mapping land health
• support supply chain continuity
• draw from, and share benefits with, Indigenous or culturally diverse people and communities.

 
 

ELIGIBLE EXPENDITURES

Grant funding can be used toward:

• purchase (or hire or lease) of equipment and materials to support eligible project activities, for example: building materials, ICT cabling, infrastructure (for example fences), fixed furniture, landscaping
• salaries and on-costs for personnel directly employed in delivering the project activities (this should be calculated on a pro-rata basis relative to their time commitment). This excludes project management or project co-ordination costs which are covered under administrative support below
• staff training that directly supports the achievement of project outcomes (maximum 5% GST exclusive of the grant)
• rental of land for demonstrations
• contract expenditure, the cost of any agreed project activities that you contract to others directly relating to the program objectives
• workshops and conferences, including venue hire, catering and networking costs
• community events, including field days, exhibitions and cultural heritage events
• domestic travel, limited to transport, accommodation, meals and incidental costs as per the Australian Public Service Travel Allowance Rate required to conduct the agreed activities
• international travel as agreed in the project proposal, limited to transport, accommodation, meals and incidental costs as per the Australian Public Service Travel Allowance Rate, required to conduct the agreed activities (only applicable where international practices and technologies are promoted)
• the total cost of both domestic and international travel must be limited to a maximum 10% GST exclusive of the grant
• administrative support and overheads additional to the normal day to day running costs of the organisation, including project management or project co-ordination (maximum 10% GST exclusive of the grant)
• costs you incur in order to obtain planning, environmental or other regulatory approvals during the project period. However, associated fees paid to the Commonwealth, state, territory and local governments are not eligible
• direct costs related to the involvement of an international organisation in your consortium. Any costs that related to an international organisation are required to be identified in the budget
• small-scale infrastructure that is clearly justified by public benefits and is required specifically for project activities. Generally speaking, the presumption is against funding for infrastructure, unless it is a necessary input to support on-ground land management practices that are being demonstrated. For example, the construction of essential fencing where the project is taking place or a small shed to store equipment related to the project
• financial auditing of project expenditure
• reporting on project outcomes including the development of a Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning (MEL) plan for the project (maximum 5% GST exclusive of the grant), see section 12.7.

 
 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION

Applications will be assessed based on 4 eligibility criterions:

1. Relevance of the project to the drought resilience of Australian agriculture
2. Methodology and Scalability
3. Demonstrate value for money
4. Capability to deliver the project

 
 

Contact us for assistance

More Information

Guidelines – Drought Resilience Farming Practices (PDF 1.1MB)

 

For tips on the Future Drought Fund
Give us a call or schedule an assessment

 
 

Services
Ryan can assist with services such as:

• Scope your potential to claim various grant programs
• Assist with the preparation and lodgement of grant applications
• Review or provide a health check on your internally prepared grant applications
• Establish record-keeping practices as required under various grant programs
• Provide prepayment loans against future cash refunds under the R&D Tax Incentive
• Keeping industry informed on all new Government policy and grant initiatives

Don’t hesitate to give us a call or schedule a free assessment.

NSW Clean Technology Research and Development Grants Program

Round 2

Newsletter | November 9, 2022

 

Expressions of interest have opened for the Clean Technology Research and Development Grants program. This program will offer grants for early-stage research and development of innovative technologies, services or processes, with the intent to decarbonise NSW industries.

The program will support projects that:

• are in the range of Technology Readiness Level 2 to 6 (see Appendix 1 in program guidelines)
• seek to develop innovative solutions to decarbonising high-emitting or hard-to-abate industries within the program priority areas
• have the potential to make a substantial contribution to the NSW Government goal of reducing emissions by 50% by 2030 and achieving net zero by 2050
• are likely to have net positive environmental impacts (e.g., when considering other factors like embodied carbon and supply chain impacts)
  promote and actively engage in cross-sectoral and cross-disciplinary partnerships and knowledge sharing.

 

Round 2 Priorities

Round 2 will prioritise:

• Electrification and Energy Systems – accelerating renewable energy solutions and supporting the uptake of electrification in other sectors
• Land and Primary Industries – coordinating and aligning efforts in the next wave of sustainable primary industry practices as the sector contributes significant proportions of NSW emissions
• Power Fuels including Hydrogen – growing an environmentally sustainable NSW powerfuels industry and unlocking decarbonisation opportunities for many hard-to-abate sectors beyond 2030.

If your project falls outside of the 3 priorities, please contact the Environmental Trust on (02) 8837 6093 or info@environmentaltrust.nsw.gov.au before submitting an Expression of Interest.

 

FUNDING & TIMELINE

• Grant amount: $400,000 to $3,000,000
• Application opened: 31 October 2022
• Application closes: 9 December 2022 5pm AEST
• Full Application Submissions due: April/May 2023
• Successful Projects Announced: July 2023

 

WHO CAN APPLY?

Grants are open to public and private sector organisations that have applied expertise in clean technology innovation. Each organisation can submit a maximum of 3 Expressions of interest per grant round.

Eligible applicants must:

• hold a current Australian Business Number (ABN)
• be an organisation that fits into one of the categories outlined in Appendix 2: Eligible organisations
• hold, at the time of executing a funding agreement, public liability insurance (minimum $10 million) and workers compensation insurance
• warrant that you are the legal and beneficial owner of (or have all necessary rights to use) any intellectual property necessary to carry out the project
• disclose any relevant legal proceedings or investigations, including litigation, arbitration, mediation or conciliation that are taking place, pending or (to the best of the applicant’s knowledge, after having made proper enquiry) threatened against the applicant or a related body corporate (as defined in the Corporations Act 2001)
• not be subject to any insolvency event, including being the subject of an order or resolution for winding up or dissolution (other than for the purpose of reconstruction or amalgamation) or the appointment of a receiver, liquidator, administer or similar
• not be listed on the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade sanctions list.

 

WHAT TYPES OF PROJECTS ARE ELIGIBLE?

Hydrogen projects that are within Technology Readiness Levels 2-6 and have significant carbon abatement potential for a high emitting or hard-to-abate sector are eligible for funding under this program. For more detail on the three priority areas covered by this grant, please refer to the grant guidelines linked below and the NSW Decarbonisation Innovation Study.

Eligible projects must:

• seek to innovate a new technology, services or process (or extend a technology, service or process) that supports or enables decarbonisation of a high emitting or hard-to-abate industry (or industries)
• be for early-stage research and development in the range of TRL 2-6 (see Appendix 1: Technology readiness levels)
• align with the program’s priority areas (see Part 1: About the program – Priority areas)
• be applying for funding in the range of $400,000 and $3 million
• have clear economic benefits in New South Wales
• use funding for eligible activities as outlined in Tables 1 and 2 over page
• meet the matched funding requirements specified at Key information for 2022–23.

See below linked Guidelines for examples of eligible projects.

 

Is your organisation eligible?

Is your proposal aligned with the objectives of this program?

Are your proposed R&D activities eligible for funding?

 

NET ZERO INDUSTRY AND INNOVATION PROGRAM

The Clean Technology Research and Development Grants Program is part of The Net Zero Industry and Innovation Program; the NSW Government’s plan to support and partner with industry to reduce emissions and help NSW businesses prosper in a low carbon world. By accelerating the development of clean technology and decarbonisation, we will grow the economy, support jobs and significantly reduce emissions.

The program is part of the NSW Government’s NSW Government’s Net Zero Plan Stage 1: 2020–2030 to reduce emissions by 50% by 2030 and achieve net zero by 2050.

The program has 3 areas of focus:

• Clean Technology Innovation
• New Low Carbon Industry Foundations
• High Emitting Industries.

The Clean Technology Innovation focus area aims to create an environment in New South Wales where innovation is supported so new technologies are domestically developed, tested and utilised in the market.

 

COLLABORATION AND KNOWLEDGE SHARING

Though Intellectual property developed by funded projects will be retained by the grant recipient, or relevant third parties, where relevant, successful projects will be required to share outcomes or learnings from their project with relevant stakeholders in a minimum of 2 forums. A grant payment equal to 20% of the total grant amount will be linked to fulfillment of this requirement.

What are the expectations regarding the knowledge sharing requirement of the program?

Applicants are required to demonstrate that they have suitable networks or forums for sharing and extending the outcomes and learnings of their research to the benefit of the clean technology innovation community. Examples may include sharing outcomes at conferences, via peak industry groups, and through the Clean Technology Innovation and Net Zero Industry and Innovation networks.

Will the department be actively fostering the ecosystem and connections between projects and connections to industry?

Yes. Collaboration and connection from research and development through to commercialisation is critical and underpins the objectives of the Net Zero Industry and Innovation Program. The technologies developed under these grants should ultimately support decarbonisation in high emitting and hard-to-abate industries in New South Wales.

The Decarbonisation Innovation Hub will support researchers, industry and government stakeholders in critical sectors to collaborate, and increase the uptake of new technologies in decarbonising New South Wales. The Decarbonisation Innovation Hub will establish partnerships and enhance engagement across the priority areas.

Are collaborative projects between entities from different sectors encouraged?

Yes. Promoting collaboration is a key objective of the program, so we welcome applications with cross-sectoral partnerships. Applicants should showcase the strength of their project’s collaboration as part of their application.

 

More Information

• Guidelines – Clean Technology Research & Development Grants Guidelines (PDF 1.1MB)

 

For tips on lodging a Clean Technology Research and Development Grant,
Give us a call or schedule an assessment

 
 

Services
Ryan can assist with services such as:

• Scope your potential to claim various grant programs
• Assist with the preparation and lodgement of grant applications
• Review or provide a health check on your internally prepared grant applications
• Establish record-keeping practices as required under various grant programs
• Provide prepayment loans against future cash refunds under the R&D Tax Incentive
• Keeping industry informed on all new Government policy and grant initiatives

Don’t hesitate to give us a call or schedule a free assessment.

Made in Queensland

Round 5

Newsletter | November 9, 2022

 

Made in Queensland (MIQ) is a $101.5 million Queensland Government program helping small and medium sized manufacturers to increase international competitiveness, productivity and innovation via the adoption of new technologies, and to generate high-skilled jobs for the future.

The MIQ program is part of the Queensland Advanced Manufacturing 10-Year Roadmap and Action Plan to support our manufacturers.

The $20 million Round 5 of Made in Queensland is for Queensland-based manufacturers looking to adopt the processes, practises and equipment of Industry 4.0 implementing projects that include energy efficiency, export, reshoring, supply chain improvements, sustainability and/or decarbonisation

 

STAGE 1

Stage 1 involves an applicant submitting an application. If the applicant demonstrates they meet the project Eligibility Criteria, they will be evaluated and scored against the assessment criteria set out in Section 2.9. Applicants with the highest ranked Stage 1 Applications will then be invited to submit their Stage 2 application.

 

STAGE 2

Stage 2 applicants will be assessed and scored against the Value for Money assessment criteria set out in Section 2.9. Applications will then be ranked and grants will be awarded to those highest ranked shortlisted applicants.

 
 

FUNDING & TIMELINE

PURPOSE: An MIQ grant will support an eligible Queensland-based manufacturing SME by reimbursing up to 50 per cent of the Eligible Project costs proposed.

FUNDING: between $50,000 to $2.5 million (excluding GST)

• available as matched funding for eligible project costs on a dollar-for-dollar cash basis;
• awarded following a two-stage competitive selection process.

OPEN DATE: 31 October 2022

CLOSING DATE: 12 December 2022. 9am

The key timeframes for the assessment process will vary based on the number and complexity of applications received by the Department. As such, indicative dates will be provided as assessments progress. The Department anticipates that assessment of Stage 1 applications will take up to 16 weeks (four months) from the closing date, depending on the volume received.

 
 

WHO CAN APPLY

To be eligible for an MIQ grant, an applicant must:

• be a Queensland-based business whose principal activity and majority annual turnover is derived from manufacturing, as defined under Division C of the Australian Bureau of Statistics’ Australian and New Zealand Standard Industrial Classification (ANZSIC), 2006;
• be registered for GST and hold an active Australian Business Number (ABN);
• be an SME with between five and 200 full-time equivalent (FTE) employees. A minimum of 5 FTE employees must be located in Queensland;
• have a proposed Eligible Project that meets the requirements set out in Section 2.4;
• be able to demonstrate the expected outcomes of the proposed Eligible Project;
• have the financial capacity and standing necessary to conduct the proposed Eligible Project recognising that the grant payments are made in arrears;
• accept that the Department may require security over any or all of the funded items;
• not have, and must not be, an Associated Entity that has received (or be about to receive) funding under the MIQ Program that in aggregate exceeds, or will exceed $2.5 million;
• not have made, and must not be an Associated Entity that has made, an application under Round 5 of the MIQ Program that in aggregate exceeds, or will exceed $2.5 million;
• not be insolvent or have owners or directors that are an undischarged bankrupt.

 
 

FUNDING OBJECTIVES

The Made in Queensland grant are to support the Advanced Queensland Priorities and the Department of Regional Development, Manufacturing and Water’s (the Department) Strategic Direction by:

• increasing the productivity and international competitiveness of Queensland-based manufacturing SMEs;
• encouraging Queensland-based manufacturing SMEs to adopt innovative processes and technologies;
• encouraging more Queensland-based manufacturing SMEs to become Advanced Manufacturers; and
• supporting traditional manufacturing jobs and creating the new high-skilled manufacturing jobs of the future. The Program will also support SME manufacturers to achieve energy efficiency, export, reshoring, and decarbonisation outcomes.

 
 

ELIGIBLE PROJECTS

The eligible project must:

• be consistent with the Program Objectives;
• involve the introduction of equipment, a process or technology not currently used by the applicant that is industry-leading (best practice) such as:
  • implementing advanced robotics/ advanced industry 4.0 equipment
  • implementing a sector relevant system or process – the development of a plan or strategy.
• the design aims to achieve the desired business transformation, embracing Industry 4.0 (digitisation, interconnected factory, big data analytics etc.);
• have a project site address in Queensland;
• not have commenced, and not be scheduled to commence, until after a Funding Agreement has been executed;
• not be the same as a project approved under any previous round of MIQ where an agreement has already been entered into between the Department and the applicant; and
• not be subject to funding under any other Local, State or Federal Government grant or scheme.

Project examples may include:

• Process Improvements
• Advanced Robotics
• New Technologies
• Advanced Systems
• Professional Advice
• Improvement Planning
• Decarbonisation
• Market Expansion Planning
• Associated project costs critical to the success of the proposed MIQ

NOTE: Further details can be found on page 3 of the guidelines

 
 

More Information

• Overview Page
• Guidelines

 

For tips on lodging your Made in Queensland Application
Give us a call or schedule an assessment

 
 

Services
Ryan can assist with services such as:

• Scope your potential to claim various grant programs
• Assist with the preparation and lodgement of grant applications
• Review or provide a health check on your internally prepared grant applications
• Establish record-keeping practices as required under various grant programs
• Provide prepayment loans against future cash refunds under the R&D Tax Incentive
• Keeping industry informed on all new Government policy and grant initiatives

Don’t hesitate to give us a call or schedule a free assessment.

NSW Regional Investment Activation Fund

Round 1 | Stream One & Two

Newsletter | October 5, 2022

 

The $110 million Regional Investment Activation Fund (RIAF) will co-invest with eligible entities on catalytic projects that will deliver significant economic, social and/or environmental benefits for a priority industry or location.

 

Stream 1

This grant will deliver sustainable employment opportunities, activate new industries, promote cluster development, and drive increased productivity, innovation and competitiveness of businesses in regional NSW.

The objectives of the grant are to:

• Support the growth of existing industries and the establishment of new/emerging industries where regional NSW has a strong actual or potential competitive advantage
• Activate the economic potential of Special Activation Precincts, Regional Job Precincts, Renewable Energy Zones, hydrogen hubs and other priority locations through increased private sector investment
• Create new high quality employment opportunities
• Support the shift towards higher-value-added activities and participation in global value chains and supply chains
• Promote collaboration between businesses, education and research institutions and other parties through sharing of knowledge, resources and infrastructure.

Stream One is an open, competitive grants program with a two-stage application and assessment process (Expression of Interest followed by Detailed Application). Eligible applications will be assessed on their comparative merits against the nominated eligibility and assessment criteria.

 

Stream 2

The $110 million Regional Investment Activation Fund will co-invest with eligible entities on projects that will deliver, significant economic, social and/or environmental benefits for a priority industry or location.

The objectives of the grant are to:

• Support the growth of existing industries and the establishment of new/emerging industries where regional NSW has a strong actual or potential competitive advantage
• Activate the economic potential of Special Activation Precincts, Regional Job Precincts, Renewable Energy Zones, hydrogen hubs and other priority locations through increased private sector investment
• Create new high quality employment opportunities
• Support the shift towards higher-value-added activities and participation in global value chains and supply chains
• Promote collaboration between businesses, education and research institutions and other parties through sharing of knowledge, resources and infrastructure.

Stream Two is an open, non-competitive grants program where applicants can contact the Department to apply for funding. This stream aims to provide increased flexibility to secure investments that are time sensitive and strategically significant for a priority industry or location.

 

KEY INDUSTRIES

Key industries can be categorised as engine industries, emerging engine industries, and enabling industries.

See REDS document for summary of key industries and regions eligible

 

FUNDING & TIMELINE

Stream 1

• Grant amount: From $2 million to $20 million
• Application opened: 5th October 2022
• Application closes: 14th November 2022
• Stream One is an open, competitive grants program with a two-stage application and assessment process (Expression of Interest followed by Detailed Application). Eligible applications will be assessed on their comparative merits against the nominated eligibility and assessment criteria.

Stream 2

• Grant amount: From $1 million and $10 million
• Application opened: 5th October 2022
• Application closes: Ongoing – Until funds are exhausted or 31st December 2022
• Stream Two is an open, non-competitive grants program where applicants can contact the Department to apply for funding. Applications will be assessed individually, without reference to the comparative merits of other applications. Stream Two aims to provide increased flexibility to secure investments that are time-sensitive and strategically significant for a priority industry or location.

 

WHO CAN APPLY?

To be eligible to apply for funding through Stream One of the Regional Investment Activation Fund, applicants must:

• Have an Australian Business Number (ABN)
• Be one of the following:
  • A company incorporated in Australia
  • A company limited by guarantee
  • An incorporated trustee on behalf of a trust
  • An incorporated association or co-operative
  • An Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Corporation registered under the Corporations (Aboriginal and /or Torres Strait Islander) Act 2006.
• Be registered for GST
• Be financially viable and able to demonstrate that they are likely to remain so over the duration of the project
• Have at least $20 million public liability insurance or be able to secure before entering into a Funding Deed if successful.

Applicants must provide a cash co-contribution of at least 50 per cent of the total project cost.

 

ELIGIBLE PROJECTS: STREAM 1 & 2

To be eligible for funding through Stream One of the Regional Investment Activation Fund, projects must:

• Be located in one of the 93 regional NSW local government areas, the Unincorporated Far West or Lord Howe Island. Projects located in Greater Sydney (including the Blue Mountains, Hawkesbury and Wollondilly), Newcastle or Wollongong Local Government Areas are not eligible
• Demonstrate the project would not occur in regional NSW at all, or in the same timeframe, without government investment support
• Be delivered by 30 May 2025. It is recommended applicants have a COVID plan in place to mitigate any potential delays due to COVID-19
• Deliver significant economic, social and/or environmental benefits for an industry or region
• Deliver economic benefits to multiple organisations or businesses
• Be registered for GST
• Provide proof of $20M of public liability insurance at time of contracting
• Secure approvals to meet project timeframes
• Confirm secured cash co-contribution.

 

WHAT FUNDING CAN BE USED FOR

Stream One of the Regional Investment Activation Fund grant funding may be used for capital and other expenses directly related to the delivery of eligible projects. This may include:

• Purchase of land (if necessary for the project and suitable alternatives to rent do not exist)
• Purchasing, constructing, installing and/or commissioning new plant, equipment and/or machinery
• Purchasing, constructing, establishing and/or fitting out new facilities, buildings or hubs
• Purchasing technology and/or intellectual property (IP) required to undertake the project
• Upgrading existing facilities, buildings, plant, equipment, machinery and/or technology where necessary, to deliver the project and achieve its outcomes
• Cost of contractors to construct new buildings and facilities
• Costs relating to activities that directly contribute to, or enable knowledge sharing (i.e. reports, database development) – STREAM 1 ONLY
• External project management and administration costs up to 10% of project cost
• Contingency costs up to 25% of project cost
• Eligible costs incurred once both parties have signed a Funding Deed.

 

Click HERE for more information, including:

• Further Stream 1 and Stream 2 details
• Resources
• Online Industry briefing details
• Support

 

For tips on lodging the NSW Regional Investment Activation Fund
Give us a call or schedule an assessment

 
 

Services
Ryan can assist with services such as:

• Scope your potential to claim various grant programs
• Assist with the preparation and lodgement of grant applications
• Review or provide a health check on your internally prepared grant applications
• Establish record-keeping practices as required under various grant programs
• Provide prepayment loans against future cash refunds under the R&D Tax Incentive
• Keeping industry informed on all new Government policy and grant initiatives

Don’t hesitate to give us a call or schedule a free assessment.

NSW Critical Minerals & High-Tech Metals

Round 1 | Stream 2 – Enabling Project Infrastructure

Newsletter | October 5, 2022

 

The NSW Government is unlocking this potential through the $130 million Critical Minerals and High-Tech Metals Activation Fund. The fund supports investment across the entire value chain, from exploration and processing to activating new supply chains and commercialising new technologies and applications.

Stream 2 – Enabling Project Infrastructure is a competitive process which aims to co-fund strategic infrastructure in the critical minerals and high-tech metals sector that is needed to:

• expedite the development of investment-ready projects nearing construction and operation
• address infrastructure blockages with potential multi-user benefits
• support the delivery of key infrastructure needed to accelerate the industry in regional NSW

Funding will be delivered to:

• unlocking project blockages to expedite project delivery through strategic infrastructure investment
• accelerating the development of projects as an enabler for future investment
• supporting new capacity in critical minerals processing
• supporting scale-up and commercialisation of research and development, including emerging technologies and markets, and supporting new industry applications
• enabling growth in the sector, securing a local supply of valuable critical minerals and high-tech metals for future use including the transition to a clean economy
• positioning regional NSW as the leading jurisdiction in the critical minerals and high-tech metals sector, attracting investment to the entire critical minerals supply chain
• promoting exploration and discoveries, creating an ongoing pipeline of critical minerals and high-tech metal resources in regional NSW
• developing local skills and addressing skills gaps to support diversification within the mining sector.

 
 

FUNDING AVAILABLE & TIMELINE

• Grant amount: From $2 million and $10 million (excluding GST) for eligible activities
• Application opened: 26 September 2022
• Application closes: 31 October 2022, 5pm
• Application notifications: 12th December 2022
• The streams will be delivered independently of each other and are not sequential – applicants to Stream 2 are not required to have submitted an application for Stream 1.

 
 

WHO CAN APPLY?

Applicants must hold an Australian Business Number (ABN) and must operate, or be developing a mineral project, or conducting research within the critical minerals and high-tech metals industry, or as part of the critical minerals/high-tech metals supply chain, and be one of the following:

• a company incorporated in Australia
• a company limited by guarantee
• an incorporated trustee on behalf of a corporate trust
• an incorporated association or co-operative
• a corporate Commonwealth entity, or State and Territory business enterprise which undertake publicly funded research
• a Publicly Funded Research Organisation
• an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Corporation registered under the Corporations (Aboriginal and /or Torres Strait Islander) Act 2006.

To be eligible to receive funding, applicants must:

• be registered for GST
• operate, or be developing a mineral project, or conducting research within the critical minerals and high-tech metals industry, or as part of the critical minerals/high-tech metals supply chain
• demonstrate financial and technical capacity to deliver the proposed studies
• provide evidence of their $20 million Public Liability Insurance or confirmation that a Public Liability Insurance Policy of at least $20 million will be taken out prior to the execution of the Funding Deed.

Applications from consortiums are encouraged. An organisation must be appointed as the lead applicant and satisfy the eligibility criteria. The lead applicant is authorised to act on behalf of and bind each member of the consortium and, if the application is successful, enter into the funding deed and be ultimately responsible for delivering the project. The application must include a letter of support from each organisation involved in the application.

 
 

EXAMPLE PROJECTS

Examples of eligible projects include:

Transport infrastructure including:

• off-site and on-site road and rail upgrades and modifications
• heavy-haulage route upgrades
• road widening
• pavement strengthening.

Power infrastructure, including:

• conversion to renewable energy sources
• substation installation
• extension or new powerlines
• installation of a solar farm
• installation of large-scale power storage facilities.

Water infrastructure, including:

• water treatment plants
• water supply pipelines
• processing infrastructure including trial processing plants
• mine waste processing plant facilities
• establishing or expanding a processing, pilot, or demonstration plant
• environmental protection infrastructure including fencing, but excluding rehabilitation costs
• Modifications/additional circuits to processing facilities

Examples of ineligible infrastructure include:

• site offices
• housing or worker accommodation camps
• tailings dams or tailings storage
• mine development

 
 

ELIGIBLE COSTS

Eligible costs may only be incurred after both parties have executed the funding deed and before the completion date, such as:

• infrastructure capital costs and civil costs
• development, upgrade, or expansion of enabling project infrastructure, and associated utilities or civil works
• purchase and installation of fixed plant required to commission infrastructure (new or upgraded)
• costs for technical, project management and direct labour costs of employees who are directly engaged on the project, to a maximum of 20% of the total project cost
• contractor costs to deliver enabling infrastructure by a third party outside of the applicant’s organisation, excluding individuals who are recognised as an employee
• contingency, to a maximum of 25% of the total project cost
• reasonable travel expenses incurred to deliver the project.

 
 

NSW Government Critical Minerals and High-Tech Metals Priority List

Critical minerals are metallic or non-metallic element that are essential for the functioning of our modern technologies, economies or national security and there is a risk that its supply chains could be disrupted. High-tech metals are those metals that support the rapidly growing high-technology industries, which are fueled by consumer demand for a high-tech, connected and environmentally sustainable future

View the list of priority Critical Minerals and High-Tech Metals here

More Information

Stream 2 Guidelines

Stream 2 FAQs

 

For further tips for lodging your Critical Minerals and High-Tech Metals claim,
Give us a call or schedule an assessment

 
 

Services
Ryan can assist with services such as:

• Scope your potential to claim various grant programs
• Assist with the preparation and lodgement of grant applications
• Review or provide a health check on your internally prepared grant applications
• Establish record-keeping practices as required under various grant programs
• Provide prepayment loans against future cash refunds under the R&D Tax Incentive
• Keeping industry informed on all new Government policy and grant initiatives

Don’t hesitate to give us a call or schedule a free assessment.

NSW Circular Plastics Program Round 1 ♻️ – New Opportunity

Newsletter | September 28, 2022

 

The Circular Plastics Program provides new grant funding opportunities under the $10 million Circular Materials Fund (CMF). The CMF was created to support businesses in the transition to better plastic products and increase the recycling rate of plastics in NSW. This transition is a key action of the Waste and Sustainable Materials Strategy 2041 and NSW Plastics Action Plan

The objectives of the CMF are to:

• reduce the amount of virgin plastic used
• reduce the amount of hard-to-recycle plastics used
• increase the amount of recycled plastic in products
• catalyse partnerships between producers, end users and the resource recovery sector.

 
 

 
 

The Circular Plastics Program will provide two streams of funding:

 

STREAM 1 FUNDING: Sole applicant projects

Sole applicant projects Stream 1 provides funding for sole applicants to target the ‘make’ phase of the product life cycle. This may include projects which:

• alter or adopt innovative product design (e.g. new designs, moulds, forms, products)
• improve manufacturing processes (e.g. through new equipment, material inputs)
• increase recycled content manufacturing capacity
• generate additional demand for recycled content
• reduce the use/manufacture of virgin or hard-to-recycle plastics
• reduce the generation of plastic waste. Projects must, as far as practicable, demonstrate viable end-markets for project outputs and benefits to NSW, including employment, infrastructure investment, environmental and social

 
 

STREAM 2 FUNDING: Collaborative partnership projects

The objective of Stream 2 is to catalyse partnerships between producers, end users and the resource recovery sector that will lead to improved plastics circularity in NSW. In addition to the conditions for Stream 1, the EPA expects all Stream 2 project proposals to involve strong and collaborative partnerships.

Applicants are encouraged to develop partnership projects with an emphasis on end-to-end supply chain collaboration. Proposals should aim to show enduring partnerships across the supply chain.

Partnerships must include a lead applicant at the ‘make’ phase that has fewer than 200 FTEs and a minimum of two other organisations. Project partners may be of businesses of any size, including large businesses (>200 FTE).

Partners may include, but are not limited to, product designers, recyclers/re-use facilities, waste collectors, end users, and tertiary/research organisations. For example, entities currently manufacturing plastic products may partner with those that design, collect, reprocess and/or re-use the material.

Partnership agreements may be demonstrated through a letter of support from the partnership organisation specifying the nature of support and their role in the project. Project management roles, responsibilities, funding contributions (in-kind and cash) and reporting requirements must clearly defined in the letter.

 
 

TIMELINE

1. EOI open: 23 September 2022
2. EOI close: 11:59 pm Tuesday 17 November 2022
3. Notification of EOI outcome for Stage 2 Applications: 1 December 2022
4. Stage 2 application opens: 8 December 2022
5. Stage 2 application closes: 16 February 2023
6. Announcement of successful projects: 28 March 2023

 
 

WHO CAN APPLY?

The lead applicant must hold an Australian Business Number (ABN) and be either:

• an Australian entity or partnership incorporated under the Corporations Act 2001 (Cth), or
• a non-government/not-for-profit organisation (complying with the ATO’s definition) with an established legal status, or without a legal status but able to have grant funds administered by another organisation with legal status.

The applicant must also:

• have fewer than 200 full-time equivalent (FTE) employees at time of submitting the EOI
• operate at the ‘make’ phase of a product life cycle (e.g. product manufacturing and design)
• hold the required insurance and public liability coverage, including:
  • public liability insurance to the value of at least $20 million
  • workers compensation insurance as required by all relevant laws.

 
 

FUNDING AVAILABLE

Stream 1: Sole applicant $100,000–$500,000

Stream 2: Collaborative partnership $250,000–$750,000

• Applicant co-contribution Projects require a matched co-contribution from applicants.
• Co-contributions can be financial (cash) or in-kind.

At least 50% of the co-contribution must be cash contribution. For example, government contribution of $100,000 needs to be matched with a minimum $50,000 cash investment from applicant; the rest can be in-kind contribution.

The co-contribution must be itemised in the application budget (required in the Stage 2 detailed application). Applicants can (and are encouraged to) contribute more than the minimum 50% cash contribution as part of their commitment towards the project costs. Funding received from other government grants (such as Remanufacture NSW or other recycling infrastructure grants) cannot be included as the co-contribution.

For Stream 2 (Collaborative partnership) projects, co-contributions (cash and in-kind) can come from all project partners and must be identified in the application budget.

 
 

FUND OBJECTIVES

The key objective of the CPP is to reduce barriers and maximise opportunities for improved circularity at the ‘make’ phase of the plastic product life cycle.

To achieve this, funded projects must undertake at least one of the following:

• reduce the amount of virgin plastic used
• increase the amount of recycled plastic in products
• reduce the amount of hard-to-recycle plastics used
• catalyse partnerships between producers, end users and the resource recovery sector

 
 

WHAT WILL BE FUNDED?

Funding under both Stream 1 and Stream 2 of the CPP could be used for project items including, but not limited to:

• purchasing of new or modified equipment (e.g. processing lines, moulds, blending machines etc.) to increase the use of recycled plastic in the manufacture of products or sustainable alternatives
• redesign of products, services or systems to use less plastic or eliminate waste
• redesign of plastic products to be more recyclable
• creating products that are durable, and can be more easily repaired or re-used
• adopting a re-use model to replace single-use packaging
• commercialisation of new technologies
• replacing hard-to-recycle plastics, such as soft plastics or multi-layer products, with sustainable alternatives
• implementing innovative circular-economy business models and practices to develop or expand end-markets for recycled plastics.

Under Stream 2, funding could also be used to fund eligible partnership projects including (but not limited to) any of the options above, and:

• product design, recycling, reprocessing, collection and other activities directly related to the manufacturing activities (up to 50% of funding)
• coordinating the delivery of the project across project partners (up to 15% of grant funding).

 
 

More Information

• Guidelines
• NSW Waste and Sustainable Materials Strategy 2041
• NSW Plastic Action Plan

 

For further tips on claiming the NSW Circular Plastics Program,
Give us a call or schedule an assessment

 
 

Services
Ryan can assist with services such as:

• Scope your potential to claim various grant programs
• Assist with the preparation and lodgement of grant applications
• Review or provide a health check on your internally prepared grant applications
• Establish record-keeping practices as required under various grant programs
• Provide prepayment loans against future cash refunds under the R&D Tax Incentive
• Keeping industry informed on all new Government policy and grant initiatives

Don’t hesitate to give us a call or schedule a free assessment.

NSW Critical Minerals and High-Tech Metals Activation Fund

Newsletter | September 19, 2022

 

The NSW Government has announced a $130 million fund to accelerate investment and deliver on the NSW Government’s vision to position the state as a major global supplier and processor of critical minerals and high-tech metals well into the future. This fund will be administered by NSW Mining, Exploration and Geoscience to activate projects and support research and development.

Funding will be delivered to:

• unlock project blockages through strategic infrastructure investment
• enhance investment through establishing new capacity in critical minerals processing
• support scale-up and commercialisation of emerging technologies and applications
• drive local skills development
• support investment in exploration to promote new discoveries for an ongoing pipeline of critical minerals and high-tech metal resources
• facilitate the role of critical minerals as an enabler to the clean economy
• contribute to the state outcome of mineral and petroleum industries generating prosperity, safely.

The Fund will be delivered across multiple rounds. The first round will consist of two streams. This funding opportunity only relates to Stream 1 which focuses on funding studies which are necessary to activate or scale-up projects in the critical minerals and high-tech metals sector.

Projects that support development and use of minerals that occur in NSW will be given preference.

This program is administered by Department of Regional NSW.

 
 

TIMELINE

NOW OPEN: Stream 1 – Project Activation Studies

• Grant amount: From $300,000 to $500,000
• Application opened: 6 September 2022
• Application closes: 4 October 2022, 5:00 pm

 
 

WHO CAN APPLY?

Applicants must hold an Australian Business Number (ABN) and must operate, or be developing a mineral project, or conducting research within the critical minerals and high-tech metals industry, or as part of the critical minerals/high-tech metals supply chain, and be one of the following:

• a company incorporated in Australia
• a company limited by guarantee
• an incorporated trustee on behalf of a corporate trust
• an incorporated association or co-operative
• a Publicly Funded Research Organisation
• an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Corporation registered under the Corporations (Aboriginal and /or Torres Strait Islander) Act 2006.

To be eligible to receive funding, applicants must:

• be registered for GST
• operate, or be developing a mineral project, or conducting research within the critical minerals and high-tech metals industry, or as part of the critical minerals/high-tech metals supply chain
• demonstrate financial and technical capacity to deliver the proposed studies
• provide evidence of their $20 million Public Liability Insurance or confirmation that a Public Liability Insurance Policy of at least $20 million will be taken out prior to the execution of the Funding Deed.

Applications from consortiums are strongly encouraged. A consortium is two or more organisations who are working together to combine their capabilities when developing and delivering a study, such as a research organisation and private industry.

An organisation must be appointed as the lead applicant and satisfy the above eligibility criteria. The lead applicant is authorised to act on behalf of and bind each member of the consortium and, if the application is successful, enter into the Funding Deed and be ultimately responsible for delivering the studies. The application must include a letter of support from each organisation involved in the application.

 
 

FUNDING AVAILABLE

• Stream 1 grants: $300K to $500K to cover the cost of undertaking studies to support early-stage projects/ new innovations etc.
• Stream 2 grants: up to $10m are to cover enabling infrastructure costs like heavy haulage, road upgrades, rail, water and power infrastructure
• 50% funding over the course of the 5-year program
• The streams will be delivered independently of each other and are not sequential – applicants to Stream 2 are not required to have submitted an application for Stream 1.

 
 

NSW Government Critical Minerals and High-Tech Metals Priority List

Critical minerals are metallic or non-metallic element that are essential for the functioning of our modern technologies, economies or national security and there is a risk that its supply chains could be disrupted. High-tech metals are those metals that support the rapidly growing high-technology industries, which are fueled by consumer demand for a high-tech, connected and environmentally sustainable future

View the list of priority Critical Minerals and High-Tech Metals here

More Information

• Guidelines – Critical Minerals and High-Tech Metals Activation Fund – Stream 1
• FAQs – Critical Minerals and High-Tech Metals Activation Fund – Stream 1 FAQs
• Critical Minerals – Stream 1 Sample Funding Deed
• Budget Template – Critical Minerals and High-Tech Metals Activation Fund – Stream 1

 
 

RELATED GRANTS

New Frontiers Exploration Program

The New Frontiers Exploration Program provides support to explorers to search for deposits of metallic minerals including critical minerals and high-tech metals in NSW. The program, formerly known as the New Frontiers Cooperative Drilling Program, has an extended scope to include exploration geophysics.

The program is part of the NSW Government’s Critical Minerals and High-Tech Metals Strategy to promote mineral exploration investment in NSW.

The New Frontiers Exploration Program will provide grants to successful applicants for exploration drilling and geophysical programs (Group 1, 6, and 10 minerals under the Mining Act 1992 only) that demonstrate strong prospectivity, sound financial planning and a proven technical base.

The program supports the long-term sustainability of the NSW resources sector by encouraging mineral exploration and discovery that will:

• ensure a sustainable economic resource pipeline for the state, particularly in greenfields areas of the state
• test new geological ideas and models and/or exploration in regions of significant cover
• identify new critical minerals and high-tech metals deposits in NSW
• create stronger relationships between government and industry.

 
 

TIMELINE & FUNDING

• Grant amount: $100,000 for drilling programs | $50,000 for geophysics costs
• Application opened: 2 September 2022
• Application closes: 31 October 2022, 5pm AEST

Mining, Exploration and Geoscience will conduct an industry webinar on Friday 23 September at 11am on the program guidelines and application process.

More Information

https://www.regional.nsw.gov.au/data/assets/pdf_file/0016/1424032/Guidelines-for-New-Frontiers-Exploration-Program.pdf

 

For further tips for lodging your Clinical Translation & Commercialisation claim,
Give us a call or schedule an assessment

 
 

Services
Ryan can assist with services such as:

• Scope your potential to claim various grant programs
• Assist with the preparation and lodgement of grant applications
• Review or provide a health check on your internally prepared grant applications
• Establish record-keeping practices as required under various grant programs
• Provide prepayment loans against future cash refunds under the R&D Tax Incentive
• Keeping industry informed on all new Government policy and grant initiatives

Don’t hesitate to give us a call or schedule a free assessment.

Clinical Translation & Commercialisation Medtech (CTCM) Program – Round 2

Newsletter | September 9, 2022

 

MTPConnect’s Clinical Translation and Commercialisation Medtech (CTCM) program is a funding opportunity offered under the 2020 Early Stage Translation and Commercialisation Support Grant of the Medical Research Future Fund’s Medical Research Commercialisation Initiative.

The $19.75 million CTCM program is a four-year initiative which will identify and nurture high-quality medical device projects that have commercial potential and support their translation through early clinical trials.

By supporting the development of innovative medical devices, the CTCM program aims to improve the health and wellbeing of Australians, while also helping projects to generate commercial returns and create high-paying jobs in the medical products sector.

For the purposes of this grant opportunity, medical devices are defined by section 41BD of the Therapeutic Goods Act 1989 and further informed by the Therapeutic Goods (Articles that are Medical Devices) Specification 2014. You should refer to this definition for any regulatory purpose, including preparing your application. In summary, medical devices are defined as:

• are used for humans
• are hardware innovations intended to diagnose, prevent, monitor, treat or alleviate a disease or injury, or modify or monitor anatomy or physiological functions of the body
• generally achieve their purpose by a physical, mechanical or chemical action. Round 2 applications will be assessed in a multi-step process:
  • Phase I: non-confidential Expressions of Interest (EOI)
  • Phase II: consultation interview via videoconference
  • Phase III: Full proposal Activities supported will include, but are not limited to, product development and testing, clinical trial activity and regulatory support.

Ideas and concepts, with no technical validation at the time of application, and preclinical studies, are out of scope for this funding. Projects to develop research tools (e.g., databases or animal models) in isolation are not eligible. Non-human health programs are not eligible.

There must be evidence of experimental research that has been undertaken that validates the problem or the potential of the product/solution.

The applicant must demonstrate understanding of the market/end-user.

 
 

TIMELINE

1. EOI Open: Friday 9th September 2022
2. EOI Close: Friday 7th October 2022
3. EOI Outcome: Late Nov 2022
4. Consultation: Late Nov 2022 to Mid Jan 2023
5. Consultation Outcome: Early Feb 2023
6. Full proposal application: Early Feb 2023 to Early Mar 2023
7. Full proposal outcomes: Late Apr 2023
8. Contracting: Early May 2023 to Late Jun 2023
9. Funding term: On contract execution (24months)

 
 

WHO CAN APPLY?

For a proposal to be deemed eligible for CTCM Project Funding it must meet the following criteria:

The lead applicant must:

• be a registered Australian based business
• be incorporated in Australia
• have an Australian Business Number (ABN).
• have less than 200 employees.
• Demonstrated capacity to match the co-contribution requirement.
• The applicant’s project must involve the development of a medical device.
• The applicant must provide evidence of technical and/or commercial feasibility of their product.
• The applicant must control or have the legal right to access and use the relevant know-how and/or existing and/or potential intellectual property (IP), that will be necessary to undertake the proposed activities of the Research Project and to translate, implement or commercialise their product(s)/solution(s).
• Applicants must meet any applicable timing, formatting, system or other similar administrative requirements from MTPConnect during the application process.

It is understood that the lead applicant may not be the group manufacturing the device prototypes or final product design. To accommodate this scenario, partnerships and collaborations with Australian medical device manufacturers are allowed. A partner is not a mandatory requirement and is not considered an advantage or a disadvantage.

If a manufacturing partner is named, that partner must satisfy the following eligibility criteria. The partner must:

• be an Australian registered business
• be incorporated in Australia
• have an ABN
• establish and operate the manufacturing facility in Australia
• be ISO13485 accredited, achieve accreditation within the project activity period, or operate a quality management system aligned to ISO13485.

Other partner organisations can include, but are not limited to:

• universities
• medical research institutes
• clinical organisations or health care providers
• health systems
• consumer groups
• private research entities
• commercial entities
• not-for-profit organisations
• other end-users.

A partner or collaborator is not required to provide an additional matched cash co-contribution; however, any cash or in-kind co-contribution will be considered favorably.

 
 

FUNDING AVAILABLE

Funding of between $250,000 and $1.5 million is available per project across two funding rounds (FY2022 and FY2023).

 
 

FUND OBJECTIVES

The Clinical Translation and Commercialisation – Medtech Program aims to support early clinical development of medical devices with commercial potential.

While product development, manufacture and testing will be considered eligible activities, all projects must include clinical testing of devices.

The Clinical Translation and Commercialisation – Medtech Program will:

• Deliver consultation and commercialisation advice to guide project development and assessment
• Facilitate access to broader NCRIS and other critical engineering, fabrication and prototyping facilities to accelerate translation of early-stage discoveries
• Emphasise collaboration, partnering and consultation to nurture the next generation of health and medical research innovators and provide ongoing SME education
• Employ a process of continuous evaluation, based on established commercial principles, to optimise the potential for project success and maximise return on investment.

 
 

WHAT WILL BE FUNDED?

Examples of eligible expenditure include, but are not limited to:

• project consumables directly attributable to the delivery of project outcomes
• salaries (whole FTEs or fractional) directly attributable to the delivery of project outcomes. The maximum salary claimable per person, including packaged components (superannuation) is limited to $175,000 per financial year. On a case-by-case basis, where it can be adequately justified, CTCM funding may support salaries greater than $175,000 per financial year
• Commonwealth funded positions can be considered eligible to count towards an in-kind contribution. However, the Commonwealth funded position cannot also draw a salary from funds awarded through this grant opportunity for the same activity
• labour expenditure for leadership staff (e.g., founder, CEO, CSO, CMO) is considered eligible, provided there are direct, demonstrated and monitored links to project objectives and outcomes. Salaries for leadership staff will be limited to 10 per cent of the total amount of eligible labour expenditure claimable per person (i.e., maximum $17,500). On a case-by-case basis, where it can be adequately justified, CTCM funding may support leadership salaries greater than $17,500 per financial year
• labour on-costs are eligible. Examples of labour on-costs are employer paid superannuation, payroll tax, workers compensation insurance and leave entitlements (including paid maternity leave, sick leave, long service leave and recreation leave). These costs must be reasonable, appropriate and separately identified in the project budget
• accessing specialist professional services including regulatory consultants, manufacturing and product development firms, clinical research organisations, technology evaluation, process evaluation, key opinion leaders or strategic stakeholders
• accessing IP expertise as a service, freedom to operate search costs and provisional and PCT
  drafting and filing costs (or costs associated with comparable stages of IP protection e.g., trade marks, designs, copyright circuits etc.)
• access to specialist equipment, hardware and software essential to the research
• purchase of equipment that is essential to research capped at $80,000 in total. Justification for purchase and why the applicant(s) cannot support the expense must be provided
• prototyping and development of a Minimum Viable Product
• market research/testing and engaging with major customers and end-users including clinical trials
• data procurement and efforts to obtain regulatory approval
• international activity expenditure where it can be justified that this work cannot otherwise be performed in Australia and is critical to the success of the project. If proposed international activities and expenditure exceeds 10 per cent of the total CTCM project funding (grant funding plus co-contribution), the Department of Health must provide its approval (which will be managed by MTPConnect)
• essential travel within Australia directly related to project activities
• essential travel overseas on a case-by-case basis directly related to project activities

 
 

More Information

• Source
• Clinical Translation and Commercialisation – Medtech Program – Guidelines
• Clinical Translation and Commercialisation – Medtech Program – Application Form

 

For further tips for lodging your Clinical Translation & Commercialisation claim,
Give us a call or schedule an assessment

 
 

Services
Ryan can assist with services such as:

• Scope your potential to claim various grant programs
• Assist with the preparation and lodgement of grant applications
• Review or provide a health check on your internally prepared grant applications
• Establish record-keeping practices as required under various grant programs
• Provide prepayment loans against future cash refunds under the R&D Tax Incentive
• Keeping industry informed on all new Government policy and grant initiatives

Don’t hesitate to give us a call or schedule a free assessment.

VIC Waste to Energy Fund

Newsletter | August 8, 2022

 

In February 2020, the Victorian Government announced a $10 million waste to energy support package as part of Recycling Victoria: a new economy. A key commitment of this action plan is to halve the volume of organic waste going to landfill by 2030. Anaerobic digestion is considered a priority for investment in supporting waste to energy infrastructure development.

The Waste to Energy Fund aims to support the development of innovative bioenergy projects and business models to enable the implementation of best-practice infrastructure that builds capability and capacity in Victoria’s bioenergy sector.

 
 

TIMELINE

1. Applications open: Friday 1 July 2022
2. Applications close: Friday 26 August 2022
3. Notification of outcome: Expected January or February 2023.
4. Funding agreements established: April 2023
5. Projects commenced by: May 2023
6. Project completed by: 31 March 2025

 
 

WHO CAN APPLY?

Funding is available to Applicants that propose to generate bioenergy using organic materials and can demonstrate that this solution is the best value option in the Waste Hierarchy.

Eligible organisations include:

• businesses, industry groups or associations
• local government
• research institutes
• Charities
• Community Groups
• Social Enterprises
• other Not-For-Profit organisations.

 
 

WASTE TO ENERGY FUND OVERVIEW

The fund is aimed at a range of sectors, including but not limited to:

• Agricultural and livestock
• Forestry
• Food production
• Food retail including the hotel industry
• Wastewater management

Projects must meet one or more of the following objectives:

• increase the production of bioenergy in Victoria
• increase the diversion of organic material from landfill
• increase abatement of greenhouse gases
• increase business opportunities, economic development, and beneficial use of pathways across the bioenergy supply chain.

The Fund aims to achieve the following outcomes:

• increase the capacity of Victoria’s renewable energy generation
• increase in the amount of organic material diverted from landfill
• decrease greenhouse gas emissions
• purchase, install, and commission bioenergy infrastructure
• increase local employment
• develop realistic feasibility studies and business cases
• develop market pathways for bioenergy end products
• develop and analyse the feedstock market network
• develop clear regulatory and approval pathways.

 
 

STREAMS OF FUNDING

The funding is available through two streams:

• Stream 1: Project development – supports Applicants to scope, test, and gain approvals to achieve pre-construction and pre-financial close phases of a bioenergy project.
• Stream 2: Project infrastructure – supports Applicants with a proven business case in the purchase, construction, and commissioning of infrastructure to convert organic matter to bioenergy.

This grant program is funded through the government’s circular economy policy, Recycling Victoria: a new economy

 
 

FUNDING AVAILABLE

For Stream 1, each project can receive a grant of between $20,000 and $250,000 (ex. GST).

For Stream 2, each project can receive a grant of between $50,000 and $1 million (ex. GST).

Applicants must contribute at least $1 for every $1 requested.

 
 

WHAT WILL BE FUNDED?

Funding for Stream 1 will support projects that:

• focus on feasibility studies, technical studies or the development of business cases relating to a proposed facility that will generate energy from organic waste
• require support in pre-financial close stages
• use agricultural cropping residues, such as cereal straw and chaff
• use waste and manure from poultry, dairy, piggeries, and other animal operations
• use general food waste from commercial and industrial hospitality and retail operations
• use food manufacturing and processing wastes (including dairy, fruit, nuts, wine, and meat)
• use forestry wood residues from forest harvesting and wood processing as a feedstock
• are small scale bioenergy projects using fruit and vegetable waste from horticulture residues
• generate energy from paper and pulp manufacturing and related processing waste (that can’t be recycled into paper products)
• process biosolids, sewage and sludge waste.

Projects must:

• align with the objectives of the Fund
• be implemented in and service Victoria
• meet regulatory or planning requirements
• not have commenced or will not commence prior to entering into a funding agreement with SV
• be completed by 31 March 2025.

Costs that will be funded include:

• technology selection costs
• feedstock identification and end market research and development
• conducting laboratory testing of incoming feedstock
• engineering, procurement, and construction tendering related costs
• consultancy or contract work required for the project
• conducting testing required for approvals
• planning and regulatory approval costs.

You can submit multiple applications. Each application must be for a different project. An application must not be for multiple projects.

Funding for Stream 2 will support projects for a proposed facility that:

• will process a minimum of 51% organic feedstock from Victoria
• require capital to generate bioenergy from organic material in the form of heat, electricity, renewable gas, or liquid fuels
• have a site selected in Victoria
• have the potential to be replicated at other sites in Victoria (same or similar industry)
• use agricultural cropping residues, such as cereal straw and chaff
• use waste and manure from poultry, dairy, piggeries, and other animal operations
• use general food waste from commercial and industrial hospitality and retail operations
• use food manufacturing and processing wastes (including dairy, fruit, nuts, wine, and meat)
• use forestry wood residues from forest harvesting and wood processing as a feedstock
• are small scale bioenergy projects using fruit and vegetable waste from horticulture residues
• generate energy from paper and pulp manufacturing and related processing waste (that can’t be recycled into paper products)
• process biosolids, sewage and sludge waste.

Projects must:

• have a proven business case and co-financing support to proceed with infrastructure purchase
• have the chosen technology selected
• align with the objectives of the Fund and Recycling Victoria: a new economy
• be implemented in and service Victoria
• meet regulatory or planning requirements and have these pathways established and secured
• not have commenced or will not commence prior to entering into a funding agreement with SV
• be completed by 31 March 2025.

Costs that will be funded include:

• capital purchases
• supporting machinery for new project development
• upgrades or additions to existing bioenergy infrastructure or equipment
• construction and commissioning costs

Costs must be related to the project in your application form.

You can submit multiple applications. Each application must be for a different project. An application must not be for multiple projects.

 
 

More Information

• Source
• Stream 1 Guidelines
• Stream 2 Guidelines
• Stream 1 Webinar
• Stream 2 Webinar

 

For further tips for lodging your Waste to Energy Fund claim,
Give us a call or schedule an assessment

 
 

Services
Ryan can assist with services such as:

• Scope your potential to claim various grant programs
• Assist with the preparation and lodgement of grant applications
• Review or provide a health check on your internally prepared grant applications
• Establish record-keeping practices as required under various grant programs
• Provide prepayment loans against future cash refunds under the R&D Tax Incentive
• Keeping industry informed on all new Government policy and grant initiatives

Don’t hesitate to give us a call or schedule a free assessment.