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Entrepreneurs' Program​​me

NOTE: The new Labor Government is currently reviewing the funding allocations made by the prior Government under this program and many others with a view of redirecting funds into their newly announced $15b National Infrastructure program. Further news will be made available after the October budget.

The Entrepreneurs’ Programme is the Australian Government’s flagship initiative for business competitiveness and productivity.

The Entrepreneurs’ Programme offers support to businesses through four key elements:

A free assessment conducted at the customers business’ premises for up to 6 days over a 2 month period, resulting in a detailed report and recommendations for the business to make improvements.  Must be in one of the five growth* sectors and have a turnover of at least $1.5M to $100M in one of the last two financial years.

Business Growth Grants – small, co funded grants of up to $20,000 to engage external expertise to assist businesses with implementing improvements recommended by their Business Evaluation.  Must be in one of the five growth sectors* and have a turnover of at least $1.5M to $100M in one of the last two financial years.

A facilitation service providing expert advice and solutions for business to knowledge related issues and a brokering service to link businesses with appropriate knowledge providers and research organisations. This may include a matched funding grant of up to $50,000 payable in arrears that assists direct access to research capability.  Must be in one of the five growth sectors* and have a turnover or operating expenditure in the current or one of the two previous financial years:

– between $1.5M and $100M or
– between $750K & $100M for applicants from remote Australia or Northern Australia.

* Advanced Manufacturing; Food and Agribusiness; Medical Technologies and Pharmaceuticals; Mining Equipment, Technology and Services; and Oil, Gas and Energy Resources.

Offers matching grants of up to $1m of eligible project expenditure to assist in the commercialisation of novel products, processes and services for a maximum project period of two years.  Must have a combined turnover of less than $20M for each of the three financial years prior to lodgement of an application.

The Entrepreneurs' Programme is set to undergo a performance audit.

Subscribe for upcoming coverage of possible changes.

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