ASK OUR EXPERT ABOUT HOW TO SECURE A GOVERNMENT GRANT
Ever applied for a grant and been knocked back? Perhaps you don’t even know where to start?
With many private investors now regarding new and existing investment opportunities with extra caution, governments are well positioned to play a more significant economic role in support of SMEs.
Our grant specialist, Adrian Spencer, is standing by to address your questions about how best to identify, apply for and secure a government grant. The best questions will be answered in the pages of Anthill’s Dec/Jan edition.
So go ahead. Ask away in the comment section below. Adrian is here to help you.
Tags: funding, government, grants
October 20th, 2008 at 2:17 pm
Hi Adrian,
I am writring to you requesting help securing a Government grant.
I have looked into this many times and there does seem to be many
hoops to jump.
I want to start a business in the Niche fashion design area. It is regarding a directional Youth culture driven Plus size label.
I intend on manufactuing locally due to minimums, then creating a following expand internationally in regards to sales and production.
Do you have any suggestions for me, and advise would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks and Kind Regards, Carli
October 21st, 2008 at 1:03 pm
Hi Carli
Thanks for your question. Your business idea sounds great!
You are right, there are lot’s of hurdles in getting funded. And there are not many short-cuts in finding the right grant - you will still have to do some leg work.
Often the hardest problem is knowing where to start. I always start by thinking about the relevant categories. In your case, this could include start-up grants, fashion grants, small business grants, export grants and jobs support.
It sounds like a lot, but under these categories there aren’t many grants. I’d suggest you try the following:
1. Textile, Clothing and Footwear Small Business Program. This is a great program run by AusIndustry and Round 3 is now open. Grants up to $50,000 are available. Closing date is 11 December. Check out the AusIndustry website (www.ausindustry.gov.au)
2. If you need a business plan, market research or professional services to help in the start-up stage of your business, your State Government may be able to help. They often run programs that provide rebates or training to get started.
3. When considering export, we suggest you chat to Austrade (www.austrade.gov.au). They have a great program, EMDG, that will reimburse some of you marketing costs to overseas buyers. This might be useful down the track.
You might also want to consider training programs that State and Local Government provide. There are also training programs for Women in business. Look up: www.business.gov.au. However, most people usually find that cash is best!
Also remember not to just rely on grants. Government look for strong cashflow and a good commercialisation plan. Generally grants help achieve growth for a project or a specific part of your business.
All the best, Adrian.
October 22nd, 2008 at 7:38 pm
HELLO ADRIAN…..
WE HAVE A FULL PATENT ON A SKIN CANCER PASTE ….WHICH NOT ONLY DETECTS ….BUT ELIMINATES ALL FORMS …..
NOW THE FEDS HAVE EXCLUDED US FOM THE OZIND $ FOR $ GRANT DEAL ….AS WE ARE NOT IN THE “GREEN”CATEGORY…IT HAS HALTED OUR ENTRY INTO CLINICAL TRIALS……
IN BOTH THE HUMAN & VETINARY FIELDS…… WE ARE IN THE “WATER TREADING” MODE..
AS TIME TICKS BY…..
I CAN SUPPLY YOU WITH A DVD SHOWING OUR PRE -TRIAL PHASE…WE ARE A PRIVATE OZ CO..LOOKING FOR DIRECTION….IN ANTICIPATION..PAUL BAILEY… PROJECT CO-ORDINATOR
October 22nd, 2008 at 8:48 pm
Hi Paul
The loss of the Commercial Ready program came as a surprise and a blow, especially to many IT and Biotech companies. Your options at the moment are fairly restricted.
Significant amounts of grant funding are provided to biotech and pharmaceutical research through the NHMRC and ARC Linkage grants. While these are great sources of funding, there are limitations and IP use/ownership can become a sticking point in the collaborative agreements with Universities or research agencies.
For a full listing of NHMRC grants go to: http://www.nhmrc.gov.au/grants/types/list.htm, but also check out: http://www.nhmrc.gov.au/grants/types/granttype/projects/index.htm
Some states have useful programs such as Queensland, which have just announced a new round of the QLD Smart Futures Fund (closing very soon). Victoria will announce funding details early next year.
The current green paper, released under the Nation Innovation Review has recommended more support for your area, and there may be new programs coming, but I suspect that waiting and hoping for the right grant will not help at the moment.
I hope you are able to find the support you need. Adrian.
November 6th, 2008 at 7:00 am
Hi Adrian,
Let’s say your organisation has secured a government grant and the first installment of money has come through. What sort of guidance/mentoring is available regarding how to best use the funds?
Are these services provided as part of the grant package or do you have to go to a third party if you require this sort of direction?
Cheers
November 7th, 2008 at 5:50 am
Hi William
Before you receive the first payment, you will have signed a contract agreeing how to spend your grant funds. In the grant application, applicants must spell out the proposed activities and group them into milestones, along with a budget. These milestones will then be written into your grant contract.
Note that some milestone payments are made before you commence each milestone and some are made on successful completion of each milestone. This varies for different programs.
Once you are successful with a grant, you should ask if there is a template you can use for your regular reporting. If not, create your own and it will save you time in the long run.
The following rules normally apply:
1. You must complete each milestone before your next amount of funding is awarded.
2. Most government departments will allow for a small amount of slippage in time or costs.
3. If you need to change your milestones, try and do this before you sign the grant contract.
In relation to seeking help from a consultant, the applicant is usually best placed to determine the type of activities that should be undertaken, the timeframes and the budget.
A consultant can usually be helpful to:
1. Wordsmith and provide clarity in your writing.
2. Interpret the guidelines and determine eligible expenditure
3. Ensure you are meeting the objectives and presenting your project in the best light.
Happy grant hunting, Adrian.