Grant writing takes time, perseverance and planning. In this feature, the Destination and Economy Team share tips and tricks to help you submit a quality application – and increase your chances of success.
Last month we focused on the WHY (click here for a recap).
So you’ve decided why you need a grant, you’ve spent some time searching and you think you’ve found a funding opportunity that fits your project. You’re all set to start your application – so let’s go.
But wait! Have you checked the eligibility criteria? It would be such a waste of your precious time, resources and hard work on the application to discover down the track that your organisation or your project is ineligible.
Before you log in to the grant portal and start the application, read the grant program’s guidelines. These are usually available on the program’s webpage and will list all the criteria that applicants must meet. They also often provide examples of eligible projects, as well as examples of ineligible applicants and ineligible projects or inclusions.
If you’re still unsure after reviewing the guidelines, contact the funding body for assistance.
The guidelines provide details on the closing date and time, how much money you can apply for, when your project must be completed by, and many other factors that can help you work out if this grant really is the right one for you.
Watch this space next month for more valuable insights.
National Energy Bill Relief for small businesses
Eligible small businesses will receive a one-off bill relief payment of up to $650 towards their electricity bill.
Most eligible small businesses started to receive the National Energy Bill Relief in quarterly instalments of $162.50 on their electricity bills from 31 July 2023. Eligibility was checked on 31 October 2023 and will be checked again on 31 January 2024 and 30 April 2024.
To check your eligibility and to apply visit: National Energy Bill Relief | NSW Climate and Energy Action
Net Zero Manufacturing Initiative
NSW Government is committed to achieving net zero emissions by 20250, and applications are now open for the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water Net Zero Manufacturing Initiative. The fund is backing the next wave of innovators that will help reduce emissions, create jobs and unlock the substantial economic benefits of NSW’s transition to net zero by 2050.
With up to $275 million in funding, the fund aims to support businesses:
- get their new clean technologies market-ready
- expand their manufacturing capacity to produce low carbon products and components for renewable energy.
To read the guidelines and find more information, visit the website.
There are three funding streams. Use the eligibility checker to help you select the right funding stream for your project.
Are you looking for ways to boost your community or business? Do you need funding to support your innovative ideas and projects? Then, you should join Grant Guru!
Grant Guru is a program that helps communities and businesses get the funding they need to make their dreams a reality. Whether you are a small business owner, a non-profit organisation or a community group, Grant Guru can help you find the right grants and funding opportunities for your needs.
By registering for Grant Guru, you will gain access to a wealth of resources and tools, including:
- A comprehensive database of grants and funding opportunities, updated daily
- Personalised grant recommendations based on your needs and goals
- Expert advice on grant applications and proposals
- Access to webinars and workshops on grant writing and funding strategies
- But that's not all! By joining Grant Guru, you will also be part of a vibrant community of like-minded individuals and organisations who are passionate about making a positive impact on their communities.
We invite you to join us and take advantage of this unique opportunity to build your community or business. It's easy to register for Grant Guru – simply visit our website and sign up today, https://lismore.grantguru.com.au/.
Together, we can create a better future for ourselves and our communities. Join Grant Guru and let's make it happen!
If you have a Service NSW Business Profile, you can now log in to access the NSW Grants and Funding Finder – a one-stop shop for business owners to locate all the support you’re eligible for. Forty different grants, savings, rebates and budget relief initiatives from various government websites can be found in one easy-to-search hub.
Lismore City Council staff are also available to discuss projects and provide letters of support for grant applications where applicable. To arrange a time, email: business@lismore.nsw.gov.au or phone 02 6625 0500.
Business Connect
Business Connect supports NSW businesses as they navigate the challenges in starting up, running, adapting and growing their business. Get independent business advice, practical insights and business skills training on a range of topics for your small business.
Visit Service NSW Business Connect to find out how Business Connect can support you. You can also access information on events, webinars, workshops and on demand webinars, as well as find resources on practical tips and insights.
If you would like to reach out to a Business Advisor, would like further information about our upcoming events or how the Business Connect program works, please call 0490 297 703 or email smallbusiness@nortec.org.au
What’s new this month
Here’s just a few free online webinars available in April:
Search for more free events at https://mybusiness.service.nsw.gov.au/business-connect/events
The Service NSW Business Bureau
Service NSW for Business has become the Service NSW Business Bureau.
The Service NSW Business Bureau provides free, ongoing and personalised support for every stage of your business.
The Business Bureau helps businesses access government services, information and advice to support them to grow in the NSW economy.
Businesses can:
- talk to a Business Concierge over the phone, in person or online
- get advice from an independent advisor and access a range of events, webinars and online resources through Business Connect
- engage with a multicultural advisor for in-language support or get culturally appropriate advice from the Aboriginal Business Advisory Initiative (ABAI)
- create a Business Profile to make it easier to manage government transactions and business licences
- download the free Service NSW Business Bureau app to access support on the go.
For more information call 137 788 or visit service.nsw.gov.au/business.
Rural Small Business Financial Counselling
The Rural Business Support Program is an independent financial counselling service available to small businesses in regional centres who are experiencing, or are at risk of experiencing, financial hardship. If your small business is going through a difficult period, reach out to your local counsellor on 1800 344 090 or connect at www.rfcsnr.org.au
My Future Workforce
Find local staff on My Future Workforce. With a unique job matching approach on the Northern Rivers My Future Workforce platform, employers will only receive applications from the best suited candidates, reducing the time needed to find the right person for the job. To find out more about linking local employers with suitable job seekers and service providers visit www.northernrivers.myfutureworkforce.com.au
Launch into Work Program
Launch into Work trials pre-employment projects that support job seekers to increase their skills, experience and confidence. Projects are co-designed with employers, jobactive providers, registered training organisations and other stakeholders to ensure both employer and job seeker needs are met. If you are interested in co-designing a pre-employment project that includes training, mentoring and work experience, and can commit to employing job seekers who successfully complete the project, please register your interest by contacting the Employer and Workforce Strategies Team at workforce@dese.gov.au or visit www.dese.gov.au/launch-work for additional information.
Workforce Australia
Workforce Australia is the employment service delivered by the Department of Employment and Workplace Relations. Workforce Australia includes a new online service and a network of providers to deliver personalised support. Workforce Australia helps Australians find and keep a job, change jobs or create their own jobs. To find out more visit www.dese.gov.au/workforce-australia
Digital Solutions – Australian Small Business Advisory Services
The Digital Business Solutions program supports the Australian Government’s commitment to enhance the capabilities of local small businesses. It delivers low cost, high quality digital advisory services to Australian small businesses in metropolitan and regional areas. To find out more visit www.enterpriseplus.org.au or contact our local Northern Rivers Region Digital Business Advisor, Liza Lyttle on 0429 686 629 or email liza.lyttle@enterpriseplus.org.au.
Strengthening Business
Strengthening Business connects you with experts to help your business become stronger, more resilient and better prepared for the future. You will be paired with an independent facilitator to recommend ways to strengthen your business systems, operations and strategies and identify opportunities to improve your business, with a roadmap to get you back on track.
To find out more visit www.business.gov.au/EP or contact one of Lismore’s Strengthening Business Facilitators: Stuart McPhee – Stuart.McPhee@ep.industry.gov.au M: 0414 788 278.
Mindset and Mental Health
New Access for Small Business with Beyond Blue is a free and confidential mental health coaching program. It’s for sole traders and small business owners. And the best bit - You don’t need a doctor’s referral to access it. Find out more here.
Rural Aid also offers free counselling to farmers and their families.