Grant writing takes time, perseverance and planning. In this feature, the Economic Development Team shares tips and tricks to help you submit a quality application – and increase your chances of success.
So you’ve decided why you need a grant and you’ve found a funding opportunity where your project ticks all the eligibility criteria. So what do you do first?
Remember in school where you were encouraged to read through the instructions before starting the task? During exams, the first 10 mins were dedicated to reading through all the questions – you were not allowed to even touch a pen! Well, it’s the same when applying for a grant - you should read through the whole application form before you touch that keyboard. And the first thing to find out is exactly when the application is due! Take note of the date AND the time of day.
Then, work out which questions can be answered easily, which questions will need additional information supplied and which will need further research to write a quality response. And then start with the ones that will take the longest to complete.
For example, if you are seeking $100,000 to upgrade the changerooms and bathroom facilities at the local Soccer club to make them accessible and safe for all users, you’ll probably need suppliers’ quotes to back up your request. The quote may need to specify the cost of each item so you can put this detail into the application. We all know how long it takes to get tradesmen on site these days, so get your quotes organised early!
You may need to demonstrate the project is supported by the sporting community, and will fill a need that has been clearly identified by users of the facility. Letters of support from local politicians, Councillors, State sporting groups and community members are great additions to your application, but it takes time to contact the right people and get a signed letter back. Ask them to be specific in their letter – you might need to provide data on how the membership is expected to increase, or what additional competitions you can host if the facilities are upgraded.
Spending some time at the beginning of the application process to understand what you need to provide will save you time, stress and resources at the end – and will give your application the best chance of success.
Check the Grant highlights section for funding opportunities that might suit your project or business.
Watch this space for more valuable insights, and dates for grant writing workshops.
Grant highlights
NSW EV Destination Charging Grant has been extended – install a charger in your carpark to encourage EV drivers to spend time and money in your business!
Businesses are eligible for a NSW grant to help you install a slow-medium speed electric vehicle charger on your premises. The habits and decision-making influences of EV drivers are very different to gas fuelled drivers. When using an EV, decisions around where to park, linger, spend and even sleep can all be influenced by the access to a car charger. When travelling, EV drivers look ahead at a town to see where car chargers are, how powerful they are and how expensive they are. If looking to book a hotel, inclusion of a charger is likely to be the determining factor! If looking to check out the town, the location of the charger will determine where drivers spend their money – often walking into the closest café! The bottom line is, installing a charger in your carpark is likely to encourage EV drivers to spend more time, and money, in your business.
To help you get a charger installed, check out the NSW Destination Charger Grant, open now until August 2024.
Grant Guru
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.
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 a few online webinars available for free throughout May:
Search for more free 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 or 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 13 77 88 or visit the website.
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 through the website.
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 the website.
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 the website 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 the website.
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 the website 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 the website or contact one of Lismore’s Strengthening Business Facilitators Stuart McPhee via email at Stuart.McPhee@ep.industry.gov.au or 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.
Rural Aid also offers free counselling to farmers and their families.