Grants and support

The Grant Space

Grant writing takes time, perseverance and planning. But it also takes passion! This month’s tip is all about injecting the passion you clearly have for your project into your application.

Grant writing can be a bit stressful, a bit dull, especially when you have to gather quotes, budget details and construction timelines. But stop for a moment and think about what inspired you to apply for a grant in the first place – you really want to build your club’s capacity, you’re answering the community’s call to restore that beautiful heritage building, or you have a fantastic event that your region will simply love!

Now, channel that passion into your writing - a case filled with enthusiasm will not only help drive points home, but it will stand out amongst other applications.

At the same time, remember that the grant assessor will have limited time (they could have countless applications to assess), so focus on keeping your ideas clear and concise. Use up-to-date data with clear language, and sum up complex points with a summary sentence.

Don’t lose that passion – your application should convince the assessor that your project is exciting and worthy of funding.

Watch this space for more valuable insights and dates for grant writing workshops.

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

Support  

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.

Some changes for business from 1 July 2024:

What’s new this month

Here’s a few online webinars available for free throughout July: 

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.