Over the last few months we’ve looked at determining why you need to put in a grant application, checking the eligibility criteria to make sure it’s the right grant for you, and then previewing the application form to work out which sections to answer first.
This month, let’s look at the importance of having a well-developed budget for your project.
The budget is your opportunity to demonstrate to the assessment team that your project or idea is well-planned and cost effective — and is feasible. It will also highlight to you how much funding you need to apply for. It’s great to receive $100,000 for your project but very disappointing to find out halfway through the build that you really need $200,000 to deliver what you promised.
Include quotes where required; list all sources of income; match the incoming and outgoing totals.
Some funding bodies require you to use their specific budget templates — make sure you do so you’re including all required information.
Ensure your budget is detailed and then make sure that everything you’ve outlined in it will be used in the project. Funding providers love to see their money benefitting the community where possible — so clearly show them it is!
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
Instant asset write-off for eligible businesses
This program aims to allow eligible businesses to claim an immediate deduction for the business portion of the cost of an asset in the year the asset is first used or installed ready for use.
Small businesses need to apply the simplified depreciation rules to claim the instant asset write-off. It cannot be used for assets that are excluded from those rules.
As announced in the 2024-25 Federal Budget, the Government will continue to improve cash flow and reduce compliance costs for small businesses by extending the $20,000 instant asset write-off by 12 months until 30 June 2025.
To learn more and work out if your business can use the instant asset write-off to claim a deduction for the cost of an asset click here or visit the Australian Taxation Office website.
Fee-free training for apprentices
This program aims to provide NSW businesses with access to fee-free apprenticeships to either get the skills they need for their business or to up-skill an existing employee.
Businesses will benefit by:
- having fully trained apprentices learning on the job.
- up-skilling existing staff.
- having employees with the necessary skills required for a thriving and expanding business.
- courses that can be tailored to the needs of their business.
A saving of up to $2,000 for training costs per apprentice is available.
To learn more and apply, visit Fee-Free Apprenticeships NSW | business.gov.au.
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.
From the Knowledge Vault - Mastering short-form videos (or reels)
Short form videos (or reels) have emerged as a powerful tool for businesses to captivate audiences and boost engagement. Whether you’re showcasing products or offering services, creating entertaining content is key.
Explore some tips, considerations and platforms to help you to take advantage of the potential of short-form videos. Read the blog post
Business Tip
Choose strong passwords or even consider a passphrase to protect your business against data breaches. You can test the security of your password or passphrase.
What’s new this month
Here’s a few online webinars available for free throughout June:
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.