The Grant Space
Grant writing takes time, perseverance and planning. In this new feature, the Economic Development Team will share tips and tricks to help you submit a quality application – and increase your chances of success.
This month, we’ll focus on the WHY…
Before starting any grant application, determine exactly what the grant funding will be for. This helps you look at the bigger picture and ensures you include the fine details too. For example, if your sporting club requires renovations to the Clubhouse, is this to attract more members, hold state-level events, or provide more social activities for members at night? Will you need to provide upgraded facilities for women, energy efficient lighting, or improve accessibility for all?
These details will be important to include during the application process, and will determine the amount of funding that you actually apply for. By working out the WHY, you might also be able to refine (or broaden) your search for opportunities. Brainstorm with others in your business, community group or club so you can establish a case for support.
Watch this space next month for more valuable insights.
Grant highlights
School Student Broadband Initiative (SSBI)
To boost education opportunities and narrow the digital divide, the Australian Government is providing up to 30,000 eligible families with no internet at home to a free National Broadband Network (NBN) service. Originally a 12 month commitment, the initiative has been extended meaning:
- The period in which a family can nominate to receive a free service is up to 31 December 2024.
- The duration of free services will continue until 31 December 2025 for all existing and new families.
Specific eligibility criteria apply for this funding opportunity. Contact the National Referral Centre directly to have your eligibility assessed, on 1800 954 610 (Monday to Friday, 10am–6pm AEDT), www.anglicarevic.org.au/student-internet.
More information is available at School Student Broadband Initiative (SSBI) | Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications and the Arts.
Helping Regional Communities Prepare for Drought Initiative – Small Network Grants
Small Network Grants are now available to community organisations in regional and rural Australia to develop and deliver one-off events or initiatives to strengthen community networks and capabilities that build drought preparedness. Through this initiative, with the support of the Australian Government, we are investing in the future by enabling agriculture-dependent communities to identify and act on their drought preparedness priorities at a grassroots level and in ways that best suit their communities.
The Small Network Grants will fund networks, community events, training initiatives, community infrastructure, development and learning initiatives that assist local people and communities to strengthen social capital and capability to prepare for future droughts.
Round 2 opens 13 February 2024 and closes 26 March 2024.
More information is available at Helping Regional Communities Prepare for Drought Initiative – Small Network Grants.
Sponsorship Grants for Student Science Engagement and International Competitions 2024
The Sponsorship Grants for Student Science Engagement and International Competitions 2024 offers grants of $1,500 to $15,000 to eligible Australian students.
This grant opportunity gives schools and community groups the funds to sponsor a student or group of students to take part in STEM:
- engagement events
- activities
- competitions.
Grants are for both local and overseas events and cover up to 100% of eligible costs. Applications close 4 April 2024.
For more information visit Sponsorship Grants for Student Science Engagement and International Competitions 2024.
The Telstra Footy County Grants
The Telstra Footy Country Grants is designed to financially assist initiatives that can support Community Clubs affiliated to the AFL to strengthen the base and secure the future in three key strategic areas.
Eligible regional and metro clubs can apply for grants up to $20,000 - helping strengthen, sustain and grow local footy.
The Telstra Footy Country Grants is designed to financially assist local footy clubs affiliated with the AFL through three key initiatives: Grow and assist volunteer capacity, Grow and diversify participation and/or Improve club environments and experiences.
Round 2: Monday, 4 March to 3pm (AEDT) Friday, 19 April 2024
Round 3: 3:01pm (AEDT) Friday, 19 April to 3pm (AEDT) Thursday, 13 June 2024
Round 4: 3:01pm (AEDT) Thursday, 13 June to 5pm (AEDT) Wednesday, 7 August 2024
More information available at Telstra Footy County Grants.
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, 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.
What’s new this month
Here’s just a few free online webinars available in March:
Search for more free events at https://mybusiness.service.nsw.gov.au/business-connect/events
Have you considered operating as ‘NOT business as usual’?
For small businesses, particularly those in the Northern Rivers and Mid-North Coast regions, the experience across the landscape over the past few years has been far from normal, and we recognize it has been far from ‘business as usual’. The past three years have taken their toll, leaving many feeling burnt out and uncertain regarding the road ahead.
Join a free one-day workshop facilitated by NORTEC Business Connect on Wednesday, 6 March, Cavanbah Centre Byron Bay to guide you to rediscover purpose and meaning within your small business, reigniting the sparks of hope for a new future of possibilities. It serves as an antidote for the years of relentless curveballs and uncertainty. It offers the pathway to gain clarity on what resonates with you to map out a new pathway for you and your business.
Book now for this free event!
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.