Government Funding Assistance

NSW Government Programs

Industry and Investment NSW is the major State Government department dealing with regional business in NSW. Not only does Industry & Investment manage the majority of financial assistance programs, but they also have regionally based Business Development Managers who can help businesses access funding. For more information go to www.smallbiz.nsw.gov.au.

Information about Regional Programs for businesses can be found by going to http://www.business.nsw.gov.au/business/programs/regional+programs.htm.

or by contacting

Suzette Gaff
Business Development Manager - Hunter Region
Industry and Investment NSW
Ph - 4908 7333
Suzette.gaff@business.nsw.gov.au

Kavita Payall
Economic Development Manager
Cessnock City Council
Ph – 4993 4257
kavita.payall@cessnock.nsw.gov.au

Small Business NSW

The New South Wales Government information website for people starting, running or growing a small business. For more information go to www.smallbiz.nsw.gov.au.

Innovation

Innovation Advisory Centre in the Hunter can provide assistance to innovative businesses by way of:

Free and confidential face-to-face meetings
Innovation information packages
Subsidised technical assessments, and
Innovation awareness events

Clients can also visit www.ausinvent.com for self assessments and innovation, news, to exhibit their ideas or products or to look for business partners. The Australian Technology Showcase promotes innovative Australian technologies to an international market. Companies accepted into the showcase gain access to networking and export development support. Visit www.ats.business.gov.au for more information.

Hunter Advantage Fund

The Hunter Advantage Fund is a NSW Government initiative to create additional sustainable employment in the Hunter region.

The level of assistance provided for a project from the Hunter Advantage Fund is based on the number of people it employs. However, other factors such as the value of the capital invested, the benefit to the region and its compatibility with the region's strategic development is also considered.

The aim of the Hunter Advantage Fund is to stimulate investment that will generate new jobs in the local government areas of Cessnock, Dungog, Gloucester, Great Lakes, Lake Macquarie, Maitland, Muswellbrook, Newcastle, Port Stephens, Singleton and the Upper Hunter. The Department will provide assistance towards:

costs in establishing new job-generating investment
infrastructure costs
payroll tax, land tax and stamp duty relief.

Visit http://www.business.nsw.gov.au/region/assistance/regional_programs.htm for more information.

Regional Business Development Scheme

The Regional Business Development Scheme offers financial and other assistance to businesses expanding in, or relocating to, regional NSW. I&I NSW Business Development Managers are available to:

help potential investors identify and develop commercial opportunities in regional NSW
assist businesses wanting to relocate to the State's regions
assist regional firms to expand and find new markets
help firms to diversify and add value to products.

Visit http://www.business.nsw.gov.au/region/assistance/regional_programs.htm for more information.

Aboriginal Business Development

The Department helps Aboriginal business people to develop business skills, establish networks and grow markets. Assistance is available for eligible businesses activities, including participation in domestic trade fairs, industry-specific marketing and engaging expert assistance for growth projects, business reviews and mentoring. Support is delivered through experienced Aboriginal Business Development Managers and regional staff.
These programs have been created to assist businesses that are majority owned and operated by Aboriginal people. Information on all the Department's initiatives for Aboriginal people can be found at www.aboriginalbiz.nsw.gov.au

Enterprising Regions Program

This program assists community/regional development organisations undertake planning activities and implement projects which have broad based local support and the potential to generate economic benefits.

Applications for assistance can be submitted by local councils, incorporated associations including business, industry and community organisations and regional development organisations including Regional Development Australia committees.

Applicants must demonstrate:

broad support from stakeholders such as the business and wider community for the project, eg by providing letters of support from the local council/s and organisations such as local business or industry groups and tourism organisations and/or
the project is aligned with a local, regional or industry plan eg Regional Business Growth Plans
the potential economic benefits of the project
that project funding will be matched by organisations outside of I&I NSW (small communities are an exception).

This program is designed to “kick-start” local projects to benefit the broader region rather than being of specific benefit to a single enterprise.

Visit http://www.business.nsw.gov.au/community/ for more information.

Local Infrastructure Support Fund

This fund provides $52 million over 5 years supporting infrastructure projects that are directly linked to economic development opportunities.

The fund aims to help offset the costs of specific critical infrastructure required for business establishment, expansion or relocation in regional NSW.

Visit http://www.business.nsw.gov.au/community/Funding+Programs/country_infrastructure_fund.htm for more information.

Small Chambers of Commerce Fund

This fund will provide $450,000 over 5 years to help small town chambers of commerce with promotional activities in country towns.

Applicants must be incorporated chambers of commerce or business development organisations such as progress associations or development groups, representing regional communities with a population of up to 5,000. 355 Committees of Councils are eligible to apply if the committee has a business development role or represents local businesses.