Applications open for Advanced Manufacturing Accelerating Growth Program (Australia)

Manufacturing businesses that utilise continuous improvement, enhanced skills, new technologies, and design and systems integration in order to drive innovation and growth throughout the value chain. Advanced manufacturers ensure that customers receive the best quality, cost and delivery of products and services. Advanced manufacturers aim to deliver high value, niche and customised premium products and services.

Aim

• The Advanced Manufacturing Accelerating Growth Program (the program) supports Tasmanian-based advanced manufacturing enterprises to become more competitive, resilient, and able to scale-up to better compete in global markets. The program encourages businesses to invest in innovative equipment, leading to increased employment, increased off island trade and greater economic benefits for Tasmania.

Funding Information

• The minimum grant request is $10,000 and maximum $100,000.

Eligible Expenditure

• The program provides a reimbursement of up to 50 per cent of approved project costs up to a maximum of $100,000. Eligible project expenditure cannot be retrospective. Eligible expenditure includes:
  • plant and equipment to be used in the manufacturing process
  • commissioning costs.

Ineligible Expenditure

• Examples of expenditure that is ineligible under the program includes the following:
  • reimbursement of retrospective project expenditure
  • certifications
  • salaries and wages
  • general operational business expenses including office expenses, maintenance costs, accounting, legal, compliance, government fees and software licensing (installation or upgrades)
  • costs associated with patents and intellectual property
  • building construction, modification or repairs
  • product prototype research and development.

Eligibility Criteria

• To be eligible for a grant from the program the applicant:
  • must be able to demonstrate that they are a Tasmanian-based advanced manufacturing enterprise or a high tech, Tasmanian based business that supports manufacturing inputs such as software or component development necessary for an advanced product.
  • must have an Australian Business Number and be registered for GST.
  • must not be a consultant or intermediary.
  • must not be subject to any legal disability, including bankruptcy or liquidation.
• In addition:
  • if funding was received in the first five rounds of the program, any subsequent application must be for a different manufacturing growth project.
  • if a grant is approved, the applicant must be able to finalise the project within 12 months.
  • if funding is approved, the applicant must be able to demonstrate how the balance of the project will be funded.

Assessment

• Assessment is based on the information provided by the applicant at the time of submission against the assessment criteria. Applicants are encouraged to ensure that all information is included in their application at the time of submission.
• All applications are subject to a merit assessment process based on the following weighted criteria:
  • current advanced manufacturing capabilities and processes, or the potential to become an advanced manufacturer with the proposed project (15%)
  • market driven off island expansion opportunity (significant import replacement opportunities may be considered) (30%)
  • increased employment opportunities (15%)
  • competitive neutrality – that is, the project will not be to the economic detriment of another Tasmanian-based advanced manufacturer (15%)
  • level of innovation and uniqueness of the project (15%)
  • other potential outcomes and benefits (for example, environmental improvements, carbon reduction and increased capacity to provide services to other businesses) (10%)
• The program is competitively based and assessed on the stated and weighted criteria.
• The initial assessment will be reviewed by a panel to determine the top-ranking applications to support for funding up to the maximum grant fund available per round. Less competitive applications may not be funded.
• Applicants will be required to participate in a program review conducted by the Senior Program Manager.

For more information, visit Australian Government.