Assess-Implement-Monitor Grants Program (Australia)

Purpose

• GISA’s Business Sustainability Program (the Program) fills an information gap, providing expertise as a basis for informed decision-making and implementation of sustainable change.

Aim

• Expand South Australia’s green industry sector by supporting a range of businesses, organisations, and industries to apply sustainability and circular economy principles in the commercial production of goods and delivery of services.

Objectives

• Support businesses to adopt:
  • circular economy principles and practices, focused on keeping materials in use for as long as possible (extending lifecycles) and at their most productive value, minimising or eliminating waste, pollution and harm to the environment, less reliance on virgin materials
  • better practice methods and standards in waste management, guided by the waste management hierarchy (prioritising waste avoidance and reduction, reuse and recycling, and promoting zero avoidable waste to landfill)
  • better practice methods and standards in the efficient use of resources to deliver the same, or better, output with less input
  • net zero emissions strategies and targets, including nature positive plans and actions.

Funding Information

• Up to $20,000 per applicant comprised of:
  • up to $15,000 for an assessment – co-contribution 2:1 (GISA:Applicant)
  • up to $5000 (1:1) to implement assessment recommendations that meet eligibility criteria.
• Charitable organisations, social enterprises and First Nations businesses may be eligible for a full subsidy on assessments costs (up to $15,000).
• GISA aims to be flexible regarding timeframes for project delivery, and funding periods and grant funds may be provided for eligible project costs incurred for up to 24 months from the date of execution of the funding agreement, or as otherwise negotiated and agreed by GISA.
• As a guide, assessment projects typically take a minimum of 3 months (covering project inception, data collection and analysis, report drafting and finalisation, and project close), and may take as long as 12 months depending on staff and data availability. Timing of implementation projects varies.

Eligibility Criteria

• Applicants must:
  • have been operating under the same (or similar) business model for a minimum of 2 consecutive years in South Australia immediately prior to applying
  • contact GISA program staff to discuss the project and their options prior to being provided an application form
  • allocate staff to ensure the project is delivered as expected, giving access to data and information  required for effective project delivery
  • hold a current Australian Business Number (ABN) and be registered for GST; not-for-profit organizations must be registered with an appropriate Australian and/or state-based authority as a legal entity
  • hold and maintain Public Liability Insurance to the value of at least $1 million for the duration of the proposed project
  • contribute the appropriate portion of funds to cover all remaining assessment and implementation costs
  • be willing to share information with GISA, including copies of service provider reports and progress on implementation of assessment recommendations
  • be solvent, and able to enter into a legally binding funding agreement with the South Australian Government (via GISA)
  • comply with all federal and state laws, regulations, and any applicable Environment Protection Authority requirements.
• Projects must:
  • consider improvements in waste management, materials efficiency and implementation of circular economy principles
  • be ‘business-led’ – applicants must discuss their project with GISA program staff prior to applying for funding and provide explanation of the reason and need for the project
  • be delivered in partnership with a suitably qualified and capable, independent, and impartial service provider (a specialist advisory consultant, or equivalent)
  • be new, not already commenced or completed at the time of application (funds are not available retrospectively however consideration may be given to assessments that build upon or provide updated information from a previous assessment, at the discretion of GISA)
  • compare current practice to a range of alternative activities, technologies or solutions (not focus on a single solution, technology, or product)
  • focus on holistic solutions, taking into consideration how recommended activities may affect multiple aspects of the applicant’s operations, and other operations if applicable
  • focus on activities that are in addition to meeting minimum regulatory compliance
  • take place within South Australia for the benefit of the South Australian business community
  • have a clear timeframe and project milestones
  • be tailored to address the needs of the applicant (not provide generic advice)
  • meet and contribute to the program aim, objectives and outcomes, including clear links to driving a more sustainable and circular economy in South Australia, targeting activities prioritised higher on the waste management hierarchy than current practice, and/or driving better practice materials and resource efficiency

For more information, visit GISA.