It makes good sense to identify government funding and assistance programs available to support achievement of your business objectives.

Support on offer from Federal, State and Territory Governments can include: 

• grant funding  
• concessional loans
• tax concessions and incentives 
• wage support 
• duty concessions
• market entry
• mentoring and networking 
• business improvement and development 
• skills development and training 
• innovation  

How Ai Group can assist you  

Ai Group runs a number of support programs on behalf of Government, such as the South Australian Premiers Defence Industry Scholarship Program and the Business Recovery Advisory Service - Victoria.

Ai Group can also assist you to identify and access government grants and assistance programs. For further information on how we can assist your business email our Business Improvement team at  big@aigroup.com.au.

To identify government programs relevant to your specific business priorities, visit the free searchable listing of federal, state and territory government funding and assistance programs here

 Key issues to consider before you apply for funding 

Are the program objectives consistent with your business priorities?  

It may not benefit your business in the long run to pursue funding for activities that divert attention from core strategic objectives.  

What is the application process?  

Each program has its own application process. Grants application processes can be highly competitive and require investment of significant company resources without guarantee of success.  

Is your business eligible?  

Assess whether your organisation and the activity for which you are seeking support meets eligibility criteria. Businesses which have previously received support for the same or a similar activity may not be eligible for further support. Many programs do not provide funding support for activities which have already commenced so eligibility should be confirmed before the business commences the project.  

What are the resource commitments on your business?  

Check whether the program requires successful applicants to contribute matching funding and make sure that you have sufficient resources to meet these requirements in the event that your application is successful.   

What supporting documentation is required?  

Ensure that your application clearly addresses all relevant criteria and that the project objectives, expected outcomes; benefits to stakeholders (e.g. applicant, industry, community, environment); and the importance of the funding to project success are clearly identified as appropriate.  

Can you meet auditing and reporting requirements?  

Funding received must be expended in accordance with the funding agreement. Ensure that you have appropriate systems in place to record/retain proof of expenditure and relevant in-kind contributions.  
Ensure that any auditing or other reporting requirements are appropriately factored into project management systems.