Round 2 of SME Export Hubs open for EOIs
The Second Round of the Small and Medium Enterprises (SME) Export Hubs Initiative is now open for expressions of interest (EOI).
The Department of Industry, Innovation and Science has announced that grants of up to $1.5 million are available. Grant funds must be matched with cash and projects must conclude by 30 June 2022.
The program will allow SMEs to access opportunities to co-operate and collaborate with businesses in their region, develop collective branding, leverage infrastructure, utilise existing knowledge to improve local export capacity, access global supply chains, encourage business growth and importantly, create local jobs.
New and existing export hubs are eligible for funding provided they align with the Growth Centre sectors to facilitate SME export opportunities. The export hubs will work with Growth Centres to facilitate SME export opportunities.
NERA was delighted to see Toowoomba and Surat Basin Enterprise’s (TBSE) Southern Queensland SME Export Hub application successful in Round 1, and will continue to support the TSBE to deliver their Export Hub strategy and grow the global energy potential of the region.
The program will be delivered through a two-stage competitive selection process.
- Stage 1 EOI will close at 5pm AEST Thursday 19 September 2019.
- Stage 2 applications are expected to open in mid-November 2019.
Information about the program, including the grant opportunity guidelines and a link to the online application form is available at business.gov.au/SMEEH.
About the SME Export Hubs
The Small and Medium Enterprises (SME) Export Hubs Initiative is supported by Industry Growth Centres to support the establishment of local and regional hubs to assist Australian businesses take their products and services to the global market.
The Export Hubs will provide funding to develop local, regional and indigenous brands through export hub business collaborations to deliver value and employment opportunities back to Australian communities.
Eligibility
Broadly, to be eligible an applicant must have an Australian Business Number (ABN) and be one of the following entities:
- an incorporated not-for-profit organisation such as:
- an incorporated association
- a company limited by guarantee
- a non-distributing co-operative
- an Indigenous not for profit corporation
- a not-for-profit incorporated trustee on behalf of a trust
- an Australian local government agency or body
- an Australian state/territory government agency or body
- Regional Development Australia (RDA) committees.
Joint applications are acceptable, provided the lead applicant is eligible to apply.
If you have any further questions, please contact the team via export.hubs@industry.gov.au.
More information can be found here.
If you would like to apply with a focus on NERA’s priority sector of Oil, Gas and Energy Resources, please email contact@nera.org.au.