These responses reflect the personal opinions of the writer and may not concur with Government policy or with the opinions of Government Officers.

• Why does the Government offer grants?

  The Government collects taxes in order to “run” the country. Tax collected pays for the operations of Government Departments and for developing the country
  both economically and socially. One of the best ways for the funds to reach the most appropriate businesses or communities is for the funding to be allocated
  on a “competitive” basis among eligible applicants.

• Are Federal Government grants different from State Government grants?

  Yes, each Grant program has its own Guidelines, eligibility criteria, closing dates, etc. Federal Government grants programs operate in those areas which
  come under Federal Government responsibility; State Government programs are in those areas that State Governments are responsible for.

• Why are the forms so complex do you make your money and are there any catches, like hidden fees?

  Complexity is a matter of perception. The Government needs to collect enough information from applicants so it can compare projects in competitive grants
  programs or so it can be sure that the applicant is eligible in other programs. Sometimes it seems that forms and guidelines are designed by a committee
  but they need to satisfy the requirements of Government analysis, not necessarily the needs of the applicants.

• Why is the eligibility so onerous?

  Onerousness is a matter of perception. The Government seems not to want or to encourage “frivolous” applications, so sometimes eligibility seems onerous.
  I think it is important to study the Guidelines of the nominated program so you understand the nuances of the eligibility, then be persistent in responding
  to any bureaucrats questions to ensure they recognise your eligibility.

• Is a business plan necessary?

  Sometimes a business plan is a necessary part of the application; sometimes not so. In my opinion an internal business plan –

  • Current situation analysis
  • Goals and objectives analysis
  • Strategic analysis
  • Financial analysis
  • Capitalisation analysis
  • How much to apply for; what will it be used for? what will the benefits be etc. is always a good idea.
• Do I need a consultant to assist with the application?

  Not necessarily – it depends on the program. Sometimes a consultant can facilitate the process because of their previous experience. Sometimes consultants
  can add the resource of time when the applicant is too busy to devote adequate time to the project. In my opinion, there is no shortcut to the applicant
  studying the Guidelines and other pages on the website, whether a consultant is engaged to assist or not. There needs to be a written agreement with a
  consultant specifying project time; project cost; responsibilities; etc.

  Some programs such as EMDG (Export Market Development Grants) provide a list of accredited consultants on the website.

  Some consultants charge an hourly rate, a flat fee, or a success fee (% of money successfully applied for). Some programs exclude success fee arrangements
  with consultants. All is normally revealed in the Guidelines for the chosen program.

• Do I have to pay the money back?

  Depends on what the contract says and on the circumstances. Generally, if all goes to plan grant funds are not repayable as debt funding is.

• What if my plans or market forces change after the application is submitted?

  This must be discussed with the appropriate Government Officer and/or advised to Government in writing. The outcome depends on the circumstances.

• What is www.business.gov.au?

  This is a really good place to start for information about grants for business. It is a large site and I found it took some time to find the way around
  it. No doubt the reader is way more web savvy than I am.

• What is www.grantslink.gov.au?

  This is another broad site to review what all the options are for grants for business and non business.

• What are the most appropriate words to use in the application?

  I think the words should be simple, understandable and non technical as the reviewer will probably not be familiar with your community’s needs, your type
  of business or your industry. I sometimes imagine a number of applications coming across the desk of the bureaucrat or Government Officer and there is
  only enough funding available to fund one of them. I ask myself “what can I say to make this application stand out?” That helps with the choice of words.
  The applicant’s project will be uppermost in the applicant’s mind and they might believe it to be especially deserving, but if the applicant sees the
  application from the reviewer’s angle – with many competitive applications to choose from – the applicant may change the emphasis or even some of the
  words.

• Should I communicate with the Departmental Officer?

  Yes. I think this is always a good idea and sometimes it is mandatory. The Guidelines will reveal all.