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Department of Economic Development and Tourism
There are many subsidies and grants offered as incentives to new business in Tasmania.
The Department of Economic Development and Tourism provides funding for some Tasmanian businesses. Programs offered include:
MAPP (Market Access and Partnership Program) is a competitive, merit-based grant program intended to accelerate the growth of small to medium sized Tasmanian ICT companies. MAPP will provide up to $18 million over four funding rounds; two in 2006 and there will be two in 2007. Two types of grants will be offered in round three:
Funding for this program has been allocated as part of the Intelligent Island program which aims to create higher, long-term sustainable growth of the states ICT industries.
The Tasmanian Innovations Program assists businesses by providing financial assistance to help commercialise innovative products, processes and services. Mentoring Assistance of up to $20,000, Early Stage Commercialisation Assistance of up to $20,000 and Commercialisation Assistance of up to $150,000 is available.
The Market Ready Commercialisation Program (Market Ready) is a series of facilitated workshops that increase commercial success for Tasmanian innovators. The program provides successful applicants with 10 days of free professional assistance, valued in excess of $5,000.
The Enterprise Growth Program helps eligible Tasmanian businesses to prosper by supporting their growth and sustainability and to undertake projects that add to the State's economic growth. Outcomes from the Enterprise Growth Program in 2007-08 resulted in 125 new jobs, $9.51 million in investment and $9.7 million in exports, including import replacement.
The Business Boost Program helps businesses to develop and expand opportunities by increasing management skills, providing information and encouraging networking.
The Women in Business Micro-credit Program helps women who want to start or grow their business.
The Ideas2Market commercialisation program is designed to assist small business owners to turn ideas into viable opportunities for growth within their business.
The Knowledge 2 Business (K2b) program, a graduate employment and skills development program, aims to address the need for increased marketing knowledge and skills within the Tasmanian ICT and Science and Technology industries. The program is supported by the Australian and State Governments and is administered through the Department of Economic Development and Tourism. For more information please refer to the K2b website.
The Partnership to Jobs program funds community not-for-profit organisations so they can manage projects that increase employment opportunities for disadvantaged job seekers, including the long-term unemployed. $1 million is available over two years.
The Employer of Choice Awards assists employers in attracting and retaining skilled workers to support the growth and sustainability of their business.
Assistance is available through the Export Market Assistance Scheme to eligible Tasmanian-based small and medium-sized enterprises for approved marketing activities related to developing new export markets.
The Skills Development Program assists in the development and enhancement of Tasmanian exports.
The Young Farmer Interest Rebate Scheme has been created to encourage young farmers to expand an existing enterprise and/or improve productivity, through an interest rebate scheme on commercial loans. The program is managed by the Department of Economic Development and Tourism and The Department of Primary Industries and Water.
The Department of Economic Development and Tourism also offers other grants, funding programs and general assistance in the areas of sport and recreation, film, TV and multimedia development (Screen Tasmania), and antarctic industry (Antarctic Tasmania).
The King Island Sustainable Futures Program has been adopted by about 30 businesses on King Island with the aim of reducing their use of energy, water and materials plus cutting operating expenses by at least $500 each year. The program will boost the King Island brand to help grow not only exports but visitor numbers to the island.
Many organisations are available to assist businesses in Tasmania. The Department of Economic Development and Tourism advises companies wishing to establish, relocate, diversify or expand business in Tasmania and also specifically provides small business assistance.
Business Point provides a range of services to assist those starting or growing a business.
Business Enterprise Centres are designed to facilitate the creation, retention, and development of sustainable business enterprises and foster local economic development. They provide business advice, knowledge and expertise to businesses around Tasmania. The State Government will provide additional funding of $880,000 to support these centres over the next 3 years.
The Business Licence Information Servcie (BLIS) provides information on Australian Government, State Government and Local government business compliance requirements for operating a business (or occupation).
The Tasmanian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (TCCI) provides effective leadership for employers and delivers a range of relevant and quality services to the business community.
Individual business requirements are often imposed by the local council in the area you are conducting your business. Tasmanian council web sites can be accessed from the Local Government Association of Tasmania (LGAT) web site. Most councils also offer grants on an adhoc basis. Contact your local council for details via council connect.
The Tasmanian Government Office assists Tasmanian organisations to identify Australian Government grants programs that could meet their needs.
Ausindustry is the Australian Government's central point for business information and assistance. AusIndustry delivers a range of more than 30 business products, including innovation grants, tax and duty concessions, small business services, and support for industry competitiveness worth nearly $2 billion each year to about 10,000 small and large businesses.
The Australian Government business website is the gateway to Australian, state, territory and local government information and services for business. Search the site for business information and services collected from Australian Government sources including starting a business, registering a business, grants, taxation and financial assistance.
Austrade provides export assistance to Australian businesses in the form of information, advice and financial assistance. The organisation also provides assistance to international companies to source goods, services and investment from Australia.
The Australian Government Regional Entry Point provides a service for people living in regional, rural and remote areas of Australia; including information and links to many Australian Government programmes and services and an up-to-date Australian Government Regional Information Directory (AGRID) - a comprehensive guide to Australian Government programmes and services.
GrantsLINK helps you find the best source of funding and assists you to complete application forms.