Murray-Darling Basin Regional Economic FUNDING GUIDELINES ...€¦ · Coonamble Shire Council...
Transcript of Murray-Darling Basin Regional Economic FUNDING GUIDELINES ...€¦ · Coonamble Shire Council...
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FUNDING GUIDELINES
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www.industry.nsw.gov.au/murraydarlingfund
Murray-Darling Basin Regional Economic Diversification Program
About the Murray-Darling Basin Regional Economic Diversification Program
In late 2012 the Commonwealth announced that Murray-Darling Basin communities would be able to share in $100 million of Commonwealth funding for economic development projects and diversification initiatives to support the economic base of regional communities likely to be affected by the implementation of the Murray-Darling Basin Plan.
In March 2014 the Commonwealth confirmed the New South Wales (NSW) allocation of $32.5 million for the establishment of the Murray-Darling Basin Regional Economic Diversification Program (MDBREDP). The program opened for applications in NSW on 12 August 2014. $18.4 million was allocated to projects in the initial funding round with $14.1 million remaining for this second funding round.
The objectives of the MDBREDP are to:
deliver economic development projects and diversification initiatives that broaden and support the economic base of regional communities likely to be affected by the implementation of the Murray-Darling Basin Plan;
encourage sustainable regional economic development, promote economic diversification, and increase the economic output of local and regional economies; and
involve where possible, the development of sustainable partnerships across state and local governments, the private sector and the not-for-profit community to support a shared vision and joint investment in regional communities.
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FUNDING GUIDELINES
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www.industry.nsw.gov.au/murraydarlingfund
Murray-Darling Basin Regional Economic Diversification Program
Two streams of funding were made available to eligible applicants for projects in the NSW portion of the Murray-Darling Basin. The Regional Business Investment Fund closed on 1 March 2016. This document outlines the Energise Enterprise Fund guidelines. Eligible applicants may apply for funding under both streams. Where an applicant is seeking funding from both streams, an application form must be completed and submitted for each.
Funding program Energise Enterprise Fund
Total program funding $4.1 million
Brief description of program
Grants for the delivery of economic development and diversification projects.
Types of projects include:
small economic development projects which support small business
skills capability building projects
economic development studies with clearly actionable and supported outcomes
Who is eligible NSW:
Local councils
Not-for-profits
Administered by Office of the NSW Small Business Commissioner (within the NSW Department of Industry)
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FUNDING GUIDELINES
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www.industry.nsw.gov.au/murraydarlingfund
Murray-Darling Basin Regional Economic Diversification Program
NSW Local Government Areas (LGAs) located within the Murray-Darling Basin
Albury City Council Gilgandra Shire Council Oberon Council (partial)
Armidale Dumaresq Council
(partial) Glen Innes Severn Council (partial) Orange City Council
Balranald Shire Council
Goulburn Mulwaree Council
(partial) Palerang Council (partial)
Bathurst Regional Council Greater Hume Shire Council Parkes Shire Council
Berrigan Shire Council Griffith City Council Queanbeyan City Council
Bland Shire Council Gundagai Shire Council Snowy River Shire Council (partial)
Blayney Shire Council Gunnedah Shire Council
Tamworth Regional Council
(partial)
Bogan Shire Council Guyra Shire Council (partial) Temora Shire Council
Boorowa Council Gwydir Shire Council Tenterfield Shire Council (partial)
Bourke Shire Council Harden Shire Council Tumbarumba Shire Council
Brewarrina Shire Council Hay Shire Council Tumut Shire Council
Broken Hill City Council Inverell Shire Council
Upper Lachlan Shire Council
(partial)
Cabonne Council Jerilderie Shire Council Uralla Shire Council (partial)
Carrathool Shire Council Junee Shire Council Urana Shire Council
Central Darling Shire Council Lachlan Shire Council Wagga Wagga City Council
Cobar Shire Council Leeton Shire Council The Council of the Shire of Wakool
Conargo Shire Council City of Lithgow Council (partial) Walcha Council (partial)
Coolamon Shire Council Liverpool Plains Shire Council Walgett Shire Council
Cooma-Monaro Shire Council
(partial) Lockhart Shire Council Warren Shire Council
Coonamble Shire Council
Mid-Western Regional Council
(partial) Warrumbungle Shire Council
Cootamundra Shire Council Moree Plains Shire Council Weddin Shire Council
Corowa Shire Council Murray Shire Council Wellington Council
Cowra Shire Council Murrumbidgee Shire Council Wentworth Shire Council
Deniliquin Council Narrabri Shire Council Yass Valley Shire Council
Dubbo City Council Narrandera Shire Council Young Shire Council
Forbes Shire Council Narromine Shire Council
As indicated in the table above, some LGAs are only partially located within the Murray-Darling Basin. A determination will be made by the NSW Department of Industry and the Office of the NSW Small Business Commissioner regarding the eligibility and assessment of projects located in partial LGAs.
Please note: the list of LGAs aboe does not reflect the council amalgamations that occurred on 12 May 2016.
For the Energise Enterprise Fund – Projects must target supporting businesses located in the NSW portion of the Murray-Darling Basin.
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FUNDING GUIDELINES
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www.industry.nsw.gov.au/murraydarlingfund
Murray-Darling Basin Regional Economic Diversification Program
To view the map outlining the Murray-Darling Basin as determined by the Murray-Darling Basin Authority, please click here.
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www.industry.nsw.gov.au/murraydarlingfund
Murray-Darling Basin Regional Economic Diversification Program
Energise Enterprise Fund
Energise Enterprise Fund Overview
The Energise Enterprise Fund will provide financial grants to communities in the NSW portion of the Murray-Darling Basin. Grants will be available for initiatives which support business capability building and skills development, diversification, resilience building and sustainability within these communities. This Fund will be administered by the Office of the NSW Small Business Commissioner, within the NSW Department of Industry.
Eligible organisations include: NSW local councils and incorporated not-for-profit organisations.
Types of projects will include:
skills capability building projects
small economic development projects which support small business
economic development studies with clearly actionable and supported outcomes.
Available Funding
Grants of up to $25,000 unmatched or up to $40,000 matched will be available.
For funding grants over $25,000, applications for funding must be matched financially 50:50.
Grants will be paid in 2 (two) fifty percent increments: upon execution of the funding agreement and upon completion of the project and outcomes report.
Important Dates
1. Applications will be open from 30 November 2015.
2. Applications will remain open until 2pm AEST, 21 July 2016 (refer to point 5 below).
3. Projects should be delivered within six months of funding approval (unless a longer period has been agreed with the Department).
4. Any project requiring delivery beyond 6 months must be clearly stated within the application.
5. Applications for funding will be assessed bi-monthly until funding has been fully allocated or the funding round closes.
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www.industry.nsw.gov.au/murraydarlingfund
Murray-Darling Basin Regional Economic Diversification Program
Eligibility
Projects must:
be delivered within the NSW portion of the Murray-Darling Basin (refer to the list provided on page 3)
include economic development and diversification initiatives that broaden the economic base of NSW regional communities that are likely to be affected by the implementation of the Murray-Darling Basin Plan
be delivered within six months of grant funding approval, unless clearly stated in the application and agreed with the Department
have the approval of an authorised representative of the organisation applying for the grant (e.g. CEO, Chief Financial Officer, General Manager, Director, Chair of the Board, President, authorised manager etc)
have the relevant insurances. For example, public liability and professional indemnity, depending on project type. See further details on ‘Insurances’ on page 14.
Who is eligible?
NSW local councils
NSW not-for-profit organisations
Who is not eligible?
Individuals or groups of individuals
Commercial organisations trading for profit
Organisations that are insolvent or under administration
Organisations not established under legislation and which are not a legal entity and unable to legally enter into a contract or agreement
State and Federal Government agencies and their entities
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www.industry.nsw.gov.au/murraydarlingfund
Murray-Darling Basin Regional Economic Diversification Program
Types of projects that may be funded
The intention of this funding is to drive diversification and sustainability in local communities within the Murray-Darling Basin through: skills capability building, small economic development projects and economic development studies with clearly actionable outcomes.
Some sample projects could include, but are not limited to, the below examples:
Place Activation
Type of project: economic development
Overview Public domain activation workshops, with the benefit of Councils partnering with business to develop innovative business projects to improve the competitiveness and economic outcomes of their Local Government Areas.
Scale Up Business
Type of project: skills capability building
Overview
Focus on assisting business to ‘scale up’ their operations. This could include helping businesses to employ new staff members and or a ‘Get Started’ campaign. Workshops may include assisting businesses to understand modern awards, workplace relations, super requirements, and recruiting tips.
Visual Merchandising Mentoring
Type of project: skills capability building
Overview
A visual merchandising specialist would deliver one-on-one consultations with local retailers. The specialist will assist retailers to visually engage with customers and get their brand noticed. This will drive increased sales and result in additional benefits for the local tourism economy.
A Digital Technology Specialist
Type of project: skills capability building
Overview A digital technology specialist to assist businesses identify business opportunities through online and digital platforms. Workshop topics may include: building a website, payment security, e-commerce platforms, data collection and storage.
Environmental Sustainability
Type of project: skills capability building
Overview Businesses engaging with sustainability specialists to learn ways to run business in a more sustainable way for the environment.
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www.industry.nsw.gov.au/murraydarlingfund
Murray-Darling Basin Regional Economic Diversification Program
Diversification for Agricultural Business
Type of project: skills capability building
Overview Support for businesses involved in the agricultural industry to diversify and build new skills and capabilities in new areas.
Collaborative Agrifood Industry Cluster
Type of project: economic development
Overview Local community to establish a collaborative agrifood industry cluster. The cluster could develop an online farmer’s market, or work together to distribute local produce to supermarkets.
Pop Up Shop Initiative
Type of project: economic development
Overview Support for local emerging businesses to utilise vacant retail space through short term leases, to assist them to develop greater local exposure or grow their business.
Night-time Economy
Type of project: economic development
Overview Council to lead a pilot that aims to activate the night-time economy through entertainment, marketing, and engagement with local hospitality and the arts.
Community Hub
Type of project: economic development
Overview Establish a best practice community hub that includes business support facilities, meeting rooms, and teleconferencing facilities. This would support the local business community and facilitate new business opportunities.
Place Activation Plan
Type of project: economic development studies
Overview Council to lead the development of a place activation plan/strategy to build a proactive small business environment in their LGA.
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FUNDING GUIDELINES
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www.industry.nsw.gov.au/murraydarlingfund
Murray-Darling Basin Regional Economic Diversification Program
Type of projects/project costs that will not be funded
What projects won’t be funded?
Projects outside of NSW and the Murray-Darling Basin
Applications submitted after the final closing date or after funds have been fully exhausted will not be considered
Commercial (for profit) ventures
Street celebrations, awards, major events and festivals
Feasibility studies
Previously assessed projects within the Energise Enterprise Fund
Projects which have already commenced prior to signing the funding agreement
What project costs won’t be funded?
Standard operating costs such as rent, wages, electricity or similar
Existing staff or programs
Infrastructure
Festive decorations and street banners
Office equipment such as furniture, computers, mobile phones, office hardware.
Assessment Criteria
Projects will be assessed and recommended based on whether the application meets the eligibility criteria provided at page 8. Ineligible applications will not progress to the assessment phase.
Then eligible applications will be assessed on the comparative merits of an application against the below evaluation criteria and relative to other applications.
Project Planning and Readiness
Clearly defined project proposal and detailed project activities
Clearly identified and satisfactory project timeline
Demonstrated relevant community and industry support for project
Clearly identified project team with demonstrated skills and experience to deliver the project
Itemised budget with clearly identified project tasks/activities and costings
Amount of eligible funding requested
Identification of other sources of confirmed funding, if required
Evidence of confirmed matched funding for projects requesting funding for more than $25,000
Demonstrated understanding and controls for project risks
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www.industry.nsw.gov.au/murraydarlingfund
Murray-Darling Basin Regional Economic Diversification Program
Project Outcomes
Clearly identified issues and/or needs the project is addressing and how the project will meet those needs
Businesses and others within the Murray-Darling Basin who will directly and indirectly benefit from the project and how they will benefit
How the project will deliver economic development and diversification initiatives that broaden and support the economic base of regional communities likely to be affected by the implementation of the Murray-Darling Basin Plan
How the outcomes of the project will encourage sustainable economic development and promote economic diversification
Where relevant, how the project will develop sustainable partnerships across state and local governments, the private sector and not-for-profit community to support a shared vision and joint investment
Other expected outcomes of the project
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www.industry.nsw.gov.au/murraydarlingfund
Murray-Darling Basin Regional Economic Diversification Program
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW – IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR ALL APPLICANTS
Applications must be lodged online through the link on the NSW Department of Industry website.
How will applications be assessed?
In assessing your application the Department of Industry and the Office of the NSW Small Business Commissioner:
will consider the information provided in your application
will consider your application in light of the requirements of the objectives of the program and the merit of claims against the above criteria
may request that financial information be independently analysed
may consider any other relevant information available to the Department of Industry, Office of the NSW Small Business Commissioner and the NSW Government including, but not limited to:
o information through the existing small business programs and engagement
o information from organisations able to undertake independent financial analysis and credit/debt investigations
o information provided to the Department of Industry through other assessment processes.
Applications will be assessed by the Assessment Committee against the eligibility and assessment criteria provided within these guidelines and funding recommendations will then be made.
If you are successful
You and the organisation which you represent must not make financial commitments for funded activities until your funding agreement has been executed by the Department of Industry and all other parties to that funding agreement. In the case of the Regional Business Investment Fund, projects should not commence until a pre-deed letter of offer has been executed by all relevant parties.
The funds must be spent on items/eligible project costs directly relating to your project, as specified in your application and the funding agreement.
You are required to pay back (or funding may not be paid) any unspent funding at the end of your project or funding which has not be spent in accordance with the funding agreement.
Requests for changes or variations to the project may be considered in limited circumstances, however such changes or variations may be rejected or accepted subject to certain conditions.
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www.industry.nsw.gov.au/murraydarlingfund
Murray-Darling Basin Regional Economic Diversification Program
Recipients will be given 3 weeks to review, accept and return the signed funding agreement to the Department of Industry. In the case of the Regional Business Investment Fund, this will entail the acceptance of a pre-deed letter of offer that is subject to the execution of a Funding Deed containing mutually agreed payment milestones.
A signed agreement/Funding Deed will require you to:
o recognise the Government funding contribution across all related materials promoting the project (e.g. signage, invitations, media releases, speeches)
o submit claims for payment and reporting as specified within the funding agreement
o provide input into potential case studies prepared by the Department of Industry on the project.
The information provided in your application will be used to create:
A funding and reporting schedule based on key project milestones; and
Key performance indicators.
Payment of grants:
Energise Enterprise Fund - Fifty per cent of Grant funding will be paid upon receipt of an invoice at the commencement of the project, with the remaining fifty per cent paid upon successful completion of the project.
Unsuccessful applications
Unsuccessful applicants will be notified in writing following the assessment, recommendation and approval of successful projects.
GST
Funding provided to successful applicants through the MDBREDP fund will be paid a GST component, additional to the agreed funding. If you are unsure about the tax implications related to receiving grant funding, we recommend that you seek professional financial advice from a qualified accountant. More information about GST and grant funding can be found at www.ato.gov.au.
Insurance Requirements
The applicant is responsible for ensuring they have the relevant insurance coverage to deliver the proposed project, including but not limited to any insurances required by applicable law. The applicant must also ensure that any relevant contractors are adequately insured for public liability and workers compensation and hold any other insurances required by applicable law. Employers must at all times comply with the Workplace Injury Management and Workers Compensation Act 1998 (NSW).
Government Information
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FUNDING GUIDELINES
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www.industry.nsw.gov.au/murraydarlingfund
Murray-Darling Basin Regional Economic Diversification Program
Information received in applications and in respect of applications is treated as confidential by the Department of Industry and the Office of the NSW Small Business Commissioner. However, such documents are subject to the provisions of the Government Information (Public Access) Act 2009. This means that, in some circumstances, the information contained in application forms and other relevant information may be released in response to a request lodged under that Act.
More information can be found at www.legislation.nsw.gov.au.
Privacy Policy
The Department of Industry and the Office of the NSW Small Business Commissioner are required to comply with the Privacy and Personal Information Protection Act 1998 and collect the minimum personal information (as defined in that Act) to enable contact with an organisation in order to assess the merits of an application.
To assist the Department of Industry and the Office of the NSW Small Business Commissioner to process your application, the information you provide will be collected and stored on a database. Such personal information will be handled in accordance with the Privacy and Personal Information Protection Act 1998. The Department of Industry and the Office of the NSW Small Business Commissioner will only use your information for the purposes for which it was collected.
Applicants must ensure that people whose personal information is included in applications have consented to the fact that the Department of Industry, the Office of the NSW Small Business Commissioner and other Government agencies may be supplied with this information and must also have been made aware of how it will be used.
Conflicts of interest
A conflict of interest arises when an applicant, or a person or organisation associated with the applicant, is in a position to benefit directly or indirectly from actions of the applicant through an unfair or unintended imposition in relation to the Department of Industry, NSW State Government or other party. A conflict of interest can also arise when an applicant’s integrity, objectivity or fairness is at risk due to a personal interest or conflicting business arrangements.
Applicants must disclose in their grant application, any potential or actual conflicts of interest that they may have or may be perceived to have in respect of their responsibilities to the NSW State Government and other parties in the course of delivering the project, should they be selected as the successful applicant.
Identification of a conflict of interest or a perceived conflict of interest will not automatically exclude an applicant from consideration. The Department of Industry and the Office of the NSW Small Business Commissioner reserve the right to assess the potential impact of the conflict or perceived conflict in relation to the grant application before a final decision is made. However, the Department of Industry and the Office of the NSW Small Business Commissioner’s decision about exclusion will be final.
Further Information
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FUNDING GUIDELINES
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www.industry.nsw.gov.au/murraydarlingfund
Murray-Darling Basin Regional Economic Diversification Program
See our Fact Sheet and Frequently Asked Questions at www.industry.nsw.gov.au/murraydarlingfund
Contact Us
To make an inquiry regarding the MDBREDP please email [email protected] and reference which funding stream your inquiry is regarding.
Phone
Energise Enterprise Fund – please call the Office of the NSW Small Business Commissioner on 1300 650 058.