Cairns and Far North Queensland businesses looking to expand, diversify or grow a new industry in Northern Australia can now apply for a share of $111.9 million worth of grants under the Northern Australia Development Program
Grants of between $50,000 and $2 million will be available for small to medium enterprises to grow their business through new activities.
Larger businesses can access grants of between $3 million and $10m to establish a new industry or significantly grow the value of an existing industry and contribute to transformational change in a region.
The first assessment round closes on December 10, 2021 with successful grants to be awarded from February, 2022.
Federal Leichhardt MP Warren Entsch said the program will provide a welcome boost for Cairns and Far North Queensland businesses.
“This grant is a great opportunity for established businesses supporting them to grow and diversify whilst also encouraging exciting investment and new industry into our thriving region,” Mr Entsch said.
“Cairns and Far North Queensland is a great place to live, work and do business and this investment is important for the future of our area to drive the development of diverse local businesses and create more jobs to support local families into the future.
Federal Northern Australia Minister David Littleproud said this first round of Northern Australia Development Program grants is about backing business and creating jobs.
“This program will jump start the enormous growth and industry transformation potential in Northern Australia, generating jobs and economic opportunities now and into the future,” Mr Littleproud said.
“These grants present an opportunity to get your project off the drawing board and into reality, whether through building new infrastructure, purchasing equipment, or training and feasibilities activities.”
The Business Grants Hub will administer the program using a merit-based assessment process.
Further information, including eligibility guidelines, are available at: www.business.gov.au/news/scale-up-and-diversify-your-business-in-northern-australia or by calling the Business Grants Hub at 13 28 46.