The Australian Government has introduced the Fresh Ideas for Work and Family Grants Program to support Australian small businesses to implement practices that help employees balance their work and family obligations as well as improve employee retention and productivity.
The Fresh Ideas Program provides grants of up to $15,000 (GST exclusive) to small businesses to help meet the set-up costs of family friendly arrangements that suit the individual needs of the business.
In addition, the Fresh Ideas Program supports small businesses through:
- developing and distributing business and industry specific information to assist in implementing family friendly work arrangements
- having experts within the Office of the Fair Work Ombudsman, to provide assistance and advice to small businesses seeking to set up family friendly work arrangements.
Who can apply for a Fresh Ideas grant?
Applications will be accepted from:
- small businesses in Australia with fewer than 15 employees (but at least one employee), including companies, partnerships, not-for-profit, non-government organisations and sole traders
- a consortium of up to three small businesses (where each small business in the consortium has fewer than 15 employees, but at least one employee).
The following businesses are not eligible for assistance:
- businesses with 15 or more employees
- businesses with no employees
- businesses that have already received Government funding for the same project
- businesses that are in insolvency administration
- businesses that have failed to engage in good work practices.
Selection Criteria
- The extent to which the applicant demonstrates that they engaged in discussions and meetings with employees in relation to the implementation of the family friendly work arrangement, and the family friendly work arrangement is supported by the applicant and its employees.
- The extent to which the applicant demonstrates the proposed family friendly work arrangement/s will benefit the business and assist employees to meet their work and family obligations.
- The extent to which the applicant demonstrates their commitment to the ongoing support and development of the family friendly work arrangement after the funding has ceased, including financial and other support.
Fresh Ideas Grant Applications must be received by the Department on or before the closing date of 31 March 2010
