Small Business Advisory Services (SBAS)
What does it offer?
The Small Business Advisory Services (SBAS) program offers grants of up to $100,000 (GST Ex) for eligible not-for-profit organisations to provide business advisory services to small businesses or small business owners to assist them in responding to natural disasters that have occurred in Australia since October 2010.
Proposals funded by the SBAS programmay assist in areas such as:
- business planning advice
- advice on loans and banking products
- development of simple marketing plans
- assistance accessing legal and accounting services
- leasing guidance
- advice on government regulation
- mentoring for business
Natural Disaster Assistance
This application round will enable the selected grantees to expand and strengthen their capacity specifically to provide additional low cost business advisory services to businesses that have been directly and/or indirectly affected by the natural disasters that have occurred in Australia since October 2010.
Who can apply?
Business Enterprise Centres (BECs) and other registered business organisations, chambers of commerce, community organisations and other organisations with a demonstrated track record of successfully delivering small business. Advisory services can apply for funding to assist small businesses or small business owners to assist them in responding to the natural disasters in Australia since October 2010. Funding will supplement, and not replace, existing funding arrangements from other sources.
Background
The Australian Government recognises that, by its nature, the small business sector is dynamic, with large numbers of business start-ups and closures each year. Regardless of industry sector, there is similarity in the challenges faced by small business owners across Australia. The ability to access information, advice, knowledge and experience enhances the likelihood of businesses being able to grow, prosper and achieve profitability.
This funding round of applications will focus on providing additional low cost business advisory services to businesses that have been directly and/or indirectly affected by the natural disasters that have occurred in Australia since October 2010.
Merit Criteria
Eligible applicants will be assessed against the following merit criteria:
- need
- probability of success and potential risks
- effectiveness and impact.
Eligibility
Eligible applicants under the Small Business Advisory Services program must:
- be not for profit
- be incorporated under a law of the Commonwealth or a state or territory
- have an Australian Business Number (ABN)
- be a registered business organisation or Business Enterprise Centre
Please note: BECs who have a current funding agreement with the Australian Government under previous rounds of the SBAS program are eligible to apply for funding under this application round.
How do I apply?
Applicants compete for limited funding based on the merit of their application.
The program opened for applications on 6 April 2011 and closes at 5pm AEST, Friday 6 May 2011.