What is the ResourceSmart AuSSI Vic Initiative?

Through this grant process, Sustainability Victoria (SV) will engage Education for Sustainability providers to deliver the
expansion element of the ResourceSmart AuSSI Vic Initiative (the Initiative). The Initiative will:

• ensure that Education for Sustainability1 (EfS) is available to students at all education levels
• assist schools to reduce their environmental impacts by reducing energy consumption, water consumption and/or waste production, and increasing biodiversity in school areas
• more effectively integrate school sustainability infrastructure and behaviour change programs.

SV is working in partnership with the Department of Education and Early Childhood Development (DEECD) to deliver the
Initiative. The Initiative is open to all Victorian government schools, independent schools and Catholic schools.

Why is the Victorian Government funding this?

The Victorian Government has committed $8.305 million over 4 years to build on the existing ResourceSmart Australian Sustainable Schools Initiative Victoria framework (ResourceSmart AuSSI Vic).

This funding supports two components:

• To extend the current ResourceSmart AuSSI Vic program reach, embedding Education for Sustainability to an additional 400 schools and early childhood centres
• To provide Education Facility Energy Efficiency Grants –

Incentive grants of up to $10,000 for every new school and early childhood centre participating, to undertake energy audits and where able contribute to the purchase of energy efficient or sustainable infrastructure.

ResourceSmart AuSSI Vic brings together school culture, infrastructure, curriculum and school-community partnerships through the application of the established ResourceSmart AuSSI Vic framework.

The Victorian Government recognises the benefits of improving waste management, energy and water efficiency and biodiversity of schools, in reducing costs and providing a practical framework for schools to take sustainability action and engage with sustainability programs. Schools participating in ResourceSmart AuSSI Vic in 2008/9 and 2009/10 reduced their energy use by 22% and water consumption by 29%.

Initiative objectives

The long-term Initiative objectives include:

• demonstrated measurable improvements in energy, waste, water and biodiversity
• increased participation in, and progression through,
• increased capabilities of school staff and other stakeholders to progress sustainability education within schools (which includes operations, curriculum, culture and school‑community partnerships)
• enhanced capacity of local education networks to collaborate and achieve local environmental outcomes
• established proactive networks of support to progress the outcomes of the Initiative beyond 2015
• recognition and rewards for participating schools

More specifically, the Initiative will engage appropriate EfS service providers to support the implementation to:

• increase the number of metropolitan Melbourne ResourceSmart AuSSI Vic schools by 230 by June 2015 (new )
• continue to support the existing ResourceSmart AuSSI Vic schools (participating ) in metropolitan Melbourne.

Who can apply?

SV will consider Applications from organisations that meet the following Eligibility Criteria: Eligible Applicants must:

• be a not-for-profit incorporated entity (for example a company or incorporated association) or a Victorian Government  or Local Government Authority and
• have an ABN.

The Applicant may apply for funding in its own right or on behalf of a consortium.

Consortium applications

Consortium applications will be considered favorably.  A consortium must be led by the Applicant (Lead Organisation) who will be responsible for the Initiative delivery and will enter into a funding agreement with SV. Each consortium must also nominate a Deputy Lead Organisation.

Applicant and Deputy Lead Organisation

The Applicant (Lead Organisation) and Deputy Lead Organisation must meet the Eligibility Criteria.

Organisations that are primarily commercial or established for profit making purposes or a Victorian Government Departments will not be funded directly as a Lead Organisation (and cannot be the Deputy Lead Organisation) but may be a consortium member.  In a consortium application, the Deputy Lead Organisation must be prepared to assume the responsibilities of the Lead Organisation and agree to enter into a funding agreement with SV in the event of a termination of the agreement with the Lead Organisation.

Other Consortium Members

SV encourages Applications from consortia representing a range of EfS service providers supporting schools in ResourceSmart AuSSI Vic in each region.

Other consortium members must:

• be an incorporated entity (such as a company or incorporated association) or a Victorian Government department, Victorian Government Agency or Local Government Authority
• have an ABN
• demonstrate their support for the consortium including the Lead Organisation and Deputy Lead Organisation by a letter of support
• demonstrate the capacity to support schools in ResourceSmart AuSSI Vic in any or all of the core, water, waste, energy or biodiversity modules.

Any consortium member (including Lead and Deputy Lead Organisations) may be included in multiple Applications submitted for more than one metropolitan region of Melbourne.

What will be funded?

Applicants can apply for one or more metropolitan regions.  Each region will be assessed independently according to the assessment criteria.

The successful Applicant for each region will receive the funding allocation shown in Table 2 below. Funding will be provided to undertake activities to:

• increase the number of schools actively participating in ResourceSmart AuSSI Vic, in line with the targets for each region and
• support existing schools through the modules and 5Star Sustainability Certification process. Participating schools are required to undertake additional modules and attain additional stars under the 5Star Sustainability Certification process.  A range of activities will be required to achieve the objectives of the ResourceSmart AuSSI Vic Initiative. The Initiative activities included in your Application must achieve the following:
• support for new and existing schools building place-based peer learning networks
• successful engagement of target numbers of new schools outlined for each region
• progression of existing schools through 5Star Sustainability Certification (i.e. schools increasing their rating within the 5Star Sustainability Certification.)
• support for all modules of ResourceSmart AuSSI Vic including coordinated access to accredited facilitators and assessors
• engagement of primary and secondary schools and provision of flexible program methodologies that cater for their different needs
• demonstrated links to curriculum, both VELS and National Curriculum Cross-Curricular perspective of sustainability
• coordinated training and professional development programs
• effective and efficient administration and governance arrangements
• demonstrated methodologies that provide face to face and online support for schools.

Specific activities could include, but are not limited to:

• seminars and forums covering the modules or other aspects of the Initiative
• teacher time release program for professional development
• on-line support (e.g. Community of Practice, advice) for schools
• school mentoring program to enable experienced schools and staff to assist new schools
• one-to-one or one-to-many facilitation (using accredited facilitators) for new schools to complete modules addressing:
• whole of school engagement to action planning and data collection
• energy
• waste
• water
• biodiversity
• assessment of progress through ResourceSmart AuSSI Vic modules and support for schools to progress to 5Star
• linking schools with local stakeholders and service providers
• peer learning programs for schools
• establishment of new Teacher Educator Networks.

What won’t be funded?

Funding will not be provided for activities that:

• are clearly within the responsibility of another government grants program such as DEECD’s Strategic Partnerships
• duplicate services already in operation or planned for in the relevant region
• are not located within the relevant region
• are not specifically related to ResourceSmart AuSSI Vic or
• are inconsistent with government policy objectives.

Downloads

• Regional Victoria Guidelines (556.66KB)
• Metropolitan Melbourne Guidelines (550.82KB)
• Regional Network Pilot 2010-11 (713.81KB)
• Capability statements for service providers (487.30KB)
• Capability statements for schools (545.99KB)
• Budget template (21.50KB)
• General funding agreement (230.17KB)

About

Pyksis and the ANZATech are now issuing invitations for a half day Information Session to be held for the upcoming Global Acceleration Program to take place in Silicon Valley, USA in March 2012.

The GAP is an exciting innovation and commercialisation program supported by the Victorian Department of Business and Innovation (DBI) assists innovative companies enter exports market in both the USA and China.  The current recruitment if for the USA program.

Details

GAP is a 5-month program that assists participant companies enter exports markets by:

Providing 2 weeks in the US partnered with a US based industry expert and mentor to understand your industry sector

• Developing of a detailed Market Entry Strategy
• Developing pitching documentation and support materials
• Attending networking events with leading financiers, industry experts and technologists in the US
• Developing documentation including Product/Service Summaries, Executive Summaries and PPT presentations
• Providing 4 months of ongoing Australia based mentoring to assist in the executive of market entry activities

Read more here

About

The Competitive Business Fund is a Victorian Government initiative to assist businesses to take maximum advantage of new opportunities that are emerging in the global economy.

The Fund supports growing and competitive businesses with the potential to move into new markets, to develop processes and solutions, or to invest further in their business in order to enhance competitiveness and capitalise on emerging opportunities.

Funding in the order of $3 million is available in the second round of grants on a competitive basis.

Nature and level of assistance

The Fund provides two streams of financial assistance on a co-contribution basis:

• Enterprise - up to $250,000 for a project involving one company, to be matched by a minimum of  $3 for every $1 granted; and
• Supply Chain - up to $500,000 for a collaborative project involving multiple companies, to be matched by a minimum of $2 for every $1 granted.

Where a project involves multiple organisations, the lead organisation submits the application and is subject to the financial risk assessment. All participating organisations will be subject to probity checks.

Funding may be used for:

• Investments that increase a company or supply chain’s productivity and competitiveness including, for example:
  • purchase/upgrades of plant and equipment or technology
  • upgrades to existing infrastructure
  • improvement/enhancement of capabilities or skills
  • adoption of new processes
  • development of an innovative product, process or market that will generate broader benefits to the community
  • mergers and acquisitions that will create sustainable growth-oriented entities
• Collaborative projects among multiple businesses that facilitate greater business growth
• Demonstration projects where knowledge is shared across industry, which leads to significant productivity improvement.

Assistance will not be provided for normal “business as usual” operations, such as meeting payroll commitments, for payment of redundancies or for organic growth.

Round 3 Competitive Business Fund

Round 3 of the competitive business fund is yet to be announced. Be sure to subscribe to the weekly newsletter to find out the latest grants on offer.

Eligibility criteria

Competitive Business Fund applicants meeting the following criteria will be eligible for consideration:

• possess an Australian Company Number (ACN)
• be based in Victoria
• achieve a satisfactory financial risk assessment based on financial reports for the past three financial years
• agree to comply with the Department’s performance monitoring and evaluation regime
• meet the co-contribution requirement and have investigated, and/or sought funding from appropriate Commonwealth Government programs and other State Government programs where appropriate before applying to the Fund (funding from such Government programs cannot form part of the minimum co-contribution commitment).

Where a Competitive Business Fund project involves multiple organisations, the lead organisation should submit the application. All participating organisations will be subject to probity checks.

Documentation

Electronic copies of the following documents will need to be submitted with the online Competitive Business Fund application form:

• Audited Financial Reports for the past three years (including Profit & Loss, Balance Sheet and notes to the accounts)
• where the Financial Report is more than six months old, a copy of the latest management or interim accounts for the current year
• company business plan incorporating financial projections (Profit & Loss and Cash Flow)
• project business plan or project feasibility study (including projections of incremental Profit & Loss and Cash Flow resulting from the project and, as applicable, forecasts of gross sales, export sales, increase or transition of employees and details of construction arrangements or contracts).

Note: Cash flow projections should include project expenditure and project funding as separate items in cash outflow and inflow. The financial projections should cover a period of at least three years or the life of the project if less than three years and should reflect the financial benefits expected to be generated from the project.

Expert Assistance

We have assisted many Victorian manufacturers access infrastructure funding for growth.

We can assist you to prepare a competitive application that includes demonstrating:

• the potential to deliver a net economic benefit to Victoria
• sustainable increases in productivity
• creation or transition of staff to high value jobs
• how the company will capitalise on opportunities arising from changing global economic conditions
• the contribution to a region or locality in terms of employment
• the increase in competitiveness of your company
• alignment to the Victorian Government’s priority sectors

Contact us on 03 9005 6789 or email to see how we can assist you with your Competitve Business Fund application.

Previous Recipients of the Competitive Business Fund

The successful Competitive Business Fund recipients are below:

Overview

The Victorian Government ‘the Government’ is calling for proposals from service providers interested in working with industry and the research sector to participate in the new Collaborative Networks Pilot Program. This new initiative, a key Baillieu Government election commitment, focuses on driving innovation at firm (particularly SME) level to improve productivity.

The Collaborative Networks Pilot Program is designed to capitalise on Victoria’s innovation and technology strengths through increasing productive collaborations. It seeks to establish formal networks within industry and between industry and the research sector (private and public), leveraging existing Victorian based R&D capability, to promote and enable the absorption of technology for specific industry needs.

It is intended that services should complement and augment programs already underway through the Smart SMEs Innovation Commercialisation Program (further detail at Attachment A).

The Government will provide total funding of up to $1.5 million for new initiatives in this priority area. As the Government is committed to piloting a variety of models that support the absorption of technology, project proponents should avoid seeking the entirety of available funds which are available. The Department anticipates that budgets will be spent over approximately two years to December 2013.

Program Objectives

The Collaborative Networks Pilot Program aims to:

1. Build a collaborative culture and strategic partnerships between industries and between industry and research (public or private) to achieve the commercialisation and absorption of existing and emerging innovations (including technologies);
2. Provide incentives for a more responsive and accessible research and development sector which can make a greater contribution to the Victorian economy;
3. Maximise diffusion of innovation across firms, in particular SMEs, and across the economy;
4. Accelerate productive use of new technologies by Victorian firms, particularly SMEs;
5. Introduce good management practices for knowledge assets in research establishments and industry that enable and promote exploitation of those assets in the Victorian market place;
6. Improve the opportunities for and performance of licensing technology that adds value to Victorian firms, particularly SMEs.

Funding Principles

The Government is committed to piloting a variety of models that support the absorption of technology and will provide total funding of up to $1.5 million in a single funding round for compelling collaborative investment proposals.

Proposal

Collaborative Networks Pilot Program Funding will be made available for proposals that meet or exceed the following desirable characteristics:

• Close alignment with one or more of the Program Objectives
• Substantive link to greater Victorian productivity and more high-value jobs
• Demonstrate strategic collaborative partnerships
• Leverage existing Victorian capability
• Demonstrate the strong track record of the project proponents
• Include a strategic action plan and preliminary time schedules for the delivery of the Project
• Include proposed logical and clear performance measurement indicators for the activities to be developed and delivered. Registrants should note that all outputs will be evaluated on quantity, quality, timeliness and user satisfaction

Collaborative Networks Pilot Program Proposals from industry-led consortia are strongly encouraged.

Collaborative Networks Pilot Program Funding

• A single funding round will commence in early 2012.
• Proposals that include significant matching funding (cash) are preferred, in-kind contributions are required.
• Requested funding should not exceed $0.3 million for any single project (proposals requiring additional funds will be considered, in exceptional circumstances).
• Funding is provided on a project basis and is not recurrent.
• Funds will typically be made available to projects with two year delivery profiles.
• The Government is not bound to use all the available funds if either insufficient projects are considered suitable for funding or the selection criteria are not met.
• Funding will not be considered for proposals that duplicate existing services or which are considered to be more applicable for support from other Victorian or Australian

Eligible Applicants

Grants from the Collaborative Networks Pilot Program are available for collaborative projects that may include existing collaborations or the formation of new joint ventures or other types of partnerships (public/private or public/public). Applications are open to partnerships between organisations including, but not limited to:

• Private firms (small and medium);
• Industry associations;
• Universities and other post-secondary educational institutions;
• Research institutes;
• Cooperative Research Centres;
• Public not-for-profit organisations;
• Victorian Government agencies and other Government agencies active in Victoria.

The lead organisation is responsible for administration of the grant funding for and on behalf of its partner organisations, via a funding agreement with the Victorian Government.

Initial applications in the form of a business case, must be able to certify:

• that the lead organisation is a Victorian based-entity with whom the Victorian Government can enter into legally binding funding agreements;
• that the project is to be located in Victoria and will be ready to commence in quarter 2 2012;
• that any non-Victorian partners are necessary for achieving the core objectives and delivering significant benefit to Victoria;

Collaborative Networks Pilot Program Projects seeking funding for equity investments or science and technology research are not eligible.

Electronic or hard copies must be received no later than 3:30pm on 3 February 2012.

About the Health Market Validation Program

The Health Market Validation Program (Health MVP) is a $15 million competitive grants program that encourages innovation in healthcare. Through the Health Market Validation Program, the Victorian Government is seeking solutions to healthcare challenges in order to achieve better health outcomes, improve healthcare service delivery and deliver economic benefits for Victoria.

The aim of the Health Market Validation Program

The Health Market Validation Program (MVP) supports the pre-commercial development of innovative healthcare-related products, processes or services by Victorian small to medium sized enterprises (SMEs). It links those in the public health sector who have identified a need with innovative Victorian SMEs that can develop technology solutions.

The Health Market Validation Program builds on an earlier pilot program with refinements, developed in consultation with the health industry sector, to effectively target health services.

What will the program deliver?

The Health Market Validation Program will provide innovative SMEs with opportunities to develop new health technology related products, processes or services to a validation point where they are ready for final-stage investment to reach the market.

These purpose-developed technologies will have the potential to deliver:

• improved healthcare and more productive healthcare service delivery (e.g. faster treatment times, reduced cost of treatment, reduced hospital stays)
• economic benefit for the State through supporting SMEs to bring products to market.

Who benefits?

For Victorian public health sector organisations, the Health Market Validation Program provides support to collaborate with industry to develop solutions that will improve health or healthcare service delivery and reduce costs.

For SMEs, the Health Market Validation Program provides a new source of funding to develop products, processes or services and the opportunity to develop and validate new technology in response to a real customer demand. In so doing, it offers a sound position from which to secure further investment and commercial opportunities.

The Victorian community will benefit from improved public sector health service delivery and productivity, early access to new and innovative technologies with the capacity to improve the health and wellbeing of Victorians and more focused private sector R&D, leading to new business ventures and economic benefits.

Which health-sector agencies are eligible?

All Victorian health-service focused public sector entities are eligible to apply for the Health Market Validation Program when the call for Technology Requirement Specifications is announced.

Eligible entities can include hospitals, health services, aged care providers, community health providers, ambulance services, and similar agencies.

Lead agencies, or a collaborating partner, must have an established clinical research governance mechanism and the capacity to trial the product or process during or after the funding period.

Which SMEs can apply?

Victorian-based SMEs may apply when the Call for Proposals is announced. Larger companies operating in Victoria or with R&D facilities located in Victoria may participate as non-leading collaborative partners. At least 80% of the R&D work must be undertaken in Victoria for the duration of the project.

Program Stages

The Health Market Validation Program involves a three-stage process.

November 2011: Technology Requirement Specifications

Victoria’s public health sector agencies are invited to identify specific problems that, if solved, are likely to result in significant improvement in the cost or delivery of healthcare services. During this stage, agencies can submit a Technology Requirement Specification (TRS) outlining the specific health sector problem and the anticipated benefits from addressing the need.

	Health Market Validation Program TRS Guidelines (DOC 90Kb)
	Health Market Validation Program (HMVP) Technology Requirement Specifications (TRS) guidelines November 2011

	Health Market Validation program TRS Application form (DOC 150Kb)
	Complete the application form by the 31 January 2012 to be eligible.

Early 2012: Call for Proposal

At the second stage, the Victorian Government will invite the SME market to propose new technology solutions to meet the need described in the TRS.

From late 2012: Feasibility Study and Validation

In stage three, SMEs that submit successful proposals will receive a grant of up to $100,000 to undertake a feasibility study, for up to 4 months. Successful feasibility studies may then be eligible for further funding of up to $1.5 million over two years in a validation phase to undertake the project R&D (including clinical trials) to progress towards market. Requests for funding above the levels specified may be considered on a case by case basis.

MVP Track Record

Our track record for the MVP program is:

• Round 1 - Three successful applicants for funding of $4.8m- (Only a total of 9 approved)
• Round 2 - Three successful applicants through to the feasibility stage. (Next stage pending late Oct)

Total funding raised is $5.1m for this program.

We are experts and assisting organisations get grants. Call us on 03 9005 6789 to discuss your project and see how we can assist you secure $1.6 M in funding.

Previous Recipients

• Absorbable rib prosthesis – Ingeneus will work with Alfred Health to investigate a rib fixation prosthesis as well as the instruments needed for use in chest trauma surgery.
• Portable body movement sensor – Procept  will work with Austin Health to investigate a movement analysis device for the management of patients with complex movement disorders from neurological conditions such as stroke, Parkinson’s disease and traumatic brain injury.
• Antibiotic delivery system – Osprey Medical will work with Melbourne Health’s Diabetic Foot Unit to investigate a means of delivering an infusion of antibiotics to the tree of the leg with minimal escape of the drug into the patient’s circulation system.
• Pharmacogenomic decision support system – Genes FX will work with Melbourne Health’s Department of Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics to investigate a personalised drug safety system that can be integrated into current hospital practices.
• Beneficial re-use of biosolids – Earth Systems will work with Melbourne Water to investigate sustainable and beneficial uses of biosolids including recovery of valuable products, reduced volumes of waste, reduced operational costs through on-site energy generation and reduced greenhouse gas emissions.
• Algae biomass to biogas - Algae Enterprises will work with Melbourne Water to investigate the production of biogas from algae biomass grown in wastewater for renewable energy generation.
• Smart sensors for large diameter water pipes - Hawk Measurement will work with Melbourne Water to investigate low-cost, reliable and durable methods of attaching existing sensor technology to large diameter pressure water pipes, and connecting fibre optic sensors between pipelines to form a network of fibre sensors that will provide early warning of faults or defects.
• Infant feeding teat – APS Innovations will work with the Royal Children’s Hospital to investigate cost-effective prototypes of a range of infant feeding teats designed to meet the specific requirements of both healthy and difficult feeders.
• Ophthalmic Outreach Diagnostic Platform - Ingeneus will work with the Royal Victorian Eye & Ear Hospital to investigate an easy-to-use slit lamp and tonometer for the assessment of eye health by a GP, in particular the diagnosis of glaucoma.
• Vehicle On-board Unit Auditing Station - Cohda Wireless  will work with VicRoads to investigate a freight on-board unit auditing and monitoring station that operates with both the Intelligent Access Program and existing tag technology.
• Interactive Patient Journey Board - Alcidion will work with Western Health to investigate a product that gives real-time information on the current status of all patients within the health service.
• Passive Stormwater Treatment Technology – Enviro Stream Solutions will work with Yarra Valley Water to investigate a practical water treatment product that allows pathogens to be removed from stormwater, which can then be used for non-drinking purposes such as garden, laundry and toilet flushing.

Introduction

The CRC program is a Commonwealth Government initative that unites end-users and research institutions to undertake collaborative research and development to develop solutions for major national challenges. CRC research tackles major challenges to deliver significant economic, social and environmental benefits to Australia.

The Victorian Government CRC Bid Support Program aims to encourage CRC activity in Victoria by seeking to maximise the prospects of Victorian-focussed CRC applications to the Commonwealth CRC funding rounds.

The Victorian CRC Bid Support Program is run by the Department of Business and Innovation (the Department).

Available Support

The Victorian CRC Bid Support Program offers the following support mechanisms to eligible applicants:

• Stage 1 – Application Development Grants
• Stage 1 – Application Review Service
• Stage 2 – Interview Assistance Grants.

Support is available to organisations that are leading a CRC consortium in the development of a CRC proposal with the intention of applying to the next CRC Selection Round.

Applicants will have to meet eligibility requirements and follow application instructions.

In the case of the Application Development Grants, applicants will need to meet certain criteria judged on information provided on the application form and, if required, attend an interview.

In the event of over-subscription to the Application Review Service, support will be given on a ‘first come first served’ basis.

Application Development Grants

Application Development Grants are available to partially offset any external costs associated with preparing an application to the 14th CRC Selection Round. Funds can be used for expenses such as bid management, legal advice and economic analysis. Some travel expenses may also be claimed to a maximum of 25 per cent of the total grant amount.

Funding of up $30,000 per eligible CRC application is available

The Victorian Government reserves the right to vary the amount of each grant or to not award a grant on a discretionary basis dependent on:

• funds available
• the perceived need for funds
• the perceived quality of the potential application to the Commonwealth CRC Program
• the perceived strategic importance of the CRC to the State of Victoria.

Grant funds are for external services and are not to be used to fund activities internally undertaken by the grantee (lead) organisation and other potential Participant organisations in the proposed CRC. Grants can be used for the hiring of contractors and consultants.

As an example, internal administration support or project management would not be eligible to be funded by the grant, however outsourced project or administration support is allowed. The Department reserves the right to refuse funding for expenses that are deemed not appropriate (such as capital items and entertainment expenses).

Applicants need to complete the Application Development Grants Form and successful applicants will be required to sign a grant conditions contract. Grants will be paid following submission of an application to the Commonwealth CRC Program and on the presentation of invoices for costs incurred.

Assessment Process

Applicants for the Application Development Grants will be required to submit a written application. Applicants may also be asked to attend an interview of up to an hour in length, if more information is required beyond the written application. It should be noted that it is more likely that you will be asked to attend an interview if you have not previously discussed your CRC proposal with Departmental representatives.

Application Development Grants applications will be assessed on merit against the selection criteria. Applications must be of a certain quality and meet certain requirements to receive Victorian Government support. Assessment of each criterion will draw on information provided throughout the application form and from the interview if required.

If you are required to attend an interview you will be notified by the Victorian CRC Bid Support Program Manager.

If the Application Development Grants are oversubscribed the Department reserves the right to rank applicants by scoring the Selection Criteria and to not award grants to all applicants.

Applications will be assessed by a panel of Victorian Government officers. If needed, further advice about an application may be requested from other relevant expert people or organisations.

The panel will make recommendations for funding to the Minister for Innovation, Services and Small Business. A letter notifying outcomes will be sent to all applicants.

Selection Criteria

The following selection criteria will be used:

• A. Quality of the CRC proposal – The CRC proposal needs to show that it is likely to meet the Commonwealth Program selection criteria and is potentially a strong contender for Commonwealth CRC selection. This criterion is assessed by factors such as: eligibility, appropriateness of the proposal to the CRC model and strength of the proposed plan to meet the needs of end users.
• B. Benefits to Victoria -  The CRC proposal needs to demonstrate that a substantial amount of CRC activity will occur in Victoria. The proposal also needs to be of strategic value to Victoria, for instance supporting Victorian industry or with public good outcomes that impact in the State. This criterion is assessed by factors such as: Victorian based headquarters, the number and type of Victorian Participants, research projects and other activities undertaken in Victoria, importance to Victoria and fit with Victorian Government policy objectives.

Criterion A is weighted 40 per cent, while criterion B is weighted 60 per cent. Applicants for funding should be the lead organisation in the CRC consortia.

Applicants not headquartered in Victoria are eligible to apply for a grant but will need to demonstrate a
compelling case for funding as judged against the selection criteria.

The applicant should be able to demonstrate that it is a financially viable organisation and may be required to undergo a financial assessment.

Applicants who are a Federal or State Government department or statutory authority, a local government authority, a publicly funded university or research institution are not required to undergo a financial risk assessment (classified as exempt entities).

All other applicants are required to submit the following financial information:

• Financial report for the last two financial  years. This should be the ‘final accounts’ with  Directors’ Report & Declaration and should include Profit & Loss Statement, Balance Sheet and notes to the accounts.
• Where the latest financial report is more than six months old, up to date management or interim accounts (Profit & Loss Statement and Balance Sheet) for the current financial year.

Expert Advice

The CRC application process is increasingly competitive with only 13% of CRC applicants being funded in the last round. Successful bids have become more professional and often rely on external support. Our CRC expertise extends to:

Call us on 03 9005 6789 to discuss how we can support your CRC bid.

About

The Small Technologies Industry Uptake Program (STIUP) has been developed by the Victorian Government to give Victorian businesses the opportunity to increase their competitiveness by using small technologies in their products, processes and services.

STIUP will allow Victoria’s innovative small technology companies to demonstrate and commercialise their goods and/or services. The Program will provide support through a voucher system, whereby vouchers can be exchanged for access to facilities, goods, services, advice or expertise to explore, adopt and integrate small technologies.

Applications for the second round of STIUP Trial vouchers are currently being accepted. Completed applications (including the required financial information) must be received by 3pm, Friday 18th November 2011.

What categories of vouchers are available through STIUP?

Types of  STIUP vouchers available:

STIUP Voucher 1 – The Small Technologies Feasibility Voucher (STFeas)

The Small Technologies Feasibility (STFeas) voucher has a maximum value of $10,000 and can be used for small fee-based services such as demonstration of coatings, preliminary testing, and consulting services to evaluate feasibility of micro and nanofabrication processes. STFeas voucher applications can be submitted to the Small Technologies Cluster at any time and will be processed as they are received.

The STFeas Vouchers can be used for the following:

• Speciliased business and professional services required to commercialise a product or service (such as those required for protection of intellectual property, development of materials documents or prototypes for commercial feasibility and market studies)
• Specialised services required to obtain pre-commercials and venture capital financing for new or existing micro or nanotechnology based products and services
• Consulting services to evaluate micro and nano fabrication processes and product design

STIUP Voucher 1 -The Small Technologies Technical Voucher (STTech)

The Small Technologies Technical (STTech) voucher has a maximum value of $50,000 and can be used for more substantial micro or nanotechnology-based development activities. This includes assistance for small scale product prototyping, laboratory verification, field testing and fabrication of small technology demonstrators. STTech voucher applications can be submitted to the Small Technologies Cluster at any time and will be processed as they are received.

The STTech Vouchers can be used for the following:

• Access to micro and nanotechnology research and development capability (people, equipment and facilities) within publicly funded institutions and service providers (universities, CSIRO, research institutes).
• The use of technology, equipment or facilities to progress small technology projects from concept to commercialisation stage such as product testing, validating, prototyping, certifying and demonstration of projects to facilitate faster product and/or service to market.
• Access to emerging small technologies from other commercial companies /business sectors that can be transferred into the company to improve products, processes or services.

STIUP Voucher 3 – The Small Technologies Trial Voucher (STTrial)

The Small Technologies Trial (STTrial) voucher has a maximum value of $250,000 and can be used to trial existing small technology based innovations which can improve the competitiveness of a firm / business belonging to a priority Victorian industry (such as advanced manufacturing, biotechnology or ICT) or can improve services which are provided for the benefit of Victorians. STTrial voucher applications will be submitted to the Department of Business and Innovation and will be conducted through funding rounds.

The STTrial Vouchers can be used for the following:

• Development of prototype or types that will be able to demonstrate commercial feasibility, open up markets and or improve current products or processes
• Pilot scale trials that can demonstrate the advantages of adoption of small technologies into products or production processes.
• Applied development and testing of small technologies that can be incorporated into current products and process to improve productivity and or profitability.

Who is eligible for STIUP?

STIUP Voucher recipients:

• are eligible to receive one STFeas, one STTech and one STTrial voucher over the life of the program
• must be able to demonstrate how the successful delivery of the proposed project will deliver productivity gains, improved health or improved sustainability outcomes, and demonstrate how this will be captured for the benefit of Victoria
• are required to make a minimum 25 per cent matching contribution to the project
  • if company turnover is less than $1 million, the matching contribution can be all in-kind
  • if company turnover is between $1 million and $10 million, matching funds must be a minimum 10 per cent cash contribution and up to 15 per cent in-kind
  • if company turnover is greater than $10 million, the 25 per cent matching contribution must be in cash
• cannot redeem vouchers to pay for services already funded through other local or state government grant programs
• may comprise two or more companies – for example, applicants are allowed to pool or bundle their vouchers with other businesses to address a larger problem common to two or more recipients
• must enter into a written agreement that clearly specifies the work to be undertaken by the service provider and the cost of providing these services with the service provider
• must declare any existing relationships between approved supplier and voucher recipient
• must complete the activities within 12 months from the date of issue of STFeas and STTech vouchers and within two years for the STTrial vouchers
• must not make any public announcement or issue any press release regarding the receipt of a voucher, except in consultation and with the approval of the Department of Business and Innovation.

What can the STIUP vouchers be used for?

STFeas vouchers can be used for:

• development of materials, documents or prototypes for commercial feasibility
• specialised services required to obtain pre-commercial and venture capital financing for new or existing micro or nanotechnology based products and services
• consulting services to evaluate micro and nanofabrication processes and product design.

STTech vouchers can be used for:

• access to micro and nanotechnology research and development capability (people, equipment and facilities) within publicly funded institutions and service providers (universities, CSIRO, research institutes)
• the use of technology, equipment or facilities to progress small technology projects from concept to commercialisation stage such as product testing, validating, prototyping, certifying and demonstration of projects to facilitate faster product and/or service to market
• access to emerging small technologies from other commercial companies/business sectors that can be transferred into the company to improve products, processes or services.

STTrial vouchers can be used for:

• development of prototype or types that will be able to demonstrate commercial feasibility, open up markets and or improve current products or processes
• pilot scale trials that can demonstrate the advantages of adoption of small technologies into products or production processes
• applied development and testing of small technologies that can be incorporated into current products and processes to improve productivity and or profitability.

What can’t the STIUP vouchers be used for?

The STIUP vouchers cannot be used as payment for the following expenses:

• business plans
• legal/IP costs
• market studies
• software purchases
• design and production of advertising material
• sales and promotion activities
• costs associated with applying for government grants and programs
• basic professional services such as ongoing, routine accounting, tax and legal business requirements, and financing fees
• routine maintenance
• travel costs and entertainment costs
• any expenditure of time by in-house personnel of the applicant
• any amount paid on account of goods and services tax
• any administrative fee or surcharge for administering such expenditures
• anything else as determined by the Victorian Government discretion not to meet program conditions.

Expert Assistance

We are Australia’s leading provider of government grant assistance. In the last two years we raised over $260M for clients.

For this round of STTrial we will only be working with existing STFeas of STTech recipients. If this is you, then please  contact us to discuss further or call us on 03 9005 6789.

Closing Date

Applications for the second round of STIUP Trial vouchers are currently being accepted. Note that completed applications (including the required financial information) must be received by 3pm, Friday 18th November 2011.

The program consists of four sessions where participants acquire new knowledge and skills to significantly assist in the growth of their companies, whilst avoiding the pitfalls associated with rapid growth.

Session topics include:

Value Proposition and Customers

• Team and Corporate Structure
• Financial Management
• Sustainability, Internet and Social Media

MasterClass sessions are supported through individual and group coaching sessions.  Topics covered in the coaching sessions may include marketing, sustainability, social media and financial management.

Who can participate?

 The program is open to businesses that:

• Are based in Victoria
• Have been in business for at least two years
• Have an annual turnover of at least $500,000
• Employ between two and 200 people
• Demonstrate a pattern of growth.

Applications close November 4, 2011.

For further information see business.vic.gov.au/masterclass or email masterclass@dbi.vic.gov.au or call 132215.

The Broadband-Enabled Innovation Program (BEIP) promotes the effective use of broadband lead adoption and innovative information and communication technology (ICT).

Background

The Broadband-Enabled Innovation Program is a new government grant program that funds innovative projects to develop new ways of working and improving service delivery in business, government and the community through the use of high-capacity broadband. The Broadband-Enabled Innovation Program aims to build and sustain Victoria’s competitive advantage through the productive use of high-capacity broadband.

The Broadband-Enabled Innovation Program (BEIP) will facilitate engagement between Victoria’s ICT sector, government, community and industry to deliver improved goods and services to Victorian households and businesses.

What can broadband do?

Broadband has the potential to transform the way Victorians do business by overcoming the barriers of time and distance. It gives businesses the opportunity to increase productivity and the ability to compete on a global scale. High-capacity broadband will also create opportunities for businesses to hold meetings or liaise with suppliers and agents across Australia online – resulting in reduced travel time and cost savings.

High-capacity broadband can close the health and education gap between urban and regional Victorians. This can be achieved by enabling expanded access to care through interactive internet consultations and facilitating sophisticated online learning.

Who can apply?

Victorian-based industry bodies, local governments, community organisations, business groups and Victorian Government departments and agencies are all eligible to apply for funding underthe Broadband-Enabled Innovation Program (BEIP). Projects must be collaborative and involve multiple organisations working together. They should support identified priority activities and address key challenges and opportunities for the lead organisations.

How does the program work?

The Broadband-Enabled Innovation Program (BEIP) has a two-stage competitive selection process:

1. Applicants must submit a short Expression of Interest application form outlining their project idea.
2. If shortlisted, applicants will be supported to produce a detailed business plan for their project.

What innovative technology solutions will be funded?

The Broadband-Enabled Innovation Program (BEIP) will target projects at the forefront of innovative practice within their sector that demonstrate the productive capabilities of new ICT. Projects must use next-generation ICT to implement process or practice changes, such as introducing new ways of working or solving problems. Successful BEIP applicants must regularly provide data and information related to their projects and be available for sustained activity beyond the life of the project funding.

What are the key aims of BEIP?

To assist collaborations between Victoria’s sectors including ICT, government, community and industry. To encourage Victorians to develop and pilot applications and services ready for use on high-capacity broadband. Harness high-capacity broadband networks to achieve economic, social and environmental benefits.

What are the funding arrangements?

Broadband-Enabled Innovation Program (BEIP) Projects will require matching co-contributions of cash and in-kind from project partners or other funding sources. Government grants for projects is usually spread over a timeframe of one to two years, with payments made on achievement of milestones.

How can I apply or learn more about the BEIP?

It is proposed that Round 2 of the Broadband-Enabled Innovation Program (BEIP) will open in early 2012.

• learn more about the commercialisation process, from invention confirmation (will it work?) to commercial opportunity confirmation (does anyone want it?)
• analyse where their business is on the commercialisation journey and identify the next steps
• understand the importance of creating the right team
• understand the impact of Intellectual Property.

The Explorer Workshop is part of the Regional Technology Commercialisation Program which has been delivered by Pyksis for in excess of seven years and has lead to increased turnover, employee numbers and export sales for companies who have participated.

The one day Workshop can lead to participating companies being invited onto a 12 week (five days) Pioneer Program, a more intensive program which includes ‘one on one’ mentoring and the opportunity to present to a panel of professional advisors.

Running parallel to the above programs is the Mentoring For Commercialisation Funding Program which assists companies to access funding such as R&D Tax Concession, Commercialisation Australia funding or other forms of assistance available through State Government or investment institutions.

If you currently know of, or are working with businesses that you believe would benefit from the program please don’t hesitate to contact Linette Penhall on 0419 542 714.