murray-darling basin regional economic funding guidelines ...€¦ · coonamble shire council...

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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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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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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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To view the map outlining the Murray-Darling Basin as determined by the Murray-Darling Basin Authority, please click here.

http://www.mdba.gov.au/sites/default/files/pubs/MDBA-Basin-Map-poster-2013_0.pdf

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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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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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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


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


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


Overview Businesses engaging with sustainability specialists to learn ways to run business in a more sustainable way for the environment.

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Diversification for Agricultural Business


Overview Support for businesses involved in the agricultural industry to diversify and build new skills and capabilities in new areas.

Collaborative Agrifood Industry Cluster


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


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


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


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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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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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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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.

http://www.industry.nsw.gov.au/murraydarlingfund

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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

http://www.ato.gov.au/

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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

http://www.legislation.nsw.gov.au/

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See our Fact Sheet and Frequently Asked Questions at www.industry.nsw.gov.au/murraydarlingfund

Contact Us

Email

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.

http://www.industry.nsw.gov.au/murraydarlingfund

mailto:[email protected]

tel:1300%20650%20058

murray-darling basin regional economic funding guidelines ...€¦ · coonamble shire council...

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