We’re working to set up the Industry Growth Program as quickly as possible. As part of this process, we’re looking to identify suitably qualified contractors that can work as Industry Growth Program Advisers.
The Australian Government announced the $392.4 million Industry Growth Program in the 2023-24 May Budget. This program will offer advice and grants to innovative small and medium enterprises (SMEs) to help them commercialise their ideas and expand their businesses.
Our department will engage the Industry Growth Program Advisers directly. The Executive Director appointed for this program will oversee their work.
Advisers will provide tailored advice and guidance on commercialisation and SME growth to all eligible businesses. This can include:
- validation of a business model
- networking and collaboration
- seeking investment
- market testing
- developing compelling value propositions.
They will need to specialise in one or more of the National Reconstruction Fund (NRF) priority areas:
- value-add in resources
- value-add in the agriculture, forestry and fisheries sectors
- transport
- medical science
- renewables and low emission technologies
- defence capability
- enabling capabilities.
We expect to engage up to 20 contractors through the request for tender (RFT) process. We’re looking to provide services across Australia, so will consider applicants’ capability to service regions before awarding the work.
We anticipate that successful applicants will start providing services from October 2023.