Advanced Manufacturing Productivity Grant Program

Purpose and Program Overview

The Advanced Manufacturing Productivity Grant Program Tasmania is designed to support Tasmanian-based advanced manufacturing enterprises in enhancing their productivity through a range of activities. These include obtaining accreditations, accessing expert advice, and developing staff and business skills. The program aims to strengthen the advanced manufacturing sector by providing financial assistance that encourages innovation and operational improvements.

This grant program offers up to 50% of project costs, requiring applicants to contribute the remaining 50%. It remains open until the allocated funding is fully expended or until 30 June 2025, whichever comes first. By targeting businesses with significant manufacturing turnover, the program plays a crucial role in promoting growth and competitiveness within Tasmania’s advanced manufacturing sector.

Key Details

• Grant amount: Up to 50% of project costs, with the applicant contributing at least 50%
• Maximum funding: $40,000 per financial year
• Application period: Open until funding is exhausted or 30 June 2025, whichever comes first
• Eligible industries: Tasmanian-based advanced manufacturing enterprises and high-tech businesses supporting manufacturing inputs (e.g., software or component development)
• Co-contribution: Minimum 50% by applicant
• Location: Tasmania, Australia

Priority Sectors

The grant is primarily targeted at advanced manufacturing enterprises and high-tech businesses that support manufacturing inputs. No other specific priority sectors are identified, making it broadly accessible within the advanced manufacturing and related high-tech industries in Tasmania.

Funding Scope

• Maximum funding per applicant: $40,000 per financial year
• Funding contribution: Up to 50% of eligible project costs
• Eligible project activities: Productivity-enhancing activities such as accreditations, expert advice, staff development, and business skills improvement
• Project timeline: Funding is available until 30 June 2025 or until the funding pool is exhausted

Eligibility Criteria

• Must be a Tasmanian-based advanced manufacturing enterprise or a high-tech Tasmanian business supporting manufacturing inputs
• Must hold an Australian Business Number (ABN) and be registered for GST
• Cannot receive more than $40,000 under this program per financial year
• Must have demonstrated manufacturing sales turnover between $500,000 and $55 million in at least one of the last two financial years
• Must not be a consultant or intermediary
• Must not be subject to legal disabilities such as bankruptcy or liquidation
• Businesses must primarily manufacture in Tasmania.

Eligible Activities and Expenses

• Obtaining industry accreditations
• Accessing expert advice to improve productivity
• Developing staff skills and business capabilities
• Other activities that enhance manufacturing productivity and operational efficiency

Assessment Process

The grant operates on a competitive basis, with funding allocated until the total funding pool is exhausted or the program closes on 30 June 2025. Applications are assessed based on eligibility and the merit of proposed productivity-enhancing activities. Specific evaluation criteria are not publicly detailed but focus on alignment with program objectives and value for money.

Recent Context

The program remains open until 30 June 2025, or until the funding allocation is fully expended. There have been no recent changes to eligibility or funding conditions that have been publicly announced. Businesses are encouraged to apply promptly, as funding is available on a limited basis.

Application Tips

• Ensure all eligibility criteria are fully met before applying.
• Provide comprehensive supporting documentation to demonstrate turnover, business location, and project benefits.
• Align your proposal with the grant’s focus on productivity enhancement and advanced manufacturing.
• Highlight your business’s capability to deliver the proposed project and its expected outcomes.
• Seek assistance from professional grant specialists like Pattens Group for initial eligibility assessments and project alignment reviews.
• Utilise government business support websites for application guidance and templates.

Consider consulting with a professional grant specialist, such as Pattens Group, who can provide an initial assessment to review your eligibility and evaluate how well your project aligns with the grant’s objectives. Additional resources and guidance are also available on the official website of TAS Department of State Growth.