Industry Development – Strategic Opportunities Fund

Purpose and Program Overview

The Industry Development: Strategic Opportunities Fund, administered by Screen Australia, supports a small number of initiatives providing skills development and training for the screen industry. It aims to address capacity building, foster a sustainable, diverse, and inclusive sector, and respond to industry needs through innovative projects.

The program funds activities that offer immediate, medium, and long-term benefits, such as increasing crew and gamemaker skills, supporting industry infrastructure, and promoting diversity. It aligns with Screen Australia’s objectives to enhance employment outcomes and build a resilient screen sector.

The total funding pool is not specified, but grants range from $10,000 to $150,000, with higher amounts considered for exceptional proposals. The fund plays a broader role in supporting innovation in film, television, online, games, and virtual reality by developing talent and addressing skill shortages.

Key Grant Details

• Grant amount: $10,000–$150,000 per initiative; higher for exceptional cases.
• Application open and close dates: Open year-round.
• Eligible industries or business types: Screen industry organisations.
• Required co-contributions: Not specified.
• Location/state/territory applicability: Australia-wide.

Priority Sectors

The program prioritises the screen industry, including film, television, online, games, and virtual reality, with a focus on diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Funding Scope

• Minimum and maximum amounts: Minimum $10,000; maximum $150,000, or higher for exceptional proposals.
• Categories or streams of funding:
  • Skills development: Training for crew, gamemakers, and below-the-line roles.
  • Infrastructure: Initiatives for sector viability and sustainability.
  • Diversity: Projects increasing inclusion in underrepresented roles.
• Project timeline or eligible funding duration: Varies by initiative; typically 12–24 months.

Grant Amount in Total

The total funding pool for the Industry Development – Strategic Opportunities Fund is not specified.

Eligibility Criteria

• Business structure or size: Australian companies.
• Registered business location: Australia.
• Minimum/maximum turnover: Not specified.
• Insurance or compliance obligations: Must comply with funding agreement terms.
• ABN/GST status: Active ABN required; GST registration if applicable.

Eligible Activities and Expenses

• Conferences and workshops for skills development.
• Labs and training programs for industry knowledge.
• Initiatives addressing skill shortages and employment outcomes.
• Projects promoting diversity and inclusion in screen roles.
• Collaborative activities with industry partners.

Assessment Process

• Competitive or entitlement-based: Competitive.
• Key evaluation criteria:
  • Strategic alignment with Screen Australia’s objectives.
  • Project merit and industry impact.
  • Value for money and feasibility.

Recent Program Updates

No specific updates for 2025 are available; applications remain open year-round. The program continues to support initiatives aligned with Screen Australia’s focus on diversity and sustainability. Check the Screen Australia website for any new rounds or guideline changes.

Application Tips

• Ensure proposals align with Screen Australia’s key objectives and challenges.
• Provide evidence of industry need and long-term benefits.
• Include diversity and inclusion reporting in project plans.
• Submit applications via SmartyGrants with all required documents.

Where to Get Help

Consider consulting with a professional grant specialist like Pattens Group for an initial eligibility assessment and project alignment review. Visit Screen Australia website for guidelines and support.