Local Jobs Program Local Jobs Local People Grant

Purpose and Program Overview

The Local Jobs Local People Grant, administered by the Community Grants Hub on behalf of the Australian Government Department of Employment and Workplace Relations, funds short-term activities to address local employment needs. The program aims to connect unemployed or underemployed individuals, particularly those facing barriers, with job opportunities and training, fostering pathways to secure employment. It encourages partnerships with local businesses, especially small and medium-sized enterprises, to bridge workforce needs.

A total funding pool of $10 million (GST exclusive) is available for projects running from early 2026 to 30 June 2027. The grant supports critical sectors like construction, manufacturing, and digital technologies, contributing to Australia’s economic growth by enhancing workforce participation and addressing regional employment challenges.

Key Grant Details

• Grant amount or funding range: $50,000 to $250,000 (GST exclusive) per grant.
• Application open and close dates: Open now; closes 24 September 2025, 9:00 pm (AEST).
• Eligible industries or business types: Organisations partnering with local businesses, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises, in any sector.
• Required co-contributions: Not explicitly required, but may strengthen applications.
• Location/state/territory applicability: Australia-wide (ACT, NSW, VIC, SA, WA, QLD, NT, TAS).

Priority Sectors

Local Jobs Local People Grant Program prioritises the following sectors:

• Construction
• Manufacturing
• Care and support
• Digital and emerging technologies
• Energy transition

Funding Scope

• Minimum and maximum amounts per stream: $50,000 to $250,000 (GST exclusive) per grant.
• Categories or streams of funding: Short-term activities addressing local employment needs, including job placement, training programs, and workforce development initiatives.
• Project timeline or eligible funding duration: Projects must start in early 2026 and conclude by 30 June 2027.

Eligibility Criteria

• Business structure or size: Companies, co-operatives, incorporated associations, Indigenous corporations, local government entities, partnerships, sole traders, or statutory entities.
• Registered business location: Must be located in Australia with a bank account at an Australian financial institution.
• Minimum/maximum turnover: Not specified.
• Insurance or compliance obligations: Must have the capacity to enter into legally binding agreements.
• ABN/GST status: Must have an Australian Business Number (ABN).

Eligible Activities and Expenses

• Job placement programs for unemployed or underemployed individuals.
• Training and skill development initiatives.
• Activities creating pathways to secure employment.
• Partnership-building with local businesses to address workforce needs.
• Support for projects targeting specific cohorts (e.g., First Nations peoples, mature age Australians).

Assessment Process

• Competitive or entitlement-based: Competitive, based on application merit.
• Key evaluation criteria:
  • Alignment with Local Jobs Plan priorities for the relevant Employment Region.
  • Project merit in addressing employment barriers.
  • Value for money and potential for sustainable employment outcomes.

Recent Program Updates

• New funding round opened on 31 July 2025.
• Total funding of $10 million allocated for projects from 2025–2027.
• Emphasis on partnerships with small and medium-sized businesses to enhance local employment opportunities.

Application Tips

• Consult with the local Employment Region’s Job Coordinator to align proposals with Local Jobs Plan priorities.
• Provide clear evidence of how the project addresses employment barriers for targeted cohorts.
• Prepare detailed project plans and costings to demonstrate feasibility and value for money.
• Ensure all required documents are complete and submitted via the Community Grants Hub on GrantConnect.
• Allow sufficient time to review and refine the application before the deadline.

Where to Get Help

Consider consulting with a professional grant specialist like Pattens Group for an initial assessment of your organisation’s eligibility and project alignment with the grant’s objectives. For application templates and further guidance, visit the Department of Employment and Workplace Relations website.