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Aspiring entrepreneurs in the TCF industry are being offered more opportunities to access a funding pool of $2.5 million.
The funding, available as part of the Textile, Clothing and Footwear (TCF) Small Business Program, is distributed in grants of up to $50,000 for small textiles, clothing or footwear businesses in Australia.
Moving into its second last year of funding, the TCF Small Business Program will now be supported by a series of workshops to assist interested small businesses in putting together competitive applications to secure funding.
Workshops are being held nationally in late January and early February for small businesses applying for grants under Round 9 of the Textiles, Clothing and Footwear (TCF) Small Business program.
The workshops are held by AusIndustry, and are recommended for applicants who have reviewed and confirmed their eligibility, have a specific project in mind and have started writing their application.
Successful projects must transform the strategic approach or direction of the business, including systems and operational processes, to make the business more sustainable and internationally competitive.
Round 9 of the TCF Small Business program is open until February 28. The merit-based, competitive program awards grants of up to $50,000.
To date, TCF Small Business Program grants have benefited 548 businesses and supported projects to transform business operations. Projects have included business strategy and mentoring, marketing and branding, manufacturing process upgrades, e-commerce and export opportunity development.
To register for a free workshop, or to find out more about the TCF Small Business Program, visitwww.ausindustry.gov.au,or call the AusIndustry Hotline on 13 28 46.
The TCF Small Business Program is a 10-year program which will run until 2015/16.
AusIndustry invites applications from established small businesses or consortiums, who have not received grants from other TCF programs, for projects to be undertaken in 2014/15.
Up to $2.5 million funding is available, to eligible small businesses.
Applicants must:
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have fewer than 20 employees
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undertake eligible textile, clothing and footwear activities
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make a minimum cash contribution of 25% of proposed budget
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have a turnover of at least $100,000, and must be solvent and not under any administrative arrangements
For an application to be competitive, the project should be designed to support an improvement in business systems, production processes and/or management strategies, to make it more creative, sustainable and internationally competitive. Refer to the Customer Information Guide for advice on writing a competitive application. Projects should be up to 12 months in duration, commencing from July 2014.