Regional Job Creation Fund Round 3 Frequently Asked Questions

Applicants should ensure they use the correct organisation name and details when applying as this cannot be changed once the project has been assessed. This includes altering the applicant's name to other names under the company structure.

Applications will be assessed using the applicants name and matching ABN.

Applicants can submit a joint application for a single project, but a lead applicant will need to be nominated. If the application is successful, the lead applicant will enter into the funding deed and be ultimately responsible for the project – including the achievement of project outcomes.

No, local government organisations are ineligible.

Yes, if they otherwise meet the eligible applicant requirements included in the Program Guidelines (PDF 5.85MB).

No, statutory authority organisations are ineligible.

No, businesses of any size are eligible to apply but must have an Australian Business Number, be registered for Goods and Services Tax, have at least A$20 million in public liability insurance and be an eligible entity type as described in the Program Guidelines (PDF 5.85MB).

Yes, if it is one of the entity types listed in the Program Guidelines (PDF 5.85MB) and meets other eligibility requirements.

Yes, if they otherwise meet the eligible applicant requirements included in the Program Guidelines (PDF 5.85MB).

Businesses whose primary operation is in the retail, localised trades or administrative services that serve only the local or regional community will not be eligible for assistance under this program.

The provision of financial assistance to businesses may require consideration of the impact on local competition. Competition issues will be reviewed as part of the assessment process to avoid advantaging or disadvantaging businesses legitimately competing in the same immediate market.

The Assessment Panel, at its sole discretion, may determine that a business is ineligible for funding if the provision of government financial assistance will have a significant negative impact on NSW competition and NSW supply chains.

Applicants will be asked to provide three years of continuous financial statements. This information will be considered in the assessment.

If an applicant is unable to provide three years of financial history or would like to provide further evidence of financial viability, supporting information such as financial statements of principal investors and/or a letter from an external accountant confirming the applicant’s financial viability can also be submitted.

If invited to submit a detailed application, businesses will also be asked to submit a datasheet showing financial details for the project.
 

A business can still apply if it has operated for less than three years but the applicant will need to provide evidence of financial viability and a justification why three years of financial statements cannot be provided. Strong experience of key staff involved in the project and evidence of alignment with the overall objective of the program and other criteria will also need to be provided. Applicants may also consider providing other evidence, such as financial statements of principal investors and/or a letter from their external accountant confirming the applicant’s financial viability.

There is a significant risk an application will not be approved if the financial evidence provided to the Department of Regional NSW is not strong. 
 

Yes, to be eligible, the business must be registered for Goods and Services Tax.

Yes, in order to be eligible, the business must have at least $20 million public liability insurance, or be able to purchase, before entering into a funding deed if successful. Evidence of this policy will be required at the detailed application stage and must be valid at the time of submission.

Yes. Where multiple entities within the same corporate structure will be used to deliver the project, this will be considered as a joint application. When applying, the lead applicant must provide supporting documentation to evidence the relationship between the applicant and the other entity, including detail on the organisation’s group structure and financial statements for the entities involved as well as consolidated financial statements for the group if applicable. Also see Q. If you are a lead applicant, is everything administered through your organisation? 

Third parties that are not identified as joint applicants or within the applicants group structure cannot deliver the project or job outcomes.

No, under the Program Guidelines an applicant must show that business investment would not take place in regional NSW on the same timeline, or at all, without NSW Government assistance. Eligible costs will only be those incurred after a grant has been awarded. Please consult your allocated Business Development Manager if you have any questions. Also see Q. Is one stage of a larger multi-year project eligible for funding?
 

Yes, a project stage can be eligible for funding as long as the project stage is clear in scope and discrete from other stages, the project stage can be delivered by May 2025, the funding requested is no more than half of the cost of the project stage, and the applicant has provided evidence of secured funding for any remaining stages that are required to deliver the jobs by May 2025.

Where a project relates to the independent brewing sector, projects must address program criteria, including alignment with the relevant Regional Economic Development Strategy and the impact on NSW competitors. To be considered strategically aligned, applicants must demonstrate how the project:

• implements innovation in products, production or business processes;
• increases export sales or expansion into export markets; and
• is not primarily intended to achieve tourism outcomes (i.e. majority of project costs, project revenue and FTE creation must relate to production and not tourism outcomes).

For example, a brewery expansion focused on production enabling out of state sales, with a small hospitality element such as a kitchen/bar, would be eligible.

Projects in the meat processing sector must not detrimentally affect other NSW meat processing operations in terms of competition for livestock. Projects must address program criteria, including alignment with the relevant Regional Economic Development Strategy and the impact on NSW competitors. To be considered strategically aligned, applicants must demonstrate how the project:

• implements innovation in value adding, or diversify an existing product range, or 
• will process unique livestock types and is not expected to have a significant impact on the livestock supply chain of other NSW businesses, or
• increases export sales or expansion into export markets; and/or
•  creates efficiencies in the supply chain, benefitting multiple businesses in the sector.
   

Where a project relates to the agricultural sector, projects must address program criteria, including alignment with the relevant Regional Economic Development Strategy and the impact on NSW competitors. To be considered strategically aligned, applicants must demonstrate how the project:

• implements innovation in value adding, products or production processes;
• increases export sales or expansion into export markets; and/or
• creates efficiencies in the supply chain, benefitting multiple businesses in the sector.

Where a project relates to the viticulture sector, projects must address program criteria, including alignment with the relevant NSW Government policies or strategies and the impact on NSW-based competitors. To be considered strategically aligned, applicants must demonstrate how the project:

• implements innovation in value adding, products or production processes;
• increases export sales or expansion into export markets; and/or
• creates efficiencies in the supply chain, benefitting multiple businesses in the sector; and/or
• is not primarily intended to achieve tourist outcomes (i.e. majority of project costs, project revenue and FTE creation must relate to production and not tourism outcomes).

Projects which are exclusively for cellar door construction/expansion will not be eligible.

No, except where a proposal is providing unique services, such as un-serviced or under-serviced waste stream in the state, and where the project provides services beyond the local area. 

A project that relates to the waste sector, and meets the above restrictions, must address program criteria, including alignment with the relevant NSW Government policies or strategies and the impact on NSW-based competitors. To be considered strategically aligned, applicants must demonstrate how the project:

• implements innovation in value adding, products or production processes;
• increases export sales or expansion into export markets; and/or
• creates efficiencies in the supply chain, benefitting multiple businesses in the sector.

No, projects in the residential housing construction sector, including modular housing, that only serve the immediate local or regional community of the applicant, are not considered eligible. Projects focused on population serving industries generally do not meet the competitive neutrality requirement of the Fund.

Where a project that relates to the residential housing construction, and services markets outside the immediate local or regional community, they must address program criteria, including alignment with the relevant NSW Government policies or strategies and the impact on NSW-based competitors. To be considered strategically aligned, applicants must demonstrate how the project:

• implements innovation in value adding, products or production processes;
• increases export sales or expansion into export markets; and/or
• creates efficiencies in the supply chain, benefitting multiple businesses in the sector.

Applicants are encouraged to consult their relevant Department of Regional NSW Business Development Manager before submitting an application - phone 1300 679 673 or email regionalnsw.business@regional.nsw.gov.au.

Accommodation projects will generally not meet the competitive neutrality requirement but may be considered where the proposal is unique to the existing market and considered to be regionally significant and/or iconic enough to attract new significant overnight interstate and/or international visitors to the region. If a tourism project is not regionally iconic and not sufficiently differentiated from existing similar experiences, it is unlikely to increase the tourism market in the region. This will not meet the objective of the Fund.

Applicants are encouraged to consult their relevant Department of Regional NSW Business Development Manager before submitting an application - phone 1300 679 673 or email regionalnsw.business@regional.nsw.gov.au.

In order to meet the competitive neutrality requirement, the development of new regionally significant and/or iconic tourism experiences and visitor attractions are considered eligible if they will create new inter-state or international demand in the region (without impacting other NSW tourism businesses). If a tourism project is not regionally iconic and not sufficiently differentiated from existing similar experiences, it is unlikely to increase the tourism market in the region. This will not meet the objective of the Fund. 

Applicants are encouraged to consult their relevant Department of Regional NSW Business Development Manager before submitting an application - phone 1300 679 673 or email regionalnsw.business@regional.nsw.gov.au.
 

No, grants cannot be used for equipment that has already been purchased.

Only costs listed in the detailed application that are incurred after an applicant receives a letter of offer of grant funding can be considered. Note, the NSW Government is under no obligation to pay any funding unless, and until, both parties execute an agreed Funding Deed.

Eligible projects must align with existing NSW Government strategies such as the 20-Year Economic Vision for Regional NSW and the Regional Economic Development Strategies. Generally residential housing construction, education and health projects will be excluded as they are population serving industries. 

Projects focused on population serving industries are generally not eligible. This includes projects that service only the local or regional community such as hospitality, retail, localised trades and construction, health, education, childcare and administrative services. 
 

Yes, companies relocating their operations are eligible, however only new additional jobs and benefits, or jobs retained where a business can demonstrate that these are necessary and essential for the delivery of the project in regional NSW, will be considered in the assessment.

Note that Owners Consent for new sites must be evidenced when submitting a Detailed Application.
 

Projects based in Greater Sydney, Newcastle or Wollongong Local Government Areas are not eligible. Greater Sydney includes the Blue Mountains, Wollondilly and Hawkesbury Local Government Areas.

To find where your project is located within NSW Administrative Boundaries, including the Local Government Area (LGA), you can use NationalMap.gov.au. Search for your location, select ‘Explore map data/New South Wales/State data/Administrative Boundaries’, and then select the + sign to show the LGA boundaries.

Eligible projects must be located in one of the below 93 regional NSW local government areas, the Unincorporated Far West or Lord Howe Island.

Yes, if the project and the jobs created and/or retained are in a regional NSW area.

Successful applicants will be required to commit to delivering the project scope and jobs under the terms and conditions detailed in the funding deed. Depending on the structure, additional commitments, such as guarantees, may be required.

Any land or buildings purchased as a part of the funded project must be purchased and owned by the applicant or joint applicant. Land or buildings cannot be purchased and owned by a related entity under the applicants group structure unless it is a joint application.  Additionally, if purchased/owned by a joint applicant, a use agreement must be put in place addressing exclusive use of the land or building for a specified period.

Successful applicants will be required to commit to delivering the project scope under the terms and conditions detailed the funding deed.

Any land or building leased to the applicant as a part of the funded project must be owned by an unrelated entity.

Successful applicants will be required to commit to delivering the project scope under the terms and conditions detailed in the funding deed.

Evidence of lease arrangements may be required if the application is successful.

Applicants are required to demonstrate the project would not occur in regional NSW at all, or in the same timeframe, without government investment. For example, if funding will allow a stage of a project to be brought forward from year five to year one, this stage may be eligible.

No. Projects should not have commenced prior to an offer of grant funding being made. Projects that have already commenced prior to an offer of grant funding being made, for the scope requested in the application, are considered ineligible. The NSW Government is under no obligation to pay any funding unless, and until, the project application is successful and both parties execute an agreed Funding Deed.

Further, applicants are required to demonstrate the project would not occur in regional NSW at all or in the same timeframe without government investment. Where a larger project is being delivered in stages, see Q: Is one stage of a larger multi-year project eligible for funding?

Please speak to your Business Development Manager if you have concerns about your ability to order equipment and deliver the project within the program timelines.

Non-fixed equipment is an eligible cost if part of a larger project, as long as the project is anchored to a specific location within regional NSW, and the jobs created and/or retained will be based in regional NSW. Applicants will also need to demonstrate how the project will continue to be delivered over the long term in regional New South Wales.

Yes. Purchase of used or refurbished equipment is an eligible cost. 

However, purchasing these items directly from a related entity may be considered an in-kind contribution. It will need to be demonstrated why the equipment cannot be purchased from a third party and evidence provided to show costs are at market value.

See Q. What can be used as an in-kind co-contribution?

The project scope, planning and budget documentation that an applicant provides as part of their detailed application process, will guide the use of funding if the project is successful. The funding deed will outline the purpose, scope, and use of grant funding for your project, based on the information provided during the application process.

Funds must be used for the approved works as listed in the Funding Deed.

No. Project funding for RJCF is for projects based in regional New South Wales only. 

These costs may be considered eligible as part of the project budget if they occur after the grant outcome is known and a Letter of Offer has been received. Costs prior to a Letter of Offer cannot be included as co-contribution for the project.

The Program Guidelines require a minimum 50 per cent cash co-contribution. In-kind co-contributions will only be considered in extenuating circumstances. Extenuating circumstances will be considered on a case-by-case basis, and justification must be provided for consideration. Examples of what is considered as in-kind co-contribution are: land or equipment ‘gifted’ by an external entity, or purchased by an applicant prior to a letter of offer for RJCF grant funding; services ‘gifted’ by an external entity to an applicant as part of the project delivery; cash already expended on a project prior to a letter of offer for RJCF grant funding.

There is a significant risk an application will not be approved if there is not a minimum 50 per cent cash co-contribution.

Please consult your allocated Department of Regional NSW Business Development Manager about consideration of non-cash contributions to the project and your business circumstances.

No – not for direct funding of the same project.

There are other programs available to support businesses to deliver projects already funded by the NSW Government, for example training or regional skills relocation grants. Please talk to your Department of Regional NSW Business Development Manager about these opportunities.

Projects are not eligible if they have already received direct funding for the same project.

A project is eligible if the project requires funding from both sources to enable the project to proceed (for example if both Australian Government assistance and assistance from RJCF Round Three is required to realise the total project outcomes). If the project can achieve the same outcomes through assistance already provided, then the project would not be eligible.

Cash co-contributions should be confirmed. Applicants will be required to provide supporting evidence at the Detailed Application stage that demonstrates to DRNSW that the applicant has sufficient funds available for the required cash co-contribution amount. 

Successful applications will require all sources of cash co-contribution to be available for the delivery of the project. 

Delays in obtaining outcomes from other sources should not delay the funding deed or delivery timeframes

Yes, applicant and other non-NSW Government cash co-contributions to the project must be at least 50 per cent of the total project cost. Cash co-contributions of less than 50 per cent, or that include in-kind contributions, may be considered in extenuating circumstances only.

Prospective applicants are encouraged to discuss their project with the relevant Department of Regional NSW Business Development Manager before applying – phone 1300 679 673 or email regionalnsw.business@regional.nsw.gov.au.
 

No. Ongoing staff wages and salaries are not an eligible project cost. This includes recruitment and HR costs not directly related to project delivery that extend past the project completion date. Applicants can consult with their relevant Department of Regional NSW Business Development Manager to clarify the eligibility of aspects of their project - phone 1300 679 673 or email  regionalnsw.business@regional.nsw.gov.au.

Yes, loan funds are eligible as a co-contribution. 

Please note that applicants are expected to have access to their nominated co-contribution available through the delivery of the project. Applicants will be required to provide evidence that this co-contribution is secured and confirmed prior to the release of a Funding Deed.

The co-contribution can be cash reserves or a loan. Applicants will be required to provide evidence that this co-contribution is secured and confirmed, noting that applicants are expected to have access to their nominated co-contribution available through the delivery of the project.

Cost-effectiveness will be measured by the grant contribution request per job created and/or retained, directly employed with the applicant or joint applicant for at least 3 continuous months by May 2025. 

The amount of grant funds requested, relative to the number of jobs created and the level of co-contribution are relevant to the Return on Government Investment and Affordability Assessment Criteria. Applications will be assessed against both criteria.

For example, if the project cost is $400,000 and will create and/or retain 10 FTE positions, then the applicant may choose to apply for a NSW Government contribution of $200,000 (i.e $20,000 per job). However, if the project cost is $400,000 and only 5 FTE positions will be created and/or retained, then the applicant should note a NSW Government contribution of $200,000 (i.e $40,000 per job) will affect the outcome of the assessment of both these criteria.

Note, jobs will only be counted if they are created and/or retained as a direct result of the project.

Prospective applicants are encouraged to discuss their project with the relevant Department of Regional NSW Business Development Manager before applying – phone 1300 679 673 or email regionalnsw.business@regional.nsw.gov.au.

The growth or retention of FTE employees required to deliver the project will be calculated from the date you receive an offer of funding to when new and/or retained jobs can be evidenced against project delivery.  All committed FTE must be in place simultaneously for at least 3 continuous months by May 2025. Projects must be completed by May 2025.

One FTE position is equal to a ‘standard working week’ of 35 hours of someone directly employed by the company. Positions filled through the use of labour hire firms are not included.

The project must create and/or retain direct FTE jobs. The forecast increase in jobs delivered by the project must be in place simultaneously for at least 3 continuous months by May 2025. FTE growth or retention will be measured against the number of FTE positions employed by the applicant at the time the grant funding is offered, and the employment outcomes required to be reported as a condition of the funding.

For the jobs to be recognised as new or retained FTE, they must be directly employed by the applicant (or joint applicant). Positions filled through labour hire firms will not be considered as direct FTE and will not be recognised for the purposes of reporting.

A business must demonstrate how jobs will be retained as a direct result of the project, and would not be otherwise retained without that project. 

For the jobs to be recognised as retained FTE, they must be directly employed by the applicant (or joint applicant). Positions filled through labour hire firms will not be considered as direct FTE and will not be recognised for the purposes of reporting.

The application must strongly demonstrate the value of the retained jobs to the project. Supporting information could include comparative feasibility studies or business plans.

If the applicant is considering relocation interstate they must provide substantive evidence of an offer or contract from another state encouraging the relocation, such as through another state government.

Funding can support wages for project-specific contracts to assist an applicant to deliver the capital works phase of a project, such as project management roles or consultants. 

Ongoing positions with the business are not considered eligible project costs under RJCF.

For example, a project management role created to deliver the construction and fit-out of a new factory can be considered an eligible project cost, however an existing or ongoing position created to operate the factory after its construction is not an eligible project cost.

No. Only, new ongoing sustainable jobs, created as an outcome of the project will be counted as new FTE.

Yes. When invited to submit an application, applicants will be provided with compulsory documentation including a datasheet. This requires the identification of the types of jobs being created including apprentices and trainees.

Where the wage costs of apprentices and trainees are being supported by other Government funding, this should be noted in the application. 

No. Typically internships are nonpaid, and short term which is not the intent of the fund to create ongoing jobs.

Projects must be completed no later than May 2025. Employment outcomes must be in place for at least three continuous months before May 2025.

No. Indirect jobs created during the project construction period do not count towards the new FTE positions.

Part time jobs are eligible but need to be converted to FTE, for example a person working 17.5 hours per week is equal to 0.5 FTE. The requirement of creating new and/or retained FTE positions for a minimum of 3 months prior to May 2025 will apply.

The jobs must be created in regional NSW, directly with the applicant (or joint applicant). Where a project is delivered across multiple locations, each location must be eligible.

Yes, casual hours can be converted to FTE figures. Note that the objective of the program is to support projects creating new and/or retained, ongoing jobs in regional NSW. To be counted the jobs need to be in place for three continuous months by May 2025.

Yes, casual workers can be transitioned to full-time or part-time positions and counted towards the new jobs’ growth for the project, calculated on an FTE basis. Note that it is only the increase in hours (converted to FTE) that can be claimed as jobs growth, not the existing hours already employed. For further information, see Q: How are job creation numbers calculated? Are direct and indirect jobs included?

No. The FTE jobs created and/or retained must be directly employed by the applicant (or joint applicants).

See Q. How will the cost effectiveness of jobs created and/or retained be measured?

No. However, the number and cost-effectiveness of jobs (FTE) created or retained directly within the organisation based in regional NSW for a specified period will be considered in the assessment process. Cost-effectiveness will be measured by the grant contribution request per job created and/or retained, directly employed with the applicant or joint applicants.

As an example, a benchmark for each FTE job created (one FTE is equal to a ‘standard working week’ of 35 hours) might be $20,000.

The objective of the program is to support projects creating new, or retaining, ongoing and sustainable jobs in regional NSW. Successful applicants will be required to complete the project by May 2025. Employment outcomes must be in place for at least three continuous months by May 2025.

Jobs created to deliver the projects capital works (such as construction, project management etc) are not counted as new or retained FTE for the purposes of the grant.

New jobs created and/or retained must be based in regional NSW.

Applicants are required to demonstrate the project would not occur in regional NSW at all or in the same timeframe without government investment.

Refurbishment projects are eligible if the applicant can demonstrate that new FTE positions will be created and/or retained (not including construction period jobs) as a direct result of the project, and other eligibility criteria are met.

Further information about Special Activation Precincts and Regional Job Precincts is available.

Investment in new technology or improving manufacturing processes are eligible projects if they will create new FTE jobs and/or demonstrate that the project will retain FTE jobs as a direct result of the project. Training employees to use new machinery or technology is an eligible cost if it is directly related to the project and if the expenditure is incurred within the program period (i.e. by May 2025) and is not supported by other NSW or Australian Government Funding (e.g. Smart and Skilled).

Projects should align with and support key NSW Government policies, priorities, strategies. These Strategies set out a clear pathway for regional NSW to continue growing while supporting people’s decision to live, work and invest in regional areas. 

To identify how your project aligns with these policies or strategies, information can be found here:

• 20-Year Economic Vision for Regional NSW
• Relevant Regional Economic Development Strategy (REDS)
• NSW 2040 Economic Blueprint
• NSW Trade Statement
• Going Global
• Turning Ideas into Jobs
• Net Zero Plan Stage 1: 2020-2030
• NSW Industry Development Framework
• NSW Government Defence and Industry Strategy
• NSW Visitor Economy Strategy
• NSW Hydrogen Strategy
• NSW Advanced Manufacturing Industry Development Strategy
• DRNSW Aboriginal Outcomes Strategy 2022-2025
• NSW Waste and Sustainable Materials Strategy 2041
• NSW State Government Aboriginal Procurement Policy
• Regional NSW Investment Attraction Strategy

An industry driving growth in a regional economy. Typically, key industries can be categorised as engine industries, emerging engine industries, and enabling industries. Further information on these key industry types can be found in the Relevant Regional Economic Development Strategy (REDS) and the 20 Year Economic Vision for Regional NSW.

They are the economic development strategy for a region and usually incorporate more than one local council area. They have been developed by the NSW Government together with local councils and can be viewed here. The Regional Economic Development Strategies align with a Local Government Area (LGA).
 

Competition issues are reviewed as part of the assessment process to avoid advantaging or disadvantaging businesses legitimately competing in the same market.

‘Competitive impact’ is the effect a project will have when competing against other businesses in the same market.

Issues considered may include: whether a project will provide a competitive advantage relative to any NSW businesses; how a business would compete with another NSW operation that offers the same product or service in the NSW market; how a business would compete with another NSW operation for the same inputs in the NSW market (e.g. livestock); how a project might offer a unique project or solution to industry that no other business is providing (or can provide) in the NSW market; how a business or project is different relative to any NSW competitors.

Applicants should provide information on any previous capital works or similar scale projects the business has undertaken, or any relevant experience in growing the business. Tell us about the experience and skills of key staff, contractors or consultants, including consideration of procurement of services from Aboriginal businesses, delivering the project and attach evidence of this to your application. 
 

The grant does not override normal development and regulatory approval processes. When considering project and job creation milestones in your application, approval timelines must be considered.

Please consult your allocated Business Development Manager who can provide introductions to other government agencies.
 

A Cost Benefit Analysis (CBA) seeks to determine the value of the contribution of the project to the NSW economy. A CBA includes all costs and benefits, such as benefits to NSW businesses and Government, and benefits to NSW residents and workers. 

Applicants should provide information on how projects benefit the NSW economy such as export opportunities, import replacement potential onshoring, or footloose projects, i.e. where projects could otherwise occur interstate or in an overseas location.
 

The Cost Benefit Ratio is calculated by the NSW Government based on information provided by applicants in their application, which is collected on a standard format datasheet. A copy of the datasheet will be provided to those applicants invited to submit a Detailed Application, after completing an Expression of Interest. A written notations on completing the datasheet, will also be made available to relevant applicants.

No, although these factors may be considered as part of assessment process. 

The application process has two stages:  Expression of Interest (EOI) (Stage 1) and Detailed Application (Stage 2). Each business must complete an EOI as the first stage. All EOIs must be submitted online via the EOI Application Form in the SmartyGrants portal available at nsw.gov.au/RJCF. Only businesses that have submitted an EOI and are invited to submit a Detailed Application are able to be considered for funding.

Businesses must submit a Detailed Application in order to be considered for funding.

Yes, however as grant funds are limited, companies are encouraged to prioritise their applications.

Assistance can be sought from your local NSW Government Business Development Manager. Contact details can be obtained by calling 1300 679 673 or email regionalnsw.business@regional.nsw.gov.au.

Unsuccessful applicants will be offered a feedback information session. Applicants are also encouraged to contact their Business Development Manager for support or assistance – 
phone 1300 679 673 or email regionalnsw.business@regional.nsw.gov.au.

Applicants are encouraged to contact their Business Development Manager to request these missing documents – phone 1300 679 673 or email regionalnsw.business@regional.nsw.gov.au if you are unsure who to contact.

When completing your Expression of Interest, a short description and summary of expected project requirements must be provided.

Applicants invited to detailed application will need to provide accurate information to ensure they are competitive at assessment. When completing your detailed application, provide as much information and certainty as possible. This should include building in as much contingency as possible, where a cost estimate is unknown, and committing only to what is feasible within the timeframe of the project. It should be noted that no more than 25% of the project cost can be included as contingency. Applicants are encouraged to contact their Business Development Manager for support – phone 1300 679 673 or email regionalnsw.business@regional.nsw.gov.au if you are unsure who to contact.

Funding will only be released to successful applicants once compliant information can be evidenced to enter a Funding Deed. The contracting process will require successful applicants to provide and confirm information prior to entering a Funding Deed.

There will be performance-based milestone payments defined in a funding deed. Typically, there will be a share of the grant paid up front with subsequent payments based on project and/or employment creation milestones.

Please note that applicants are expected to have access to their nominated co-contribution through the delivery of the project, as co-contribution to costs incurred will need to be spent when claiming milestone payments.

No, projects must be completed with FTE in place for at least three continuous months and grant funds spent by May 2025.

Where an applicant is aware of delivery issues outside their control, such as the impact of COVID-19 on supply chains, contingencies and controls should be built into project plans in the application process.

Payments will be on the achievement of performance-based milestones.

Grants will be paid electronically. Applicants will need to ensure that the details provided are correct and in the applicants' name.

Applicants are required to commence the contracting process (preparation of the funding deed) with the Department of Regional NSW within two months of receipt of their letter of offer to ensure they meet the program timeframes.

Payments will be released as stated in the Funding Deed and evidence of prior expenditure and co-contribution will be required to release further instalments.

Successful applicants will need to provide evidence of job creation. A sample funding deed will be made available on the program’s website.

Requests for variations or changes to the project scope will only be considered in limited circumstances. Applicants must provide evidence and a rationale to enable consideration of the request. It should clearly demonstrate the efforts made and plans to be implemented to achieve the project delivery while achieving employment outcomes.

Applicants must contact DRNSW prior to undertaking a proposed alteration.

Applicants and potential applicants are encouraged to seek professional advice about the potential tax impact of a grant.

Applicants will be notified of the outcome of an Expression of Interest from 8 May 2023. Applicants will be advised of the outcome of their Detailed Application on 9 October 2023 or as soon as possible after a decision has been made at the NSW Government’s discretion. Successful applicants will be advised by a Letter of Offer and be required to sign a Confidentiality Agreement.

If a business is unable to complete the requirements of the program, performance-based milestone payments will not be made to the business.

As funding is contingent on employment creation and/or retention, failure to deliver employment outcomes for at least three continuous months prior to May 2025 will mean grant payments already received will need to be returned in part or whole.

The funding is a grant.

The NSW Government Small Business Commissioner coordinates a range of resources for small businesses, which are available at smallbusiness.nsw.gov.au.

Assistance is also available from Service NSW where assistance can be obtained from a Business Concierge offering free personalised support to help businesses start, run, grow, adapt and recover.

Tailored business advice is available through Business Connect offering practical business advice and skills training. For more information and to register your interest, visit the Service NSW Business Bureau.

Grant payments will be made to the lead applicant. Successful applicants will need to provide evidence of eligible expenditure to claim milestone payments. In a joint application, the detailed application must clearly detail the entity that will incur eligible expenditure. Eligible expenditure may be incurred by any of the parties to the application. 

Where possible the grant may be proportionally reduced if the number of new jobs specified in the funding deed or project scope are not realised within the terms of the funding deed. 

Where evidence of expenditure cannot be demonstrated against the project deliverables as listed in the detailed application, funding will need to be returned within the timeframes of the funding deed.