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Government Grants for Your Business

Clear Vision • Jun 12, 2018

The Basics… Government Grants are there to be utilised & if you’ve done your homework, they can really help your business to grow & succeed well into the future.

Three Types of Grants

  1. Federal Grants
  2. State Grants
  3. R&D Grants (Research & Development Grants)

We’ve had a lot of success for our clients in gaining grants and here’s what we’ve learnt.

Don’t see a government grant as free money. It’s not! Have the need first. Don’t make the mistake of seeing the grant & then try to work out how you could utilize it. First, write a business plan and use it as the tool to identify what you might need to achieve your goals.

With so many types of grants it’s important to know which grant you should apply for. Some grants are competitive which means your proposal needs to be the best it can be whereas others, like the R & D grants are a little easier to apply for.

Our 6 Top Tips to get the Best Results

These are what we believe will get you the best results from your application:

    1. Plan – Your Business Plan should drive the Government Grant
    2. Know what the end game is for the Government (what’s in it for them)
    3. Use your advisors … Accountant / Lawyer etc.
    4. Subscription emails – like smarty grants
    5. Watch your dates – don’t be late!
    6. Competition

Plan – Have a business plan; know your goals for 12 months – 3 years – 5 years… maybe they include profit increase, new products or expansion… Now seek advice from your Accountant or Finance Advisor & together you can identify what grants would be suitable to help you get there.

End Game – e.g. the digital grant is about employment growth & therefore the Government won’t approve your business for this type of grant if your goal is to reduce the number of employees. This is what we mean by knowing what the end game is… What’s in it for the Government?

Use your advisors – You can lean on your Accountant or look into a specialist grant writer – they both have experience in this area and can significantly enhance your chances of being successful.

Subscription emails – Without these you won’t know when the type of grant you’re interested in is available. Smarty Grants will email you regarding open and close dates so be ready…

Watch your dates – Don’t be late! Make time to work on this process; you don’t want to leave it to the last minute. Some grants are a ‘one-off’ and don’t allow you to apply on a second round.

Competition – The Government is looking for the best results to be achieved. These businesses will win the cash, however DON’T OVERPLAY YOUR HAND , you want to be confident you can achieve the results.

If you’re interested in speaking with us about this or need help with writing your business plan; contact Justin for a one hour consultation and get started straight away.

Embracing the Bright Side: Finding Joy in Everyday Moments

By Caroline Gillies • 07 Mar, 2024
In a world that often feels chaotic and uncertain, it's easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of life, forgetting to pause and appreciate the simple joys that surround us. But amidst the challenges and hardships, there is always a glimmer of light waiting to shine through the darkness. Today, let's embark on a journey to explore the uplifting and positive aspects of life, reminding ourselves of the beauty that exists in every moment. Gratitude: A Key to Happiness Gratitude is a powerful tool that can transform even the most mundane of days into something extraordinary. Take a moment each day to reflect on the things you're grateful for, whether it's the warmth of the sun on your face, the laughter of loved ones, or the beauty of nature. By shifting your focus to the blessings in your life, you'll find that joy naturally follows. Embracing Imperfection Life is messy, unpredictable, and imperfect – and that's what makes it beautiful. Instead of striving for perfection, embrace the flaws and quirks that make you unique. Celebrate your successes, no matter how small, and learn from your mistakes with grace and humility. Remember, it's okay to stumble along the way – it's all part of the journey. Finding Joy in the Little Things Happiness doesn't always come from grand gestures or monumental achievements. Often, it's the little things that bring the most joy – a kind word from a stranger, a hug from a friend, or a quiet moment spent watching the sunset. Pay attention to the small moments of beauty and wonder that pepper your day, and you'll find that happiness is never far away. Spreading Kindness and Love In a world that can sometimes feel cold and indifferent, kindness is like a ray of sunshine breaking through the clouds. Make it a priority to spread love and positivity wherever you go, whether it's through a simple act of kindness or a heartfelt compliment. By lifting others up, you'll find that you lift yourself up in the process. Cultivating Inner Peace True happiness comes from within, rooted in a sense of peace and contentment that transcends external circumstances. Take time each day to nourish your mind, body, and spirit – whether through meditation, mindfulness, or simply taking a walk in nature. Cultivate a sense of inner peace that will sustain you through life's ups and downs, allowing you to navigate challenges with grace and resilience. Embrace the Journey Life is a journey filled with twists and turns, highs and lows, but it's also a journey filled with beauty, wonder, and endless possibilities. By embracing the bright side of life, finding joy in everyday moments, and spreading love and kindness wherever we go, we can create a world that is a little brighter, a little kinder, and a little more beautiful for us all. So let's embark on this journey together, with open hearts and open minds, ready to embrace all that life has to offer.

Boosting Your Superannuation: Seven Powerful Strategies

By Caroline Gillies • 22 Feb, 2024
Boosting Your Superannuation: Seven Powerful Strategies

Changes to Company details and ASIC – How to avoid a fee

By Caroline Gillies • 19 Oct, 2023
When it comes to being a Director of a company, there are administrative requirements that must be complied with, including keeping ASIC in the loop. We all hate paying unnecessary fees, and ASIC loves to charge fees. To avoid late fees, ASIC must be told about any changes to company details, including your business or residential address, within 28 days. If your company's information changes, please let us know so we can notify ASIC on your behalf. Example: Jarryd gets a late fee Jarryd recently moved his company to a new storefront. In the rush of changing to his new principal place of business, he forgot to update his address details with ASIC. A month later, Jarryd logged into his online account to change his address to reflect the address of his new principal place of business. Because it was outside the 28 day timeframe, the company was charged a $93 late fee. If he had waited longer and lodged the change of address more than a month late, the company would have been charged a $387 late fee. To avoid fees in the future, Jarryd realises it's important to update his details as soon as they change. In summary, be like Jarryd and realise the importance of advising Clear Vision Accountancy Group of any changes. Example supplied by ASIC
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