The Regional Job Creation Fund has so far helped create over 500 jobs in the New England North West, and is set to create more with the next round of grant applications open now.
The two-stage application process requires businesses to put in an expression of interest by March 6, 2023. Those expressions of interest will then be assessed and successful businesses will be invited to the second stage, which involves putting in a detailed application in for the grant in May. Up to $20,000 per job created is on offer, with a minimum grant of $100,000 and a minimum of 5 jobs created.
In rounds 1 and 2 of the program, over $10 million has been awarded to local companies creating 538 ongoing jobs.
Member for Tamworth Kevin Anderson welcomed the return of the fund which gives local businesses an opportunity to tap into a co-funding arrangement with the NSW Government to expand.
“We have already seen important the Regional Job Creation Fund can be to businesses in our region with fantastic local businesses like Obieco and Many Fabrication and Engineering expanding on the back of successful grant applications,” Mr Anderson said.
“Manufacturing and agriculture make a significant contribution to our economy and this fund has proven to boost those sectors while providing opportunities to young apprentices and job seekers.”
Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional NSW Paul Toole said previous rounds of the Regional Job Creation Fund provided $140 million to close to 200 regional projects, enabling more than $360 million of private investment into regional NSW and creating 6,500 new jobs in key industries.
“We’ve already seen the difference this fund is making to regional businesses right across the State – and now we want to build on that by opening Expressions of Interest (EOI) for our next round of funding.
“This Fund is doing exactly what it was designed to do – creating jobs in regional NSW that support the economic growth of our regions, and ensure business confidence from Bourke to Byron Bay.”
Eligible businesses can apply for grants of between $100,000 and $10 million for projects such as replacing plant equipment, upgrading technology and ensuring businesses that might otherwise have to relocate can remain operational in regional areas.
For further information about the Regional Job Creation Fund, including program guidelines and eligibility criteria, go to: www.nsw.gov.au/RJCF.
Image: Armidale-based Timberline Bathroom Products National Sales Manager Don Scott, left, Northern Tablelands MP Adam Marshall and Uniplan Managing Director Ben Scott discuss how the company will utilise a $1.44 million State Government grant to upgrade its manufacturing facility and create 72 new jobs.
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