The door has been thrown open to a wider range of businesses and community organisations for the grants announced under the $111.9 million Northern Australia Development Program (NADP).
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Corporations, associations, sole traders, co-operatives, not-for-profits, and partnerships can now apply under a new stream called the Business and Community Growth Program (BCGP).
Minister for Agriculture and Northern Australia David Littleproud said broadening the eligibility will drive economic and social growth.
“These grants will generate investment and jobs for communities, and increase the profitability and diversification of businesses,” Minister Littleproud said.
“We are supporting as many northern businesses and community groups as possible to build a stronger regional economy, and to make the north a better place to live.”
The Special Envoy for Northern Australia, Townsville-based Senator Susan McDonald said grants of between $50,000 and $2 million will be available to support a range of activities including capital investment in infrastructure, assets and feasibility studies.
“I am proud to be part of a Government that is not only unwavering in our commitment to developing the north, but is doing so by investing in the very grass roots businesses and other organisations that work so hard to make it great,” Senator McDonald said.
“This is one of several key investments under the Government’s next five year plan, Our North, Our Future 2021-26, to deliver on the vision of a stronger and diversified northern Australian economy.”
Applications open on the 6 December 2021, and the first assessment round closes 13 January 2022. Grants will be awarded from March 2022.
