Innovation Connections

Businesses could apply for facilitation if they had an eligible business structure and operated in, or supported, one of Australia's growth sectors. The business had to have an Australian Business Number, be registered for goods and services tax, and be a company incorporated in Australia or an incorporated trustee applying on behalf of a trust. It also had to have the intent and opportunity to engage in, contribute to or increase trade in Australian markets and/or markets in other countries, and have operated in Australia and filed business activity statements showing ongoing trading in at least 3 consecutive years. Annual turnover or operating expenditure in 1 of the last 3 financial years had to be between $1.5 million and $100 million, or between $750,000 and $100 million if located in remote or northern Australia. Ineligible applicants included individuals, partnerships, trusts other than via an incorporated trustee, and Commonwealth, State, Territory or local government bodies including government business enterprises. Eligible businesses had to operate in, or support, one of Australia's growth sectors: advanced manufacturing; food and agribusiness; medical technologies and pharmaceuticals; mining equipment, technology and services; or oil, gas and energy resources. Certain support services were included where they directly supported growth sectors, while routine operational services such as legal advice, bookkeeping, catering and insurance were excluded. Grant applications were only available if recommended by the facilitator.