Entrepreneurs' Programme – Incubator Support Programme

This programme seeks to assist new and existing incubators to improve the prospects of Australian start-ups, including first-generation migrant and refugee founders to achieve commercial success in international markets. It forms part of the Entrepreneurs’ Programme which is the Australian Government’s flagship initiative for business competitiveness and productivity at the firm level.

Funding is provided through two components, both of which require a funding contribution from applicants:
1. New and existing incubators
- Grants between $13,000 and $250,000 are available, with a maximum project duration of 24 months.
- The maximum grant percentage varies depending on the project location as defined in the regional locator tool.
a) Incubators in major cities may receive a maximum grant of 50% of the eligible project value and must make a minimum cash contribution of 30%.
b) Incubators with projects located in regional areas may receive up to 65% of the eligible project value and must make a minimum cash contribution of 15%.
- The application is a two-stage process:
a) Expression of interest
b) Full application (by invitation)

2. Expert in residence
- Grants between $5,000 and 100,000 are available, with a maximum project duration of 12 months.
- The grant amount will be up to 50% of total eligible project value.
- Applicants must make a minimum cash contribution of 30% of the eligible project value.

A total funding pool of $23 million is available.

Eligible applicants must:
- Have an Australian Business Number (ABN).
- Be an incubator that can foster and facilitate the development of innovative start-ups focused on international trade.
- Be one of the following entities:
a) A company, incorporated in Australia
b) An incorporated trustee on behalf of a trust
c) An incorporated not for profit organisation
d) A publicly funded research organisation (PFRO) as defined in appendix A of the Program Guidelines
e) A local government agency or body as defined in appendix A of the Program Guidelines

New and existing incubators that do not have a specific focus on first-generation migrants and refugees can also apply.

Joint applications are acceptable and encouraged, provided the application have a lead applicant who is the main driver of the project and is eligible to apply.

Eligible activities must contribute to the initiative’s objectives and directly relate to the project. Examples of eligible activities include:
1. New and existing incubators
- Providing or facilitating access for start-ups to new resources (such as purchase of technical equipment) to promote or facilitate international trade.
- Providing or facilitating access for start-ups, including first-generation migrant and refugee founders, to new knowledge (such as customer acquisition and/ or business development methods) to promote or facilitate international trade.
- Facilitating start-ups’ access to new international networks (e.g. investors and customers).

2. Expert in residence
- A workshop where an expert gives advice on developing business activities, for example in international markets.
- Engaging a national or international expert (with knowledge in start-up related technology and international experience) to assist start-ups address key challenges during an incubator program.
- National or international exchanges with an expert from another incubator either in Australia or overseas.

Please refer to the Guidelines for the complete list of eligible/ineligible activities.

The main assessment criteria include:
- Management and business capability. (50 points)
- Benefit to their incubator, start-ups and the broader innovation ecosystem. (40 points)
- Impact of the grant funding on their project. (10 points)
- How your project will support first-generation migrant and refugee founders to expand internationally. (10 points)

Please refer to the Guidelines for the complete list of the assessment criteria.

The following are not eligible to apply:
- Individual
- Trust (however, an incorporated trustee may apply on behalf of a trust)
- A Commonwealth, State or Territory government agency or body (including government business enterprises and corporate Commonwealth entities)