Entrepreneurs' Programme (Overview)

This programme aims to drive business growth and competitiveness by supporting business improvement and innovation connections in targeted Growth Sectors and the commercialisation of novel products, processes and services. It is the Australian Government’s flagship initiative for business competitiveness and productivity which forms part of the National Innovation and Science Agenda.

The programme is delivered through a network of facilitators and advisers, drawn from industry, to ensure businesses get the advice and support they need to improve their competitiveness and productivity. The primary focus is on providing access to the best advice and networks to solve business problems, rather than focusing on financial assistance.

The programme has five elements:
1. Growth
- Aims to connect Australian businesses with the capabilities and networks they need to strengthen, grow, innovate and commercialise products and services in Australian markets and/or markets in other countries. It helps business to grow in two ways:
a) Growth Services
b) Growth grants (between $2,500 and $20,000)

2. Innovation Connections
- Provides support for business to collaborate with the research sector and connect with appropriate sources of expertise, technology and advice. This includes secondments of researchers into businesses.
- Support is provided through the following activities:
a) Innovation Connections Facilitation
b) Innovation Connections Grant (up to $50,000)

3. Accelerating Commercialisation
- Helps small and medium businesses, entrepreneurs and researchers to attract private investment and commercialise novel products, processes and services.
- Support is provided through the following activities:
a) Commercialisation Guidance
b) Accelerating Commercialisation Grant (up to $1 million)
c) Portfolio Services

4. Incubator Support
- Funds incubators and accelerators to develop the innovation ecosystem and support the growth and development of innovative start-ups.
- Support is provided through the following components:
a) New and Existing Incubators (Between $26,000 and $500,000)
b) Expert-in-Residence (Between $5,000 and $100,000)

5. Strengthening Business Initiative
- Seeks to support businesses in fire-affected communities to rebuild, transform and adapt following the bushfire crisis.
- Provides access to a business facilitator who'll provide a business health check, tailored advice, a roadmap and growth strategies. They may also connect you to a range of digital or tourism services, or help you access funding.

The programme was announced as part of the 2014-15 Federal Budget. In the 2015-16 Federal Budget, the Government has reduced the funding for the Entrepreneurs' Programme with a remaining total funding pool of $526.4 million available over four years from 2015-16. A further $15 million was provided over four years from 2016-17 to the Incubator Support Programme to expand this initiative to support innovative, globally-focussed startups and develop Australia’s innovation ecosystem, as announced in the 2016-17 MYEFO.

Please refer to the individual programme elements for the specific applicant eligibility requirements.

Please refer to the individual programme elements for the specific eligible activities.

Please refer to the individual programme elements for the specific assessment criteria.