Businesses across the region could benefit from round three of the $100 million Regional Job Creation Fund, which aims to enhance job opportunities, boost staff retention, and grow and diversify business in regional NSW.
Member for the Dubbo electorate Dugald Saunders said Expressions of Interest (EOI) will open on Friday, 13 January for applications that attract investment through co-funded projects and initiatives to support economic growth, productivity, and diversity across the region.
“Businesses across the electorate contribute a huge amount to our economy and the Regional Job Creation Fund continues to support regional business by co-funding projects that drive investment, create jobs and boost economic growth,” Mr Saunders said.
“We’ve already seen fourteen local businesses across the Dubbo electorate benefit from a share of funding in rounds one and two, including Ben Furney Flour Mills in Dubbo, Spencer Cocoa at Mudgee, and Mumble Peg citrus near Narromine.”
“While each of the businesses is different, the one message I get from each of them is how significant this funding is to the growth and future of their enterprises.”
Secret Harvest, part of the Native Secrets group based near Dubbo, received $400,000 in round two, which co-founder Phil Thompson said will enable it to step up on the international stage.
“This grant really allows us to become world leaders in native plant extraction technology, which is a critical part of our growth strategy because it gives us a unique product, backed by science, that we can sell around the world,” he said.
“On top of creating jobs, we’re also sharing cultural knowledge and creating safe places for cultural exchange from our old people to our young people.”
The previous two rounds of the Regional Job Creation Fund provided $140 million to almost 200 regional projects, enabling more than $360 million of private investment into regional NSW and creating 6,500 new jobs in key industries.
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.
Expressions of Interest for Round Three of the Regional Job Creation Fund open on Friday, 13 January 2023 and close 5pm Monday, 6 March 2023. Successful EOI applicants will be invited to submit detailed applications from May 2023.
For further information about the Regional Job Creation Fund, including program guidelines and eligibility criteria, go to: www.nsw.gov.au/RJCF.