Small businesses across Australia stand to receive a much needed cash injection with a number of lucrative grants currently on offer.
As part of its Shop Small campaign, American Express is offering businesses the chance to share in $600,000 – 120 small business grants of $5,000 each will be awarded nationally – 20 each month. The funds will be used by business owners to enhance and grow their businesses.
In order to be eligible, small businesses must accept American Express and not charge a surcharge. Each American Express transaction will provide one entry into the competition, and more information is available here.
The initiative, which encourages patronage of small business, has received the backing of the Federal Minister for Small Business, the Hon Bruce Billson MP, who spoke with Dynamic Business.
“Small businesses are the backbone of our communities and any support to encourage success, reward passion and entrepreneurial spirit is welcomed. The American Express Small Business Grants are recognition of the hard work, sleepless nights and enduring commitment of small business owners,” Mr Billson said.
The Minister also commented that his outreach objectives are to remind consumers to express support for, and an interest in, small business if Australians want to continue to see alternative choices to some of the bigger stores operating in our economy.
Pointing to the abolition of the carbon tax, company tax cuts, franchising reforms, changes around unfair contact terms, the small business and family enterprise ombudsman, and government procurement changes, Mr Billson says he believes the Government is on track with its commitment to better support the small business sector.
Google Australia to grant $2m
Google Australia has announced it will grant Australian non-profits $2 million as part of the Google Impact Challenge, which seeks out organisations looking to launch tech-driven passion projects to make a difference.
This is the first time the Google Impact Challenge has been open to Australian entrepreneurs. The four winning submissions will receive mentoring and support from Google employees and AUD $500,000 grant funding to help bring their project to life.
Applications are now today, and non-profits with DGR status are invited to apply online here. Google will announce ten finalists in October. The public will then be invited to learn more about the top ten finalists and cast a vote for their favourite.
“From conceiving the Hills Hoist to inventing the bionic ear and WiFi, Australia has a rich history of innovation, fuelled by a desire to tackle tough problems with creative solutions,” Maile Carnegie, Managing Director, Google Australia said. “We believe technology can help solve some of the world’s most pressing challenges, and we’re eager to back Australian innovators in the non-profit sector who are using technology to make an impact.”
Applications close on July 29, 2014.
New ‘Small Business Buddy Program’ grants
Online small business insurance service, BizCover has launched a new program designed to give micro and small businesses grants of up to $2,000, for wishes such as iPads, SEO consulting, office coffee machines, and even lunch celebrations to say “thank you” to hardworking staff.
From June 2014 for the next 12 months, a wish will be granted by Bizcover.com.au every fortnight in the form of a specific product or service valued at up to $2,000.
Wishes can be made by any small business with twenty employees or less. Businesses must have a valid ABN to apply but don’t need to be an existing BizCover customer to make a wish.
“For many small businesses the simple things many larger companies would take for granted, such as a new laptop or scanning equipment, will make a world of difference to a small business in terms of resources, staff morale and the bottom line,” BizCover Founder and Managing Director Michael Gottlieb said.
