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Regional Job Creation Fund from NSW Government

The New South Wales Government recently announced a new program designed to create more jobs for regional businesses.

Deputy Premier John Barilaro committed $100 million to the Regional Job Creation Fund to help businesses fast track expansion plans, stimulate the local economy, and create jobs.

“NSW businesses have demonstrated remarkable resilience in the face of drought, bushfires and COVID-19 and this unprecedented funding program will help them thrive instead of just survive,” said Mr Barilaro.

The Regional Job Creation Fund is expected to create at least 5,000 new jobs across regional NSW over the next three years. It will provide businesses with equipment, infrastructure, and additional capacity to create new opportunities and attract new customers.

“Regional NSW is the engine room of our state and this program will deliver immediate economic stimulus as businesses leverage new opportunities by providing work for tradies and suppliers,” said Mr Barilaro.

The program will provide grants between $100,000 and $10 million, with no more than $20,000 in funding for each new job created.

The aim of the program is to:

  • Replace, upgrade, or adapt existing plant or equipment, including technology or energy efficiency upgrades
  • Allow existing businesses in regional NSW to establish an additional production line
  • Relocate a business from interstate or internationally to regional NSW
  • Onshore an activity currently being undertaken overseas to regional NSW
  • Develop tourism experiences and attractions to create a greater demand in a particular region.

“Regional NSW’s abundance of natural resources, its pool of skilled labour and the NSW Government’s record infrastructure spend is providing businesses and industry with everything they need to succeed,” said Mr Barilaro.

Eligibility

To be eligible for funding, applicants must be a registered business or cooperative. You must have an ABN and have at least $20 million public liability insurance.

Applicants can be based internationally, interstate, or in metropolitan or regional NSW.

The Regional Job Creation Fund’s focus is to co-fund projects creating at least five sustainable regional jobs. Applicants must provide a minimum 50% cash co-contribution to the project.

An eligibility checklist is available via the NSW Government website.

How to Apply

To apply for the Regional Job Creation Fund, you will need to submit an application online.

Before you start your application, be sure to read the program guidelines.

The preliminary application stage is assessed for suitability to proceed to the next stage. If an applicant is then invited to submit a detailed application stage, a Business Development Manager from the Department of Regional NSW will assist.

Applications must be submitted by Friday 14 May 2021 at 5:00pm (AEST).

Further Information

For further information: