The Tasmanian government has unveiled two grant programs that will provide support for small businesses based in the state.
PowerSmart for Small Business
One of the grants is the PowerSmart for Small Business program, which aims to help Tasmanian small businesses better understand their energy use and implement initiatives that will help them save energy usage and costs.
Under the program, grants of up to $1,000 to small businesses for energy efficiency audits that will enable small businesses to identify when and where they use the most energy, allowing them to make informed decisions about the right energy purchasing arrangements and opportunities to reduce energy consumption and lower energy costs. Small businesses can submit the audit report and invoice to receive the grant once the audit is completed.
Depending on the actions arising from the energy audit, further funding assistance under different programs may be available to support energy efficiency investments, such as the Energy Saver Loan Scheme which provides interest-free three-year loans to eligible small businesses to invest in certain energy efficiency equipment.
Key benefits of the program include up to $450,000 in annual funding available for four years (depending on program uptake) and the option of having a proposed energy audit scope pre-approved as eligible under the program to provide certainty of support before the audit is undertaken.
Multicultural Small Business Grant
The other program is the Multicultural Small Business Grant program, which will support the growth of multicultural small businesses so they can undertake projects that will help develop stronger communities and enhance Tasmania’s regional areas.
The $400,000 grant program will provide grants between $700 and $5,000 to help finance projects that build capability and new skills. Such projects can include building a website, developing strategic marketing plans, or providing advice, coaching or training
“This new two-year grant program is a continuation of our support, which is delivering on our 2030 Strong Plan for Tasmania’s Future, and I look forward to hearing about the different projects that are delivered,” said Tasmanian Minister for Small Business and Hospitality, Jane Howlett
Howlett added that the growth of Tasmania’s multicultural sector was having significant flow-on effect to the small business community.
“Our multicultural sector’s drive is clearly evidenced through the contribution community members from overseas are making in starting and running small businesses across the State,” she said.
The Multicultural Small Business Grant Program guidelines are available on the Business Tasmania website and the program will open on 19 November 2024.
