Australia’s forward-thinking Textile, Clothing and Footwear (TCF) businesses can now apply for matching grants starting from $250,000 to fund projects boosting the international competitiveness of their industry.
Innovation Minister Kim Carr today called for applications in the first round of the Rudd Government’s $35 million Textile, Clothing and Footwear Strategic Capability Program.
The program, which includes an extra $5 million announced in this year’s Budget, supports large projects that build innovative capability at the enterprise and workplace level.
“This program will assist our visionary TCF businesses to strengthen their competitiveness and sustainability,” Senator Carr said.
“It provides yet another avenue for the sector to foster crucial innovation and create jobs.
“Under the guidelines released this week, we have improved access to the program by lowering the total eligible funding mark from $1 million to $500,000. This amount includes the matching Government contribution.”
Assistance will be available for projects targeting innovation, collaboration, market access, business improvement, skills development, environmental sustainability and ethical practices.
Senator Carr said the program would help businesses develop capability to maximise their opportunities to meet the challenges of a very competitive global sector.
“TCF is a vital part of our manufacturing sector, employing over 45,000 people. Increasing capability means better skills and more high-wage, high-skill jobs,” he said.
Consortiums led by TCF businesses or TCF industry bodies are also encouraged to apply. Consortium membership may be quite diverse, including supply chain businesses, retail businesses, educational institutions and others.