Manufacturing modernisation grants applications open

The Department of Industry Science, Energy and Resources had opened applications for round two of the $52.8 million Manufacturing Modernisation Fund (MMF).

Businesses will be able to apply for grants of between $100,000 and $1 million before 21 January 2021, with the grant covering 25 per cent of the project cost.

Assessment criteria are general, involving adoption of ‘innovative transformative manufacturing technologies’, improving competitiveness and maximising employment.

However applicants must be SMEs with up to 199 employees.

And they must operate in one of the six National Manufacturing Priorities of resources technology and critical minerals processing, food and beverage, medical products, recycling and clean energy, defence and space.

The department will appoint a committee including ‘independent’ experts such s CSIRO which will assess applications and recommend which projects to fund.

AusIndustry will then provide advice on the merits of each application.

Round One of the MMF in April saw the Government invest $48.3 million into nearly 200 projects valued at more than $215 million.

Further information here.

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