Economic Development Grant

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This Economic Development Grant Program was created to support the delivery of projects that will have a positive impact on the local business environment and the local economy, and looks to encourage collaboration and partnerships between Council, business representative groups and the business community.

This Grants Program operates on a rolling basis and is not subject to closing dates and application deadlines. They remain open until the end of the financial year, or until all of the allocated funding has been distributed.

Council has awarded over $50,000 of Economic Development Grants for a wide range of projects that benefit the Noosa economy. Visit Grant Recipients for a list of previous recipients and projects.

Grant Guidelines Grant FAQ's Grant Recipients 

Projects funded under this grant program must support the delivery of the Economic Development Strategy through initiatives that will:

  • Connect local businesses
  • Contributes to the development of the business ecosystem
  • Encourage business innovation
  • Build business  & entrepreneurial capacity and skills
  • Contribute to the ease of doing business
  • Enable partnerships and collaboration between businesses and/or organisations in the Noosa region
  • Address a local workforce gap
  • Assist in growing the reputation of Noosa as a preferred business location
  • Attract additional funding to the Shire
  • Contribute to the growth and development of existing and new industry to Noosa.

There are three categories:

  • Quick Response Grants - This small grants program provides up to $2,000 to support small one off projects such as workshops, meet ups and events that engage and benefit the Noosa business community. Applications must be received at least 21 days prior to the commencement of the project.
  • Project Partnership Grants - These grants support innovative one-off projects of merit that have a positive impact on the local business environment and will be completed within 12 months of commencement.
  • Multi-Year Partnership Grants - These grants assist stakeholders to deliver longer term programs agreed by Council that extend beyond 12 months. Funding agreements will consider funding both on going operational costs and project specific costs.

An important pre-condition to applying for an Economic Development Grant is to read the Economic Development Grant Guidelines, and have in-depth discussions about the project and application with a member of the Economic Development team. You can make contact by calling 5329 6500 or emailing economicdevelopment@noosa.qld.gov.au.

Guidelines and forms

Timing

This Grant Program is open from 1 July each year and will close only when all grant funds allocated for that particular financial year are distributed

Round opens 1 July
Project period: Quick Response Grants - projects must be completed within 6 months of approval
Project Partnership Grants – projects must be completed within 12 months of approval
Multi-Year Partnership Grants - as agreed with applicant
Announce results: Quick Response Grants - within 10 days from application
Project Partnership Grants - within 6 weeks of application
Multi-Year Partnership Grants - as agreed with applicant
Acquittal due: Quick Response Grants – 30 days from project completion
Project Partnership Grants – 30 days from project completion
Multi-Year Partnership Grants - as agreed with applicant

Apply Online

Preparing your grant application

Data and Statistics are an important component of grant applications.  Noosa specific data is available from id.economy at Data & Statistics and we encourage all applicants to include data that validates the case for a grant.  

Other helpful information on grant writing  is available at Grants Guidance

Funding acknowledgement

If a grant application is successful, the recipient is required to acknowledge Noosa Council's contribution to the activity that is being funded.

Acquitting your grant

All grant recipients are obligated to acquit grants on time. The due date for the acquittal is on the front page of the funding agreement. At the appropriate time, you will be asked to complete the acquittal. Read the factsheet for further guidance.

Forms

Council’s finance process separates payments to grant recipients from suppliers. If you have not received a grant from Noosa Council before or your organisation’s bank details have changed then you will need lodge a Grant Account Creation/Change Form.