Tailored Advisory Services assist small and medium sized Enterprises (SMEs) to engage service providers to help implement changes that improve their business performance.
Who can apply?
What does the Tailored Advisory Service offer?
How do firms apply?
How do I find a suitable service provider?
What is required of successful applicants?
How and when are costs reimbursed?
Who can apply?
Firms that have completed the Australian Industry Productivity Centre or Enterprise Connect Business Review or an equivalent process approved by a Manufacturing Centre State Manager, in the past six months.
What does the Tailored Advisory Service offer?
Through Enterprise Connect, the Australian Government will reimburse your firm half the cost, up to a maximum of $20,000 (excluding GST), of engaging a consultant/s to deliver the Tailored Advisory Service.
Typical projects that are identified through the Business Review process and are funded include, but are not limited to:
- supply chain management
- business and quality management systems
- lean manufacturing/office
- strategic and business planning
- resource management
- waste/resource management
- people and change management
- new product/service development
- diversification/economies of scope
- market access and development
- export strategy
How do firms apply?
Firms apply by completing and submitting the Tailored Advisory Services application form.
Completed application forms and a preferred service provider proposal can be lodged at enterpriseconnect@innovation.gov.au
Additional information may be requested from applicant firms if:
- only one service provider proposal is submitted
- the focus or approach in the proposal is not consistent with the issues identified in the Business Review
- the proposal does not represent value for money
Applications must be lodged within six months of the date of a Business Review.
How do I find a suitable service provider?
Your firm should identify service providers that have the relevant expertise that will assist you to implement the findings of the Business Review.
Firms are encouraged to seek proposals from more than one service provider. This will help determine a preferred approach and competitive price. Proposals must be obtained prior to lodging an application.
Business Adviser or Manufacturing Centre staff can assist firms to identify providers in their area.
What is required of successful applicants?
Deed of Grant
Successful applicants will be required to sign a deed of grant. The deed is a legal contract between the firm and the Commonwealth which sets out the reponsibilities of both parties.
A sample deed of grant is available here.
Firms must agree to a start date with the chosen service provider/s within two months of the date of your firm's deed of grant. All projects under the Tailored Advisory Service must be completed within twelve months. If there are several projects under a Tailored Advisory Service, all projects must be completed within twelve months from the start of the first project.
Reporting
Firms will be required to report on the outcomes of their Tailored Advisory Service project. Reports are due 30 days, 12 months and 24 months after the completion of the project, as set out in the deed of grant. Information contained in the reports will be treated as commercial-in-confidence and will assist in the evaluation of Enterprise Connect services.
The 30 day report template can be downloaded here.
How and when are costs reimbursed?
Costs are reimbursed at the completion of your Tailored Advisory Service project.
Firms must submit to the Department of Innovation, Industry, Science and Research:
- signed Tailored Advisory Services declaration for each service provider used
- copy of the tax invoice issued to you by the consultant for the provision of services
- receipt issued to you by the service provider/s confirming the amount paid for the services
- completed 30 day report template
- tax invoice to the Department of Innovation, Industry, Science and Research for the grant amount
For further information, call the Enterprise Connect Hotline between the hours of 9.00am and 5.00pm (AEST) on 131 791 (Australian callers only) or email enterpriseconnect@innovation.gov.au