Applications for Round 9 of the Small Business TCF Grant close on 28 February 2014 and a grant consultant like Vebiz can help you maximise the value of the grant you receive and have your application ready in time.

The TCF Small Business Grant has created some remarkable benefits for business. 

Over the last 8 years we have found some great products and providers that can make your TCF business eligible for the grant. They understand the industry and work in a team with Vebiz to help you maximise the value of the grant.

Keep in mind that Ausindustry must see your project as a “Business Culture Change”. This grant is not about just doing the same thing, only better. All that would mean is that you would be able to work six days a week instead of seven. The projects have to be about bringing a fundamental change to your business - you must change your production, operational activities, management, sales or marketing model.

To date; TCF Small Business Program grants have benefited 548 businesses and supported projects to transform business operations. Projects have included:

·       business strategy and mentoring,

·       marketing and branding,

·       manufacturing process upgrades,

·       e-commerce and

·       export opportunity development.

Vebiz works with each applicant to make sure the project will create new opportunities for the business and have the best chance of getting funding. Some case studies of our clients have shown the benefits of the projects that they have run over the years. There are many types of projects that have received funding, but in the main, we have noticed three ways to modernize your business and gain the grant…

1.     Consider CAD pattern making equipment

This technology creates productivity gains that free up time for TCF owners to develop new markets and products. Styelcad is one example. This system was installed at Sally Phillips Collections in Adelaide and they have not looked back since. Sally has two collections a year where samples for all styles and all sizes need to be produced prior to production, not just one single size. A huge job. Stylecad created significant timesavings and has helped the business grow from sole owner operator to 7 staff over 2 years.

2. Install an Enterprise Management System.

Enterprise Management Systems (EMS) integrates customers, sales, ordering, suppliers, production and distribution into one computer package.

Valerie Travers is a respected and long standing business in Adelaide who replaced old manual systems and a combination of three separate computing systems with the integrated web based package from Indigo-8. This has improved their productivity by 50%, improved their cost structures and allowed them to secure much larger customers.

Sydney-based fashion house Nookie received a TCF grant to implement the Indigo8 Solutions, Clearstream EMS to help them manage their growing online business and advanced distribution network.

Niche Garments is another long time supplier of computer systems in the fashion industry that Vebiz have worked with. They have allowed TCF companies like White Suede, High Tea with Mrs. Woo to enter new markets and gracefully adapt to much higher production volumes by giving them access to tools that organise the complex aspects of their business.

3. Hire a Consultant

This is the other way you can transform your business and gain a grant.  The right advice at the right time can make all the difference. Marketing experts have helped Vebiz clients move into the digital age with E-commerce sites and strategies for improving Website traffic and implementing social media programs.  Consultants can also help clarify your existing market and your approach to them, or find new markets and different demographics. They can suggest changing product types or start developing export plans.

Top Tip from Vebiz Grants: If you want to win a TCF Small business Grant; work closely with suppliers like the ones mentioned and be passionate about the project.  Enthusiasm and authenticity are worth more than you think.

You can contact Stuart on 0419 014 323 or consult@vebiz.com.au  Vebiz operate in all states of Australia.

It’s our business to know the ins and outs of grants available to the fashion business, and how to write a successful application. In twelve years of operation we have fielded plenty of questions, so here are our top ten most frequently asked. We hope it helps make the funding options available to you, a little easier to access.

Q1: How likely am I to get a government grant for my TCF business?

The government is serious about supporting the textiles, clothing and footwear industry in Australia so they have earmarked special funding to help. The TCF Small Business Program aims to transform business enterprise culture and improve innovation. If you can answer yes to a few of the following questions it may be worth your while to follow up and apply.

·      Are you an Australian TCF designer or manufacturer?

·      Are you promoting your products, services or intellectual property to customers from overseas?

·      Do you have over $100,000 in turnover, 12 months in business and less than 20 employees?

·      Are most goods made in Australia?

·      Can you contribute at least 25% of the money required?

·      Do you have ideas that can improve the productivity of your business?

·      Have you NOT received funding from the TCF SIP or BIC schemes?

The government also supports SME businesses that want to export. The question to ask is: Are you marketing or promoting your TCF products, designs or trademark overseas?

Special grants for creative activities are available to fund productivity improvements through business planning, marketing, computer systems, business restructuring and other worthwhile projects that you consider to be important.

Q2: What sort of projects are funded?

In the past the TCF program had funded things like: marketing, enterprise management systems, CAD systems, new equipment and ecommerce systems. In the last round one of our clients received $27,810 for marketing and ecommerce, another received $23,000 to install a computer aided design system. You can check out the other projects funded on the government website. Search on: TCF Grant Recipients.

Q3: How much might I receive and when might we receive the money?

A maximum of $50,000 is available for each particular project. The applicant must make a contribution to the project of no less than 25%. Ausindustry releases TCF grant money in two stages: 80% shortly after the grant is accepted. The balance is paid after the final report is submitted at the end of your project.

Q4: How much will it cost to apply?

There is no application fee.  If you engage a grant consultant they might charge a fixed fee, a minimum amount or may expect to get the work that the grant is funding – like marketing or system installations. Vebiz charge a percentage fee but will only charge if the application is successful.

Q6: Can I do the application myself? 

Yes, but keep in mind that many applicants need support in order to obtain it, simply because a high quality, well targeted, application has a greater probability of success.  Consultants like Vebiz will conduct interviews and process data for you so that your day to day operations can roll on as normal. In the end the choice will be made by your employee skill base and how much time you have up your sleeve.  A little patience is also an advantage.

Q6: How long will the application take?

To do it yourself, expect one employee to spend around a week filling out the application, less if they have had previous experience or a natural talent for handling red tape. If you hire a consultant expect to have two interviews and allow a week for processing. If your books are in order and up to date the process will be speedier.

Q7: Is there a deadline for applications?

Yes. Round 9 of funding will close on 28th  February 2014. There is also a 12 month time limit for using the funding.

Q8: Can I change my application?

No, you cannot change the application after you have submitted it but yes, you can change what you want to do with the money as long as it broadly follows your project objectives.  The supplier can be changed even after you have been given approval.

Q10: How long can I take to do the project? Up to 12 months. If approved the funding starts from the next financial year. Round 9 funds will be available in July 2014.

Q10: Can I apply more than once? Yes – this is possible if the applications are for different purposes and projects. In fact some of our TCF grant recipients have received multiple grants over the last 8 Years.

Two helpful Links:
Grants and Assistance Finder: business.gov.au/Grantfinder/Grantfinder.aspx.
Export Market Development Grant:  www.austrade.gov.au/Assistance

The more information contact:

Vebiz.com.au for an obligation free appraisal

Stuart Smith and Robert Jones are senior Grants consultants for Vebiz Consulting.

Stuart Smith

Stuart specialises in the TCF small business program and the R&D Tax Incentive program. Over a 30-year career, Stuart has worked in management and operational roles for larger companies in insurance, retail, chemicals and agriculture. Stuart holds an honors degree in applied science.

Robert Jones

Robert’s focus is TCF and Export Market Development Grants. Robert qualified as a Chartered Accountant with Arthur Young and has worked for many large CA firms in Australia. Since 1992 he has worked in business consulting, with a focus on funding.