A Capability Improvement Grant will reimburse you for up to half the cost of engaging a consultant or expert to implement the eligible recommendations. Eligible recommendations cover, but are not limited to:

• Business strategies, commercialisation and supply chain management;
• HR strategies, workforce planning and training;
• Quality assurance and risk management;
• Production and operational improvements;
• Marketing, branding and communication;
• Financial management systems;
• Exploring new markets and market intelligence;
• Environmental sustainability;
• Product and service development;
• Mentoring and coaching; and
• Skills and training for existing workforce.

The maximum Capability Improvement Grant is $250,000 per SME. The minimum grant amount is $5,000. In the past, CDIC grants have assisted:

• Prism Defence to provide professional management courses to its senior engineer and general manager, and to purchase a software tool to train software engineers;
• Ronson Gears to hire consultants to develop the company’s business and marketing skills; and
• Jenkins Engineering Defence Systems to pay for training of engineers who develop and manufacture electronic warfare equipment, an essential part of Australia’s security requirements.

Through these grants, the CDIC helps Australian businesses to deliver cutting-edge technologies, be more competitive, and gain access to international export markets. The grants also ensure that Australian troops have access to goods developed by a well-trained and sophisticated domestic industry base.

More information and to apply for a Capability Improvement Grant is available here.