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Minister for Defence Industry Melissa Price has announced $130,000 in grants for two Australian defence SMEs looking to build their export capability.
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Sydney-based Blueprint Laboratory will use its grant to meet accreditation requirements, aiding its ability to sell robotic arms to the US and UK military.
Melbourne’s Natex Engineering will use the grant to increase its capability to meet the quality requirements of defence customers, opening up the potential for $4.1 million in new contracts.
Minister for Defence Industry Melissa Price announced the latest recipients of the Defence Global Competitiveness Grants.
"The Defence Global Competitiveness Grants seek to build a stronger, more sustainable and globally competitive Australian defence industry by supporting small businesses to build export capability," Minister Price said.
The grants will help Australian SMEs to invest in projects that build export capability to build a stronger, more sustainable and globally competitive Australian defence industry.
The Defence Export Strategy defines Australian defence exports as "any defence-specific or dual-use goods or services exported by Australian defence industry, including as part of a supply chain, that are intended for a defence or national security end-user":
- Up to $4.1 million is available each year from 2018-19 to 2028-29;
- The minimum grant amount is $15,000;
- The maximum grant amount is $150,000;
- The grant amount will be up to 50 per cent of eligible project costs; and
- The maximum grant period is 18 months.
Minister Price added, "We know more exporting businesses means more Australian jobs, so we’re giving small business the tools they need to take their products and services to the world."
Further information about the Defence Global Competitiveness Grants, including eligibility criteria, application information is available here.
"Helping small businesses become ‘export-ready’ means they can take up opportunities to help them grow and create more jobs," Minister Price said.
Stephen Kuper
Steve has an extensive career across government, defence industry and advocacy, having previously worked for cabinet ministers at both Federal and State levels.
