Defence Industry Grants Program

Ensure your Defence Industry

Development Grant application

is competitive by calling

Bulletpoint on 1300 658 508.

What is the Defence Industry Development Grants Program?

The Defence Industry Development Grants Program provides up to $1,000,000 to small to medium enterprises (SMEs) in Australia for projects that build sovereign capability, enhance global competitiveness, improve technical superiority, and strengthen national security. Contact Bulletpoint for assistance.


Background

The Defence Industry Development Grants Program was established to support the growth of Australia’s defence industry. Announced as part of the Defence Industry Development Strategy, this program aims to build the industrial base necessary to achieve strategic Defence outcomes. It provides funding across four key streams: Sovereign Industrial Priorities, Exports, Security, and Skilling.


Objectives

The objectives of the Defence Industry Development Grants Program are to:

  • Build Australia’s sovereign industrial capabilities
  • Enhance the global competitiveness of Australian SMEs
  • Support the development and delivery of superior technical solutions
  • Improve national security through advanced industry practices

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Defence Industry Grants


Eligible Entities

Applicants for the Defence Industry Development Grants Program must meet the following criteria to be eligible:

  • Have an Australian Business Number (ABN)
  • Be a SME with less than 200 employees or a Defence Industry Association (for the Skilling stream only)
  • Be registered for GST
  • Have an account with an Australian financial institution
  • Be non-income tax exempt
  • Be an entity incorporated in Australia, a company limited by guarantee, or an incorporated trustee on behalf of a trust

Eligible Expenditure

The eligible expenditure for the Defence Industry Development Grants Program includes:

  • Purchasing manufacturing plant and equipment for the Sovereign Industrial Priorities stream
  • Upskilling and training personnel for the Skilling stream
  • Overcoming export barriers and building scale for the Exports stream
  • Improving and maintaining security measures for the Security stream


Funding

Between $50,000 and $1,000,000 is available on a basis of 1:1 matched funding for the Sovereign Industrial Priorities stream. Other streams include:

Skilling Stream: $5,000 to $250,000
The Skilling Stream provides grants ranging from $5,000 to $250,000 to support the development and upskilling of the defence industry workforce. This stream focuses on enhancing the skills and capabilities of employees to meet the specialised demands of the defence sector. Eligible activities under this stream include:

  • Training and certification programs for defence industry employees
  • Workshops and courses aimed at improving technical and operational skills
  • Development of customised training modules specific to defence projects
  • On-the-job training initiatives and apprenticeships
  • Professional development programs to upgrade leadership and management skills

Exports Stream: $15,000 to $250,000
The Exports Stream offers grants between $15,000 and $250,000 to assist businesses in expanding their defence-related products and services into international markets. This stream aims to boost the global competitiveness of Australian defence companies. Eligible activities under this stream include:

  • Market research and analysis to identify international opportunities
  • Development of export marketing strategies and promotional materials
  • Participation in international defence trade shows and exhibitions
  • Establishing overseas distribution channels and partnerships
  • Compliance with international defence export regulations and standards

Security Stream: $10,000 to $100,000
The Security Stream provides grants ranging from $10,000 to $100,000 to enhance the security and resilience of defence industry operations. This stream focuses on protecting sensitive information, improving cybersecurity measures, and ensuring the integrity of defence supply chains. Eligible activities under this stream include:

  • Implementing advanced cybersecurity protocols and systems
  • Conducting security risk assessments and audits
  • Enhancing physical security measures at defence facilities
  • Developing and deploying secure communication technologies
  • Training staff in security best practices and protocols


Eligible Activities

Eligible expenditure for the Defence Industry Development Grants Program includes:

  • Research and development of new defence technologies
  • Enhancing and upgrading existing defence capabilities
  • Establishing or expanding production facilities for defence equipment
  • Developing advanced manufacturing techniques for defence applications
  • Collaborating with research institutions on joint defence projects
  • Procuring specialised equipment to support defence projects
  • Expanding operations to meet defence industry demands
  • Accessing independent management expertise (e.g., C-suite, advisory board)
  • Strengthening and expanding management teams or establishing a board
  • Investing in professional development and training for defence sector employees

 

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Defence Industry Grants


How to Get the Defence Industry Development Grants Program

In order to get the Defence Industry Development Grants Program you will need to focus on:

  • Demonstrating how your project aligns with Sovereign Defence Industrial Priorities
  • Providing evidence of broader benefits for your business and the defence industry
  • Including a Letter of Support from Defence or a defence industry customer
  • Outlining a comprehensive project management plan with identified risks and timelines
  • Detailing your project budget and how funds will be used
  • Highlighting your access to necessary resources and skilled personnel
  • Explaining your methods for securing intellectual property and technology
  • Describing the commercial benefits and potential of your project

 

Timing

The Defence Industry Development Grant has multiple streams with closing dates on 31 October 2024 for the Export and Security streams, and 30 November 2024 for the Skilling and Sovereign Industrial Priorities streams. The Joint Strike Fighter Industry Support Program – Sustainment phase closes on 30 June 2028.


More Information

Source 

News

International Centre for Complex Project Management has been awarded $498,280 from the Skilling Australia’s Defence Industry Grants Program for its project: Skilling Australia’s Defence SMEs to Manage Complex Projects.

This project will deliver specialist training in complex project management to 227 project managers, engineers, and other project professionals from the International Centre for Complex Project Management’s (ICCPM’s) Membership. In turn, this project will support the improved performance of complex defence projects.

 

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