New Industries Fund– RNIFGuidelines

  1. Introduction

The New Industries Fund (NIF) is a $16.7 million State Government projectdesigned to support venture creation and accelerate businessgrowth todiversify the Western Australian economy and create new jobs. To optimise State-wide economic outcomes, $4.5 million of the NIF has been allocated to the State’s nine regionsas sub-program referred to as the Regional New Industries Fund (RNIF).

Extensive consultation with the State’s innovation community identified four pillarsrequired to support innovation. The pillarsare recognised as essential foundations for job creation and new industry development;and, more broadly, building a strong and competitive innovativeState.

Pillar 1: Talent, Skills and Entrepreneurship

A sustainable innovation environment requires the right people with the right skills.Western Australia needs to develop, attract and retain the right people.

Pillar 2: Investment and Infrastructure

Infrastructure and capital are important to innovation to enable the collaborationnecessary for start-ups, emerging businesses and small to medium enterprises (SMEs) to grow, commercialiseand create jobs.

Pillar 3: Culture and Collaboration

Western Australiahas significant human, natural and infrastructure assets. Byfostering the right culture and facilitating collaboration, the State Government canmaximise their value.

Pillar 4: Marketing and Promotion

Raising the State’s profile on the global stage is essential. Leveraging the State’sbrand will allow Western Australia’s strengths to become synonymous with innovation, andcritical global networks to be forged.

Initiatives, programs and projects delivered through the RNIFwill align need to align to one or more of the four pillars, and will be implemented under the following principles:

  • focus on entrepreneurs and start-ups, SMEs and transitioning industries;
  • provide place-based support for innovation to build competiveness;
  • focus on job creation;
  • maximise leverage and co-investment opportunities;
  • actively include Aboriginal innovation and business opportunities;
  • use existing or underutilised assets and stakeholder networks; and
  • use appropriate governance and evaluation and reporting mechanisms.

1

The Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (the Department)is responsible for administering the RNIFon behalf of the State Government.

Information on funding rounds and dates will be publishedon

2.RNIFObjectives

The RNIFaims to:

Catalyse Western Australia’s competitiveness by buildingentrepreneurial,innovation and commercialisation capabilities inthe regions. It will support, accelerate new and growth orientated businesses to createsustainable regional economies that generate new jobs and industries.

The RNIF objectives are to:

  • support business venture creation and SMEs to grow;
  • support transformation of mature industries and economic diversification;
  • develop business venture opportunities in international markets;
  • support Aboriginal business development; and
  • promote co-investment opportunities between business, government and other organisations.

The intended RNIF outcomes are:

  • Increased skilled job growth;
  • Increased venture creation and SME growth;
  • Increased R&D spending and commercialisation rates;
  • Increased gross regional product;
  • Increased per capita income; and
  • Increase private investment.

3.Regions Defined

The RNIFwill support the nine regions defined in the Regional Development Commissions Act 1993, namely:

  • Gascoyne
  • Great Southern
  • Goldfields- Esperance
  • Kimberley
  • Mid West
  • Peel
  • Pilbara
  • South West
  • Wheatbelt

4.Funding

The RNIFcomprises of two allocations, a Regional Streamand a State Network Stream, totalling $4.5 million over four years.

Funded projects may spanup to a maximum of four years, ending in the 2020-2021 financial year and require a 1:1 ratio of matched contribution (cash and in-kind services) that has an appropriate cash flow.

Previous regional funding allocations by the State Government will be taken into consideration in the assessment of regional applications. All funding is subject to the assessment criteria described in section 5 of these guidelines.

All opening and closing dates for application under the RNIFwill be published on

Regional Stream

The Regional Stream allows for funding of up to $300,000 for each of the State’s nine regions.

Each of the nine Regional Development Commissions will establish and coordinate a Regional Innovation Partnership (Partnership)in their region. The Partnership is to be inclusive and consist of an appropriate mix of public, private and academia stakeholders with an interest in innovation and business growth.

To be eligible for funding, the Partnershipwill collaboratively develop aregionally-owned innovation roadmap, action plan and projectproposals that build and enhance their region’s economy. The innovation roadmap and project proposalsthat meet the guideline criteria will be the basis of the application and assessment for funding through the RNIF.

Projects should be delivered in multiple locations within each region through a‘Delivery Lead’. A Delivery Lead is defined as an organisational partner of the Partnership that has the management (including financial) and technical capability to implement a project, and has met all other criteria. Delivery Leads are to be collaboratively agreed to by the Partnership.

StateNetwork Stream

The State Network stream will be allocated a minimum of $1.4m.

Regional Innovation Partnerships are able to develop joint submissions with other regions to apply for funding from the State Network Stream.

State Network Stream will fund projects that increase connectivity andbuild capability across regions, the state and to international markets.In particular, the stream priorities initiatives that enable technology development, service innovation and market access.

To developsubmissions to this stream, the Department will coordinate a working groupconsisting of representatives from each of the nine Partnerships. Members willidentify initiatives that could be joined-up and developnew collaborative initiatives for consideration of funding under the State Network Stream.

Applications tothe State Network Stream willneed to nominate a ‘Delivery Lead’, as required under the Regional Stream. The Delivery Lead will be agreed to collaboratively by the Working Group.

State Network projectswill be submitted by the region in which the Delivery Lead is located, as part of their regions submission. However, all regions that participate as partners to a State Networkproject, should identify the project in their respective Roadmap and action plans.

5.Assessment Criteria

The following eligibility and merit criteria apply to assessment ofRegional Streamand State Network Streamapplications.

What are the eligibility criteria?

To be eligible for funding, the regional application must:

1.establish a Partnership, consisting of an appropriate mix of innovation and business stakeholders;

2.submita regionally-owned innovation roadmap, action plan andproject proposals that meet the eligibility and expenditure requirements for considerationunder the Regional and/or State Network Stream;

3.submitprojects to the value of a minimum of $20,000 (excluding GST);

4.have a 1:1 ratio of matched fundingthat may include in-kind services;

5.demonstrate that the proposedproject Delivery Leads have the appropriate management and technical capability to deliver;and

6.describe alignment to the governance, evaluation and reporting measures provided.

What are the merit criteria?

1.Impact (50%): applicationsmust demonstrate how funding will align with the four pillars, principles and objectives cited above and including:

  1. leverageindustry strengths and opportunities to supportinnovationand economic transformation;
  2. provide an environment to promote and accelerate entrepreneurs andstart-ups; and
  3. support high growth SMEs to scaleactivities and access new markets;
  4. have a strong emphasis on, and be inclusive of,Aboriginal business development.

2.Collaboration (20%): applications must demonstrate how funding will be used to:

  1. buildpartnershipsto expand the existing regional innovation ecosystem to acceleratecompetitiveness, job creation and businessopportunities.

3.Value for money (30%): applications must demonstrate how:

  1. leveragedexternal funding and in-kind services will be usedto create additional value; and
  2. funding will be used to build regional capabilities and generate sustainableoutcomes.

6.Applying for RNIF Funding

Each Partnership will develop one application, consisting of multiple projects,to be endorsed and submitted by theRegional Development CommissionBoard to the department’s external assessment panel (the Panel).

All project proposals will need to identify appropriate Project Delivery Leads that meet the requirements below.

Project proposals and nominated delivery leads for consideration of funding from the State Network Stream will need to be collectively agreed to by the working group.

The Panel will assess and evaluate the project proposals against the guideline criteria and regions roadmap before making a recommendation to the Minister for Regional Development and Minister for Innovation for approval.

Regional Innovation Partnershipswill have oversight of the delivery of all its successfulRNIF projects.Funding will be allocated via the Regional Development Commission to disperse to the nominated Delivery Leads.

Project Delivery Lead

Organisations wishing to nominate as a Project Delivery Lead are to register their interest on line at and contact their respective Regional Development Commission to be involved in the Partnership.

At the time of applicationa potential Project Delivery Lead:

  • must have an Australian Business Number (ABN);
  • be based within the region where the project is proposedby the respective Partnership;and
  • registeredas a member of the Regional Innovation Partnership.

The following are examples of the types of organisations that would be considered eligible as a project Delivery Lead:

  • incubators, co-working spaces, or other innovation service providers;
  • Local Government Authorities;
  • consortiums of private and public organisations;
  • not-for-profit entities; and
  • publicly funded research organisations.

A projectDelivery Lead must:

  • be nominated by the Regional Innovation Partnership;
  • demonstrate collaboration with other organisations in the region;
  • be able to provide programs and services tomultiple locations;
  • demonstrate they have the management and technical capability and professional networks to deliver activities outlined in the regional proposal;
  • provide a statement of viability from the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) and two years’ of audited financial statements.

Who is not eligible to apply to be a Project Delivery Lead?

  • An individual, partnership or trust (however, an incorporated trustee may apply on behalf of a trust).
  • A Commonwealth or State Government agency or body (including government trading enterprises).

Ineligible uses of funding

Funding is only for delivery of project outcomes as defined against the criteria and may not be used for the following costs, including:

  • capital works and/or physical infrastructure including any buildings;
  • tenancy, including rental or lease of floor space; or
  • workshops, conferences, consultation or publication services.

Matchedfunding

Funding from the RNIFwill be matched on a 1:1 ratio against contributions that the Partnershipapplication leveragesfrom external investment sources or in-kind services. The Partnership must provide a declaration outlining the abilityto meet the matched funding commitment. RNIF funding milestones and payment timing will be conditional upon the Partnership securing the matched funds.

The limits for matched contributions over the term of the funding (up to four years) are outlined below:

  • cash contributions should achieve a minimum of 50 per cent of the total 1:1 matched ratio funding requirement consisting of a funding mix from private and public, Commonwealth and local, sources; and
  • in-kind contributions must directly relate to the project activities. Examples of in-kind include:
  • third party staff salaries;
  • access to facilities such as office space;
  • access to services such as coaching and mentoring; and
  • access to resources such as IT equipment and software.

Calculations of in-kind contributions must be consistent with current market rates and applicants must provide details for calculation of the dollar value of any in-kind contribution.

In exceptional circumstances, theDepartment may approve variations to the 1:1 ratio of matched contribution, subject toa satisfactory leverage proposal and to meeting all other eligibility and merit criteria.The Partnership is to raise the matter with the Department prior to the application assessment.

7.How to Apply

Application process

  1. Registration of Interest

All stakeholders wanting to participate in a Partnership and access funding are required register their interest at

The Regional Development Commission will coordinate the Partnership and contact registered interested parties located within their region.

  1. Project Delivery Lead

The Delivery Lead’s application(s)should consist of:

  • project outline, budget for staged funding and governance, evaluation and reporting plan;
  • identified partners, investors and key stakeholders;
  • nominated locations; and
  • a project delivery team, including a curriculum vitae (CV) demonstrating capability to lead.

The Partnership will collectively agree on the projects and nominate Delivery Leads collaboratively to be submitted as part of the regional application to the RNIF.

  1. Regional Innovation Partnership (Partnership)

A Partnership will be formed in each region to develop and implement the regionally owned innovation roadmap, action plan and application to the RNIF.

The respective Regional Development CommissionBoard will lodge one partnership application that may consist of multiple projects on behalf of the Regional Innovation Partnership. The partnership applicationshould consist of:

  • a completed application form, consisting of an appropriate mix of innovation and business stakeholders (including project Delivery Leads) representing different groups of stakeholders and identifying multiplelocations;
  • aregionally-owned Regional Innovation Roadmap for activities including focus, operating model, forward timetable of activities, resources, cost structures and revenue streams (signed by all partners)which also includes:
  • an action plan which describes the pipeline of innovation projects the roadmap will deliver (including projects that do not require funding);
  • a communication plan to champion innovation and business development in the regions and supportthe implementation of the region’s roadmap; and
  • amonitoring and evaluation plan that aligns with the RNIF outcomes and considers a description of activities and performance measures such as: capability and capacity; end-user engagement; number of jobs created; number of new industries created; number of start-ups, emerging businesses and SMEs assisted; regional development; financial and other leverage; public/private sector collaborations and partnerships; and economic, social and environmental impacts;
  • project outlines for the projects seeking funding form the RNIF;
  • letters of support from the Chief Executive Officer (or equivalent) of each nominated project Delivery Lead for the initiative; and
  • letters from an external accountant or CFO of the Regional Development Commission and their partners contributing to the matchedfunding requirement, outlining their ability to meet the commitment.

Additional information and templates can be found in the Application Guide found on

8.Application assessment

The Partnershipwill develop their respective roadmap and collectively agree on the project and project Delivery Leads.Through the development phase, the Panel will invite the Partnership to seek feedback on identified initiatives.

The Regional Development CommissionBoard will review and endorse the application to ensure regional alignment, before submissionto the Department. The Department will review the application by completing a due diligence processthat reviewsthe eligibility and merit criteria to provide a consistencyacross applications.

Eligible applications will then be provided to anexternal Panel as part of a competitiveassessmentprocess. The assessment panel will assess each application against the guidelines and make recommendation to the Ministerfor Regional Development and Minister for Innovation.

The Panel will include members with relevant industry, business community and regional development or scientific research expertise.

The Partnership and Delivery Leads may be contacted during the assessment processby the Department or the Panel to clarify information provided in the application and/or request further information to enable completion of theapplication assessments.

The Partnership via the Regional Development CommissionBoard will be notified by email or in writing of the outcome of the application.

During the application process, the Panel may request that the Regional InnovationPartnershiprestructure their cash flow to vary project timelines during the funding period.

9.Conditions of funding

  • Successful applicants will be required to enter into a legally binding financial assistance agreement with the Western Australian State Government.
  • The terms and conditions of the financial agreement will not be negotiable at the time a funding offer is made. A template is available in advance.
  • The funded project must commence within 90 days after the Western Australian State Government signs the application approval and be completed within the agreed timeframe (maximum four years).
  • Only eligible expenditure incurred on or after the project’s start date can be claimed by successful applicants.
  • Any project expenditure made prior to notification of outcomes for the RNIF, is made at the project partners own risk—there is no guarantee of funding approval at any stage of the application process.
  • Funding recipients must be willing to provide information as and when required and be open to attend media/promotion events if requested.
  • The successful applicant partners must acknowledge the Western Australian Government’s funding, and where applicable relevant Minister for Innovation and Minister for Regional Development, in all relevant published material, media releases and public statements.
  • You must advise the Department of changes which are likely to impact on your eligibility for the Fund.
  • The Department may consult with other Western Australian State Government agencies, local governments and the Australian Government to confirm information provided in the application.
  • Monitoring and evaluation plans and reporting will be required.
  • Project funding will be subject to the Partnership demonstrating that Delivery Leads havesatisfied achievement of project milestones as outlined in the funding agreement.
  • No contractual or other legal relations shall exist between any applicant for funding on the one hand and the State of Western Australia (including any agent, agency, instrumentality or emanation of that State) on the other hand unless and until a formal legally binding financial assistance agreement is entered into by and between them. Neither this document nor anything else shall be creative of or give rise to legal or equitable rights or obligations; such rights or obligations shall only come into being if and when a formal legally binding financial assistance agreement, referred to in the previous sentence, comes into existence.

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