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20,000 reasons to become an entrepreneur

Announcement posted by Beyond Bank Australia 31 May 2016

31 May 2016
Australia’s army of budding entrepreneurs is being encouraged to apply for grants of up to $20,000 to kick-start their business ideas.

The money is available through Beyond Bank Australia’s Community Entrepreneur Program which is now open to receive applications across the nation.

“Now more than ever, entrepreneurs need a bit of help to get started,” said Beyond Bank’s General Manager, Community Development, Peter Rutter.

“There are some great ideas out there and for those looking to turn their dream into reality; $20,000 can go a very long way.”

Beyond Bank has allocated $180,000 to the Program with applications now open in New South Wales and Canberra, the ACT and with other states to follow later in the year.

Grants are available not just for new businesses and concepts but also pre and post-launch stages of existing projects to help take them to the next level.

“Ideally, what we want to see are innovative ideas around social enterprise, technology and grassroots business models that support the community,” said Mr Rutter.

“And aside from the cash windfall, we will also support those who are successful by linking them to local networks, access to experts and encouragement to consider further growth strategies like crowd funding, shared workspace, education and training.”

Supporting the Program is NSW based start up accelerator, Slingshot.

“The Beyond Bank Community Entrepreneur Program is a tremendous opportunity for Australian entrepreneurs,” said Slingshot founder, Trent Bagnall.

“The grants are specially aimed at getting ideas off the ground, boosting the innovation sector, benefiting regional economies and generating new jobs.”

Interested entrepreneurs are invited to apply online at beyondbank.com.au/your-community/entrepreneur where they will be asked to outline the key components of the business plan, show an understanding of the local market and a pathway towards meeting future targets.

For NSW & ACT applicants, there is still three weeks to apply with applications closing 15th June 2016. Applications close in South Australia and Western Australia on 15th September 2016.