The Federal Government has launched the $30 million Illawarra Region Innovation and Investment Fund, which will support businesses with innovative projects in and around the Wollongong area .

 

The fund is a jointly funded program, with the Federal Government providing $20 million, the NSW Government providing $5 million and BlueScope Steel providing $5 million over the next three years. It forms part of the Federal Government’s Innovation and Investment Fund, which supports projects with long-term growth potential.

 

The minimum grant under the Illawarra Fund is $50,000, matched dollar-for-dollar by successful applicants. There is no maximum funding limit.

 

Funds will be available for applications received in up to three rounds. The first round opened on 18 October 2011 and closes on 16 December 2011.

 

Further information is available from the AusIndustry hotline on 13 28 46, by emailing This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. and from the Illawarra Region Innovation and Investment Fund page atwww.ausindustry.gov.au.

 

AusIndustry's Illawarra and South Coast regional manager, Peter Masterson, who is based in Wollongong, can be contacted on 02 4254 5534 or 0451 632 141 or by email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.