Minister Barr: Innovation fund helps CBR entrepreneurs create jobs
- Written by ACT Government
Released 06/08/2015
Site preparation The ACT Government has today opened the 2015 competitive funding round of the CBR Innovation Development Fund to help drive innovation, entrepreneurship and job growth in Canberra. The Fund has been designed to support a range of initiatives aimed at developing capability and investment across the ACT’s innovation ecosystem.
It is clear that the ACT can no longer rely on the Federal Government and the APS for employment opportunities in our city, and my Government has been working hard to diversify our economy and attract private sector investment. Major international companies like Costco, IKEA and Qantas have already come to Canberra, and our ongoing infrastructure program is creating a pipeline of jobs for Canberrans.
The ACT Government’s prudent management of the economy has allowed the territory to manage the severe cuts to the APS – ensuring our economy didn’t fall into recession and keeping our unemployment rate at one of the lowest levels in the country. Now it’s time that we, once again, build up the capability of local innovative businesses to promote job growth.
The CBR Innovation Development Fund was announced as part of Confident & Business Ready: Building on our Strengths in May 2015. It is a working example of the Government’s commitment to diversification of Canberra’s economy by creating the right business environment, accelerating innovation to create wealth and jobs and supporting investment in future growth areas.
In 2015-16, the CBR Innovation Development Fund will offer $700,000 for initiatives that build the capacity and capability in the innovation ecosystem, demonstrate sustainable economic growth and promote local job development. In the 2016-17 funding round the amount will be increased to $1.45 million.
Proposals will be assessed against their capacity to support innovation capability building, demonstrate tangible economic benefits and make a significant contribution to the ACT’s innovation ecosystem. Applications are open from today, 6 August 2015, and can be submitted online until 3 September 2015.
For more information about the CBR Innovation Development Fund and to find out how to apply please visit:
http://www.business.act.gov.au/grants-and-assistance/cbr-innovation-development-fund/
- Statement ends -
Section: Andrew Barr, MLA | Media Releases
