The Accelerator Program Access Grants (APAG) provides funding for up to five senior or executive level managers to travel to and participate in recognised national or international incubator, accelerator or business training programs.
$100,000 has been allocated to this round. Up to $20,000 will be provided per organisation, which can be used to fund either one or two team members within the program, helping to offset flights, accommodation, and registration costs.
Funding to support growth in this sector is part of the WA Government's $8.65 million commitment to deliver on the actions outlined in its Health and Medical Life Sciences Industry Strategy.
Applications are now open and will close at 5pm (AWST), Monday, 25 November 2024 or when all funding is exhausted.
To find out more, read the information below. Eligible businesses are invited to apply through the online APAG portal.
Important - Please ensure you download and read the APAG application guidelines below prior to applying as it contains further information.
Step 1 - check eligibility
Show moreApplicant organisations must confirm all eligibility criteria below to be considered eligible. Evidence may be requested to verify certain claims.
- Will apply through apag.grantplatform.com.
- Is a small to medium enterprise that employs at least 2, but no more than 200 people; or a not-for-profit group/industry association/business council that employs at least 2, but no more than 200 people, and is a legally constituted not-for-profit organisation recognised by JTSI.
- Is not requesting funding for activities that are supported through another funding program external to your company.
- Confirms that the requested eligible expenditure is for future activity that will be completed no later than 31 December 2025.
- Has consulted with the Western Australian Life Sciences Innovation Hub (WALSIH) regarding its application prior to submission
- Is a registered entity based and headquartered in Western Australia, and is at least one of the following:
- Has been operating for at least 12 months at date of application
- Is a spin-out of a university or medical research institute
- Holds at least one of the following:
- A valid Certificate of Incorporation
- A current Australian Business Number (ABN)
- A current Australian Company Number (ACN)
- Is a legally solvent entity.
- Operates in the Health and Medical Life Sciences sector and is developing or expanding health and medical life science technology in Western Australia.
- Is willing, and have the financial capacity to contribute, at least 20:80 Applicant-to-Western Australian Government funding.
- Confirms that no more than two members of staff (the Candidate/s) will access funds for this round of the APAG grant.
- Confirms that, if successful, funds will be utilised only on eligible expenditure to travel to and attend the stipulated internship and/or accelerator / incubator program.
- Confirms it has NOT previously received nor is likely to receive other Western Australian Government funding, for the same travel / activity.
- Declares any funding received or likely to be received from Commonwealth or other State/Territory Government agencies for the same travel / activity
Additionally, the Candidate/s must:
- Live in Western Australia.
- Are employed full-time by the Applicant at senior management or executive level, or have significant ownership of the IP, (does not extend to include consultants), at the time of APAG application and funding use.
Step 2 - how to apply
Show moreApplications must be submitted using the online form that can be accessed via the APAG portal.
Applications for APAG are limited to one successful application per company / organisation, to support up to two (2) organisation representatives commencing and completing travel together until no later than 31 December 2025.
The Candidate/s must be full time employees of your company at time of APAG funding use.
Step 3 - completing your application
Show moreIn addition to the eligibility criteria, applications must also demonstrate the following:
- Can justify alignment with the Health and Medical Life Sciences Strategy and the proposed outcomes generated for their business/organisation and Western Australia
- Provide evidence of liaison with WA Life Sciences Innovation Hub (WALSIH) demonstrating the value of the proposed activity.
- Can demonstrate a proposed travel budget with quotes and costs to the value of the asking amount.
A draft budget will be required along with the Applicant’s grant submission that includes quotes for any of the applicable expenditure items:
- Registration and participation in a relevant incubator or accelerator program
- Economy airfares
- Accommodation (moderately priced hotels – 3 or 4 stars)
- Ground transportation
- Visas
- Travel Insurance
- Cost of living stipend
Step 4 - assessment process
Show moreApplications are assessed against the Eligibility Criteria, and Eligible Expenditure outlined above.
The Department of Jobs, Tourism, Science and Innovation (the Department) will review the Eligibility Criteria to determine shortlisted applications based on the criteria outlined above, and to make recommendations for funding.
To assist with decision making, the Department may seek advice from individuals with expertise in the area/s under consideration.
The Department may also request further information from the Applicant if needed, to support claims against the evaluation criteria.
The Department's decisions and all related information and material are strictly confidential, subject to the requirements of the Freedom of Information Act 1992 (see Conditions and Obligations 1.8).
The final approval for the Applicant funding lies with the Department. The Department's decision is final and no further correspondence will be entered into.
The Department's applications will be considered while funds are available. In the event that funding is exhausted, APAG will be closed to new applications. Information regarding closures will be published on the website and APAG portal.
