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THE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT GRANTS POLICY REVIEW · Attachment 1 Review of Noosa Council Economic Development Grants Program
Attachment 1
Noosa Shire Council
Economic Development Grants Program
Review 2022
Prepared for Noosa Council by
Will Gerhardt
December 2022
Noosa Shire Council | Economic Development Grant Program Review 1
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Page 2
3
Executive Summary
4
Part One: Project Overview
1. Project Scope 4
2. Objectives and Outcomes 4
3. The Economic Development Grant Program 5
4. Grant Program Performance 6
5. Future Performance Indicators 6
CONTENTS
Part Two: Project Consultation
1. Consultation Process 7
2. Summary of Consultation 8
• Common feedback themes 8
• Actual Stakeholder Feedback 8
9
• Councillor Workshop Feedback
Part Three: Recommendations 10 - 13
Appendices & Attachments
i. Reference Documents & Supporting Information 14
ii. Comparative Analysis LGA Grants Programs 14
iii. Alternatives to a Grant Program 15
iv. Individual Stakeholder Feedback 17
v. Attachments 17
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Executive Summary
Noosa Council’s Economic Development Grants Program (EDGP) has been in place since 2018 with the
endorsement of the Economic Development Grants Policy in November 2017.
With the program now running for six years, Noosa Council have now undertaken to review the EDGP.
The review has been driven by two main factors:
1. The program’s inability to fully expend budget each year, since its inception in 2018; and
2. A lack of strategic applications and projects capable of aligning with or delivering Noosa Shire
Council’s Economic Development Strategy – A Smart Biosphere!
After extensive consultation with stakeholders to better understand the low application rate, this review
suggests the following continuous improvement recommendations to be trialled over a 12-month
period:
Recommendation 1: Implement Funding rounds with open and close dates to create a sense of
urgency
Recommendation 2: Amplified Marketing and Promotions
Recommendation 3: Expand applicant eligibility
Recommendation 4: Expand application criteria
Recommendation 5: Remove the grant categories ad reduce maximum grant value
Recommendation 6: Simplify wording in application template
Recommendation 7: Establish a Grant Review Panel
Recommendation 8: Simplify governance and reporting mechanism
If these adjustments are made to the program, it is envisaged that the following targets will be
achievable in FY 23/24:
• 50% increase in Grant Applications for FY 2023/2024
• 100% Grant Funding acquitted in FY 2023/2024
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PART ONE: PROJECT OVERVIEW
1. Project Scope
Out-of Scope
• The review is not an audit of the current Economic Development Grants Program.
• No assessment of previous EDGP applications was undertaken in detail.
• The content of past EDGP successful grants allocations and processes of allocation were not
reviewed.
• This review does not consider Council's adopted grants administration software (Smarty Grants),
EDGP grants budget allocation, nor the consideration of the EDGP as a mechanism to fund private
business.
In-Scope
• The EDGP review is intended to provide the information, findings, improvement opportunities and
options for Council's, deliberation, consideration, and decision making moving forward.
2. Objectives and Outcomes
• Review the current (2022) EDGP
• Comparative learnings from other best practice Economic Development Grant Programs across
Australia Develop recommendations to improve the EDGP and Policy that deliver stronger benefits
to Council and Noosa's wider business community.
- Increase engagement in the EDGP
- More aligned applications from proponents
- Alignment to the adopted principles and objectives of the Noosa Council's Economic
Development Strategy.
• Delivery of an evidence-based report by 30th November 2022.
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3. The Economic Development Grant Program
The Economic Development Grants Policy was endorsed in 2017 with the aim to:
“support the delivery of the Local Economic Plan and enable collaboration an strategic partnerships
between Council, business representative groups and the business community. It will support
stakeholders to deliver outcome driven projects that will positively impact the local business
environment, business community and economy.”
Eligible applicants for the program include:
• Not for profit incorporated business representative group
• For profit businesses (where the project is not run for the direct profit of an individual business)
• Consortiums
This Grant Program is open from 1 July each year and closes only when all grant funds allocated for that
particular financial year are distributed (which has never happened)
Categories
The EDPG has three categories of funding:
1. Quick Response Grants This category supports small, one off projects such as workshops, meet
ups and events that engage and benefit the Noosa business community.
2. Project Partnership Grants Project Partnership Grants support innovative one-off projects of
merit that have a positive impact on the local business environment and will be completed
within 12 months of commencement.
3. Multi Year Partnership Grants Multi Year Partnership Grants assist stakeholders to deliver longer
term programs agreed by Council that extend beyond a 12 month period.
Application Process and Criteria
The Application Process is administered through SmartyGrants and are assessed by Council Officers
using the following criteria:
• The extent to which the project aligns with and addresses key findings, weaknesses and/or
threats, or targets the opportunities identified in the Economic Development Strategy
• The extent to which the project can demonstrate community benefit
• The scale of the economic impact likely to be achieved (e.g. creating the conditions for business
success, industry or business development, investment attraction)
• The level of innovation, insight or creative thinking that makes the project unique • The quality
of the application (e.g. a well-developed, clear and realistic action plan, supported by research
where appropriate and including an accurate financial plan/budget)
• The ability of the organisation and/or stakeholder group to deliver the project
• The potential for the project to create business/industry networks and partnerships that can
drive future economic development activities.
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Assessment
• Quick Response Grant applications are approved by the Economic Development Manager.
• Project Partnership Grants with a value of less than 30% of the original Grants Program budget
amount will be approved by the Chief Executive Officer based on recommendations from the
Director Environment and Sustainable Planning.
• Grants valued at over 30% of the original Grants Program budget amount are approved by
Council. Multi Year Partnership Grants will be approved by Council
More information
• Attachment 1: Economic Development Strategy
• Attachment 2: Economic Development Grants Policy
• Attachment 3: Economic Development Grant Program Guidelines
4. Grant Program Performance
• The EDGP Budget is capped at $50,000 annually
• Since inception the EDGP has not dispersed its full annual budget allocation of $50,000.
• In most years minimal applications are received and have declined each of the program
• In most instances EDGP Applications have failed to meet the programs strategic criteria and
eligibility.
Table 1: Grant Application Summary 2018 – 2022
Number of Applications Successful Applications Grant Amounts
Year received allocated
2016 – 2017 9 4 24,228
2017-2018 8 7 23,495
2018-2019 5 5 10,500
2019-2020 10 9 26,000
2020-2021 8 6 10,000
2021-2022 2 2 18,750
*Detailed Grant Application Information is in Attachment 4
5. Future EDGP Key Performance Indicators
• 50% increase in Grant Applications for FY 2023/2024
• 100% Grant funding acquitted in FY 2023/2024
• Positive improvement feedback from Business Roundtable members and stakeholders involved in
the process.
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PART TWO: PROJECT CONSULTATION
1. Consultation Process
‘Face to Face' consultations through appointments were conducted with the following stakeholders:
External Stakeholders
• Noosa Chamber of Commerce
• Noosa Business Association
• Noosa Junction Business Association
• Zero Emissions Noosa
• Hastings Street Traders Association
• Landcare Noosa
• Cooroy Traders Association
Internal Stakeholders
• Councillor Workshop, 17 November 2022
• Kim Rawlings, Director, Environment and Sustainable Development
• Lynne Banford, Acting Manager ED
• Carolyn Bullen, ED Advisor
• Vicky Kottaras, Project Officer, Economic Development
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2. Summary of consultation
Common Feedback Themes
Actual Stakeholder Feedback
At no time in the consultation process was “not wanting to participate in the Noosa EDGP” mentioned.
Rather, it was discontent with the process, including resource intensity for applicants, arduous
application methods and the thought of being unsuccessful after considerable time and effort that
proved to be the deterrents.
It should be noted that most stakeholder groups are voluntarily resourced with little or no
administrative support.
Noosa Council Officers were thanked and appreciated for their efforts in assisting with providing advice
on the process and defining the criteria and rational for the EDGP.
Individual stakeholder feedback is attached as Appendix iv, page 16.
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Councillor Workshop Feedback – 17 November 2022
Councillor feedback included:
• Councillors were comfortable to move criteria from “strategic” alignment to EDS to projects of a
more tactical nature that also delivered on the EDS.
• The inclusion of an ‘Expression of Interest’ process in gauging interest from business stakeholder
group and the type of ED projects they are considering.
• Establish an EDGP Grants Review Panel to assess, support, approve funding applications through the
EDGP process.
• Councillors to review grants in a similar process to the Community Grants
• Support sectors, initiatives and projects that align with business and community needs and support
Noosa values:
- Village Economy and Social Enterprises
- Cultural Industries
- Clean Technologies
- Biosphere Objectives
- Eco System Development
- Diversity in Business
- Digital Technologies
- Value Chain Development
- Mentoring.
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PART THREE: RECOMMENDATIONS
In consultation with the business community, the following continuous improvement recommendations
are suggested for the current Noosa Economic Development Grant Program (EDGP).
If implemented, these recommendations will improve the performance of Noosa Council’s future EDGP.
Recommendation 1: Implement Funding Rounds with open
and close dates to create a sense of urgency
Table 2: Proposed Schedule
By Action
End May Approved / Adopted Council’s Budgets cycles are normally completed by
(Annually) month ending May of each Calendar Year
Approval / Adopted EDGP Funding Model
1st June Commence EDGP Launch, Marketing and Promotion
1st July EDGP Applications open from Incorporated Stakeholder Groups
Availability of Grant Application Assistance
Commence EDGP Induction, Explanatory, and Information Session
EDGP Information Hotline open
31st August EDGP Applications - Close
EDGP Information Hotline – Close
1st Sept. EDGP Applications received, and evaluation process commences
EDGP Grants Review Panel assembled to assess projects for funding
30th Sept. EDGP Application Evaluation process completed
Council Report completed / Recommended EDGP Project Funding adopted by
Council
15th Oct. EDGP Successful Grant Applicants advised
EDGP Unsuccessful Grant Applicants advised
EDGP Funding Acquittals completed / distributed
1st Nov. Commencement of EDGP Projects – Successful Applicants
30th April Completion of EDGP Projects - Project Outcome Reports provided to ED
31st May Audit of all EDGP projects delivered / project funding disbursement
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Recommendation 2: Amplify Marketing and Promotion
• Launch new approach via Council channels, introduce details and timelines
• Increase marketing to targeted audiences
• Marketing materials to included key timelines and criteria for application
• Council staff to meet one on one with all chamber Executive to promote the grants, and discuss
potential applications
Recommendation 3: Expand Applicant Eligibility
• EDGP applications accepted from Incorporated Associations, Business Groups, Trader Groups, Not
for Profit Business Enterprises, etc. It is estimated that up to 15 Noosa Incorporated
Associations/Groups would qualify for EDGP Funding.
• Individual businesses or a group of businesses seeking EDGP funding are encouraged to seek
assistance from their local Incorporated Association or Group.
Recommendation 4: Expand Application Criteria
To ensure that more business organisations can see benefits from applying for an EDGP grant, it is
recommended that the current “strategic criteria” is extended to include the following tactical initiatives
and activations:
• Training, skills development, mentoring
• Sector development
• Job creation and attraction
• Initiatives that address systemic problems (e.g., transport options to encourage labour
attraction)
• Green and blue sustainable business practices (e.g., delivering Green Economy, Regenerative
Tourism or Bio-sphere objectives)
• Strategic Business Plans (3-year cycle)
• Digital Technology Initiatives that deliver smart solutions for the Noosa Shire Environment
• Precinct Website Development (3-year cycle)
Irrespective of whether the application is strategic or tactical, the application must be able to
demonstrate where it adds value to or delivers on Noosa Shire’s Economic Development Strategy – A
smart biosphere!
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Recommendation 5: Remove the Grant categories and reduce
maximum grant value
To reduce the level of accountability and therefore the pressure on volunteer groups to complete the
application process, it is recommended that maximum funds available per application is capped at
$5,000, commensurate with the level of information requested, making it easier for proponents to
apply.
• Maximum grant value - $5,000 to facilitate lower value projects.
• Minimum grant value - $1,000.
• The maximum number of EDGP grants available annually is dependent on the Annual Budget
• One grant application, per organisation per annum, unless total funds are not expended in the
financial year, at which time further applications may be considered
Recommendation 6:Simplify Wording in Application Template
• The EDGP process is to continue to be managed thorough Noosa Council’s Smarty Grants Program.
• Simple, straightforward language to be used in the application questions.
• The Smarty Grants Program will incorporate a range of EDGP information including, criteria,
supported projects, strategic and economic alignment, delivery, and outcomes, etc. Website to be
updated accordingly.
• Application process to include a number of tick box prompts to help applicants meet the EDGP
criteria and guidelines when they register an ‘Expression of Interest”.
• Responses to questions are restricted to no more than 200 words.
• To simplify the EDGP application process, no additional application form outside the Smarty Grants
Program process will be required.
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Recommendation 7: Establish a Grant Review Panel
• Grants Review Panel set up with representation from Economic Development Team (2) & other
Council Staff (1) .
• The EDGP process are overseen by the Noosa Economic Development Team through the Smarty
Grants Program.
• Project applications are received via Council’s Smarty Grants Program
• EDGP Panel assess and recommend successful project initiatives for the allocation of EDGP funding.
• EDGP applications that are successful and approved for funding will require final approval from the
Director, Environment and Sustainable Development.
Recommendation 8: Simplify Governance & Reporting
Mechanisms
Governance
• The EDGP Application, Approvals and Funding Acquittals process is managed in its entirety through
the Noosa Council's Smarty Grants Program.
• The EDGP governance processes and program management are integrated within the Smarty Grants
Program, making the evaluation of applications, assessment against the criteria, approval processes
and acquittals, all actionable under one system of operation.
• Due diligence checks on all projects are completed by Council Officers prior to approval, including
project verification across all relative Council Departments.
• The EDGP Projects Review Panel will meet to deliberate on and recommend the approval of project
initiatives received through the application process.
Reporting
• EDGP funding applications are overseen by the ED Team through the Smarty Grants Program and
notified to the Director, Environment and Sustainable Development, as required and for final
approval.
• Process reporting on the progress of grant applications received are actioned by the ED Team from
information and data accessed through Council’s Smarty Grants Program.
• .
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Appendices
i. Reference Documents and Supporting Information
- Appendix 1:Economic Development Strategy – smart biosphere
- Appendix 2: Economic Development Grants Policy
- Appendix 3: Economic Development Grant Program Guidelines
- Appendix 4: Economic Grants Application Summary – 2018 -2022
- Noosa Economic Development Grants - General Information
- Grant Programs -State and Federal Governments
ii. Comparative Analysis LGA Grant Programs
The provision of a dedicated annual EDGP funding model by Noosa Shire Council is more of an
LGA exception than the rule.
Today, there are few LGA's across Australia that still provide grants to the business community,
favouring instead, a more reactive approach by providing grant assistance to businesses in
response to specific times of economic hardship, e.g., Global Financial Crisis 2009, Covid-19,
Natural Disasters – flood, bushfire etc.
Most Council's do offer financial assistance to their respective business communities but
channelled through annual funding agreements or MOUs with local Chambers of Commerce or
other Business Groups, conditional on alignment with and delivery of components of Council's
Economic Development Strategy.
This model and approach enable Councils to expend specific rates or levies imposed on local
business communities across all industry sectors in an equitable distribution of funding to the
benefit of all businesses.
Other than administrative management by Council Officers, in real terms, there is no other
financial cost (other than budgeted costs) for Noosa Shire Council to maintain its commitment
to its EDGP.
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Council’s Economic Development Strategy and team are the key drivers of this program. They
facilitate the management, actions and deliverables with outcomes focused on future planning
for and investment in a vibrant and sustainable local economy.
iii. Alternatives to a Grant Program
Should Council choose not to fund an Economic Development Grants Program, the following
initiatives, supported by other LGA’s may provide a suitable alternative:
Noosa Business and Industry Expo
Funded by Noosa Council and managed by Council's ED Team, the Noosa Business and Industry
Expo runs annually around mid-year in support of showcasing all Noosa Businesses across all
Industry Sectors.
The Expo is held in partnership between Council and local Chambers of Commerce, Business
Groups, and Industry Sector Associations.
A two day (Friday – Saturday) major event attracting businesses and industry to showcase their
products and services. Sales are not permitted at the Expo, rather a referral point for consumer
interaction. Showcase presentations by businesses and industry are delivered throughout the
Expo.
The Noosa Business and Industry Expo could potentially be linked to the Noosa Biosphere
Summit, showcasing Noosa’s Business and Industry capabilities as part of a “Smart Biosphere”
approach to economic development.
Leverage of Queensland Small Business Month
The Queensland State Government, Business Queensland hosts Queensland Small Business
Month annually in May of each year. The opportunity is for Council's ED Team to apply for state
funding to participate in Queensland Small Business Month and, as part of its commitment to its
Small Business Charter.
An event program is developed and planned with participation of all incorporated business
associations and groups to jointly deliver a program of events in Noosa celebrating the
development of the Noosa Business Community.
The Noosa Small Business month could potentially be linked to the Noosa Biosphere Summit,
showcasing Noosa’s Business and Industry capabilities as part of its “Smart Biosphere” approach
to economic development.
Events could include:
- Economic - Local, State, National, International Economic Conditions
- Women in Business
- Digital Economy / Advanced Technologies / Artificial Intelligence
- Food and Agri-Business
- Noosa Industry Sector Expo (see below)
- Labour Attraction / Skills Development / Training / Youth Deployment
- Business Mentoring
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Buy Local Campaign
A targeted ‘Buy Local' campaign including regular marketing and promotion by Council
throughout the calendar year and via traditional media, social media, web promotions,
residential communications, and other messaging opportunities.
Shop and business entry branding reinforces that Noosa’s supports its businesses (not just in the
retail sector) will provide a consistent message to the local community to encourage them to
support local businesses.
Such consumer campaigns are a popular local government practice in supporting the local
business community across all sectors.
iv. Individual Stakeholder Feedback
• Application process is too arduous and time consuming.
• Difficulty in meeting / matching the EDGP criteria.
• Larger funding applications through the EDGP program are difficult and too demanding on
applicant resources.
• Provide a simplified EDGP application process.
• Applicants are faced with too many barriers and matching project needs with the grant criteria
is difficult.
• The type of project opportunities that qualify for the EDGP need to be clear and widened.
• The processing of larger grants is time consuming for all concerned.
• Grant project opportunities that align with the Noosa Council EDS need to be made clear.
• Why fill out an application form that is resource intensive and then duplicate the application
process on Smarty Grants Program. Why not a more simplified process ‘once’ on the Smarty
Grants Program.
• Offer smaller grants that can easily be dispersed.
• Offer smaller grants for businesses to network, say up to $2K e.g., pay for speaker costs,
workshops, training and skills development experts, business mentoring, etc.
• Open the EDGP to include small grants for Business Precinct Place Activation initiatives.
• More flexibility in the type of projects that can qualify for EDGP funding.
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• Noosa Council provides for approved budgeted grant funding annually through the EDGP and
then the process in applying and acquiring grant funding is made too difficult.
• Unaware of the annual availability of grants through the EDGP.
• More intense targeted marketing and promotion in the lead up to the annual opening of the
Noosa EDGP and direct liaison with potential grant applicants and stakeholders, re: grant
applications open / close.
• Provision of simplified, clearer documentation relating to the criteria, alignment with potential
projects, EDS key objectives.
• Allow for co-funding of projects, e.g., in partnership with Industry Sectors, Government,
Associations, etc.
• Include projects that provide for the growth of local artisan industry, home based craft trades
and community arts interaction.
• Use the Smarty Grants Program to simplify the entire application process for the EDGP.
• Instil a set period for when EDGP grants can be applied for, applications open and close and
grant funding is dispersed to successful applicants
Attachments
Attachment 1: Economic Development Strategy
Attachment 2: Economic Development Grants Policy
Attachment 3: Economic Development Grant Program Guidelines
Attachment 4: Economic Development Grants Recipients, Amounts and Projects 2016 - 2022
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