Beyond Bank launches expanded grant program for idea-stage and established startups across regional Australia

To tap into a wider pool of entrepreneurs across the nation, Beyond Bank Australia has announced the launch of an expanded grant program targeting both idea-stage and established businesses.

Available to any type of business across South Australia, Perth, Adelaide, Canberra as well as the Northern, Hunter Valley and Riverina regional areas, grant recipients will be able to receive up to $50,000 for their business, without the need to participate in any related program or training.

With $250,000 worth of grants supported by the bank’s Community Entrepreneur Program on offer, Peter Rutter, Beyond Bank’s General Manager of Community Development, said a number of regional businesses and startups will be able to turn their idea into a reality.

“For many local businesses and budding Startups, the community grant is a great way to get access to the funds they need, without any strings attached,” he said.

Successful applicants, however, will be connected to Beyond Bank’s partner, Slingshot, to help them grow their business ideas.

Slingshot will also play a role in shortlisting applications, with the grant selection process giving preference to businesses working with solutions that better their local community through positive social outcomes and employment opportunities.

Building upon the success of past programs, which have seen over 800 businesses apply from a variety of backgrounds such as software development, cheesemaking and coworking, this year’s grants are open to entrepreneurs with early stage concept ideas, to both pre and post-launch businesses.

Applications for the grants are open now, with shortlisted applicants to be voted on online by the public during September and October, a new opportunity introduced the bank to encourage community members to have their say.

To learn more about the grant opportunities and application process, we spoke to Simone Eyes, cofounder of coworking space Working Spaces HQ, who received a Beyond Bank grant to accelerate her business.

You can watch the Facebook live video below:

Image: Peter Rutter. Source: Port News.