Regional Job Creation Fund - Round two - Frequently Asked Questions

Applicants should ensure they use the correct organisation name and details when applying as this generally cannot be changed once the project has been assessed.

Applicants can submit a joint application for a single project, but a lead applicant will need to be nominated. If the application is successful, the lead applicant will enter into the funding deed and be ultimately responsible for the project – including the achievement of project outcomes.

No, local government organisations are ineligible.

Yes, if they otherwise meet the eligible applicant requirements included in the Program Guidelines.

No, statutory authority organisations are ineligible.

No, businesses of any size are eligible to apply but must have an Australian Business Number, be registered for Goods and Services Tax, have at least A$20 million in public liability insurance and be an eligible entity type as described in the Program Guidelines.

Yes, however international businesses will need to have an Australian Business Number, be registered for Goods and Services Tax, have at least A$20 million in public liability insurance and be an eligible entity type to enter into a funding deed if they are successful. 

Yes, if it is one of the entity types listed in the Program Guidelines and meets other eligibility requirements.

Yes, however as grant funds are limited, companies are encouraged to prioritise their applications.

Yes, if they otherwise meet the eligible applicant requirements included in the Program Guidelines.

Yes, if they otherwise meet the eligible applicant requirements included in the Program Guidelines.

Businesses whose primary operation is in the retail, localised trades or administrative services that serve only the local or regional community will not be eligible for assistance under this program.

The provision of financial assistance to businesses may require consideration of the impact on local competition. Competition issues will be reviewed as part of the assessment process to avoid advantaging or disadvantaging businesses legitimately competing in the same immediate market.

When invited to submit a detailed application, a business will be asked to provide three years of continuous financial statements and to complete a datasheet showing financial details for the project. This information will be considered in the assessment.

If a business is unable to provide three years of financial history or would like to provide further evidence of financial viability, supporting information such as financial statements of principal investors and/or a letter from an external accountant confirming the applicant’s financial viability can also be submitted.

A business can still apply if it has operated for less than three years but the applicant will need to provide evidence of financial viability and a justification why three years of financial statements cannot be provided. Strong experience of key staff involved in the project and evidence of alignment with the overall objective of the program and other criteria will also need to be provided. Applicants may also consider providing other evidence, such as financial statements of principal investors and/or a letter from their external accountant confirming the applicant’s financial viability. 

There is a significant risk an application will not be approved if the financial evidence provided to the Department of Regional NSW is not strong.

Yes, to be eligible the business must be registered for Goods and Services Tax.

Yes, to be eligible the business must have at least $20 million public liability insurance or be able to purchase before entering into a funding deed if successful. Evidence of this policy will be required at the detailed application stage.

Yes. Where multiple entities within the same corporate structure will be used to deliver the project, this will be considered as a joint application. When applying, the lead applicant must provide supporting documentation to evidence the relationship between the applicant and the other entity, including detail on the organisation’s group structure and financial statements for the entities involved as well as consolidated financial statements for the group if applicable.

Generally no, under the Program Guidelines an applicant must show that business investment would not take place in regional NSW on the same timeline, or at all, without NSW Government assistance. Eligible costs will generally only be those incurred after a grant has been awarded. Please consult your allocated Business Development Manager if you have any questions. 

Yes, a project stage can be eligible for funding as long as the project stage is clear in scope and discrete from other stages, the project stage can be delivered by May 2023, the funding requested is no more than half of the cost of the project stage and the applicant has provided evidence of secured funding for remaining stages required to deliver the jobs within three years of signing a funding deed.

Where a project relates to the independent brewing sector, projects must address program criteria, including alignment with the relevant Regional Economic Development Strategy and the impact on NSW competitors. To be considered strategically aligned, applicants must demonstrate how the project:

• Implements innovation in products, production or business processes;
• Increases export sales or expansion into export markets; and
• Is not primarily intended to achieve tourism outcomes (i.e. majority of project costs, project revenue and FTE creation must relate to production and not tourism outcomes).

For example, a brewery expansion focused on production enabling out of state sales, with a small hospitality element such as a kitchen/bar, would be eligible.

Where a project relates to the meat processing sector, projects must address program criteria, including alignment with the relevant Regional Economic Development Strategy and the impact on NSW competitors. To be considered strategically aligned, applicants must demonstrate how the project:

• Implements innovation in value adding, products or production processes;
• Increases export sales or expansion into export markets; and/or
• Creates efficiencies in the supply chain, benefitting multiple businesses in the sector.

Where a project relates to the agricultural sector, projects must address program criteria, including alignment with the relevant Regional Economic Development Strategy and the impact on NSW competitors. To be considered strategically aligned, applicants must demonstrate how the project:

• Implements innovation in value adding, products or production processes;
• Increases export sales or expansion into export markets; and/or
• Creates efficiencies in the supply chain, benefitting multiple businesses in the sector.

Where a project relates to the viticulture sector, projects must address program criteria, including alignment with the relevant NSW Government policies or strategies and the impact on NSW-based competitors. To be considered strategically aligned, applicants must demonstrate how the project:

• Implements innovation in value adding, products or production processes;
• Increases export sales or expansion into export markets; and/or
• Creates efficiencies in the supply chain, benefitting multiple businesses in the sector; and/or
• Is not primarily intended to achieve tourist outcomes (i.e. majority of project costs, project revenue and FTE creation must relate to production and not tourism outcomes).

Projects which are exclusively for cellar door construction/expansion will not be eligible.

Accommodation projects will generally not meet the competitive neutrality requirement but may be considered where the proposal is unique to the existing market and considered to be regionally significant and/or iconic enough to attract new significant overnight interstate and/or international visitors to the region. If a tourism project is not regionally iconic and not sufficiently differentiated from existing similar experiences, it is unlikely to increase the tourism market in the region. This will not meet the objective of the Fund. Applicants are encouraged to consult their relevant Department of Regional NSW Business Development Manager before submitting an application  -  phone 1300 679 673 or email regionalnsw.business@regional.nsw.gov.au.

In order to meet the competitive neutrality requirement, the development of new regionally significant and/or iconic tourism experiences and visitor attractions are considered eligible if they will create new inter-state or international demand in the region (without impacting other NSW tourism businesses). If a tourism project is not regionally iconic and not sufficiently differentiated from existing similar experiences, it is unlikely to increase the tourism market in the region. This will not meet the objective of the Fund.

Applicants are encouraged to consult their relevant Department of Regional NSW Business Development Manager before submitting an application - phone 1300 679 673 or email regionalnsw.business@regional.nsw.gov.au.

No, grants cannot be for equipment that has already been purchased.

Eligible projects must align with existing NSW Government strategies such as the 20-Year Economic Vision for Regional NSW and the Regional Economic Development Strategies. Generally residential housing construction, education and health projects will be excluded as they are population serving industries.

Projects focused on population serving industries are generally not eligible. This includes projects that service only the local or regional community such as hospitality, retail, localised trades and construction, health, education, childcare and administrative services. 

Yes, companies relocating their operations are eligible, but only new jobs and benefits will be considered in the assessment e.g. Jobs moving from metro Sydney to a Regional location will not be included but if the project creates 5 additional jobs it will be considered in the assessment.

Projects based in Greater Sydney, Newcastle or Wollongong Local Government Areas are not eligible. Greater Sydney includes the Blue Mountains, Wollondilly and Hawkesbury Local Government Areas.

To find where your project is located within NSW Administrative Boundaries, including the Local Government Area (LGA), you can use NationalMap.gov.au. Search for your location, then select ‘Explore map data/New South Wales/State data/Administrative Boundaries’, and then select the + sign to show the LGA boundaries.  

Yes, if the jobs created are in a regional NSW area.

No. Successful applicants will be required to commit to delivering the project scope and additional jobs as detailed in the funding deed. Depending on the structure, additional commitments, such as guarantees, may be required.

Applicants are required to demonstrate the project would not occur in regional NSW at all, or in the same timeframe, without government investment. For example, if funding will allow a stage to be brought forward from year five to year one, it may be eligible.

Projects should not have commenced prior to an offer of grant funding being made.  The NSW Government is under no obligation to pay any funding unless, and until, the project application is successful and both parties execute an agreed Funding Deed. Further, applicants are required to demonstrate the project would not occur in regional NSW at all or in the same timeframe without government investment. Where a larger project is being delivered in stages, see Q: Is one stage of a larger multi-year project eligible for funding?

Please speak to your Business Development Manager if you have concerns about your ability to order equipment and deliver the project within the program timelines.

Non-fixed equipment is an eligible cost if part of a larger project, as long as the project is anchored to a specific location within regional NSW, and the jobs created will be based in regional NSW. Applicants will also need to demonstrate how the project will continue to be delivered over the long term in regional New South Wales.    

Yes. Purchase of used or refurbished equipment is an eligible cost. However, purchasing these items directly from a related entity would be considered an in-kind contribution. See Q. What can be used as an in-kind co-contribution?.

The project scope, planning and budget documentation that an applicant provides as part of their detailed application process, will guide the use of funding if the project is successful. The funding deed will outline the purpose, scope, and use of grant funding for your project, based on the information provided during the application process.

No. Project funding for RJCF is for projects based in regional New South Wales only. 

These costs are eligible as part of the project budget if they occur after the grant outcome is known and a Letter of Offer has been received. Costs prior to a Letter of Offer can not be included as co-contribution for the project.

The Program Guidelines require a minimum 50 per cent cash co-contribution. In-kind co-contributions will only be considered in extenuating circumstances. Extenuating circumstances will be considered on a case-by-case basis, and justification must be provided for consideration. 

Examples of what is considered as in-kind co-contribution are: land or equipment ‘gifted’ by an external entity, or purchased by an applicant prior to a letter of offer for RJCF grant funding; services ‘gifted’ by an external entity to an applicant as part of the project delivery; cash already expended on a project prior to a letter of offer for RJCF grant funding.

There is a significant risk an application will not be approved if there is not a minimum 50 per cent cash co-contribution.

Please consult your allocated Department of Regional NSW Business Development Manager about consideration of non-cash contributions to the project and your business circumstances.

No – not for direct funding of the same project.

There are other programs available to support businesses to deliver projects already funded by the NSW Government, for example training or regional skills relocation grants. Please talk to your Department of Regional NSW Business Development Manager about these opportunities.

A project is eligible if the project requires funding from both sources to enable the project to proceed (for example if both Australian Government assistance and assistance from RJCF Round Two is required to realise the total project outcomes). If the project can achieve the same outcomes through assistance already provided, then the project would not be eligible.

Generally co-contributions should be confirmed. Applicants will be required to provide confirmation of the co-contributions to the project in the application.

The applicant and other non-NSW Government cash co-contributions to the project must be at least 50 per cent of the total project cost. Cash co-contributions of less than 50 per cent, or that include in-kind contributions, may be considered in extenuating circumstances only.

Prospective applicants are encouraged to discuss their project with the relevant Department of Regional NSW Business Development Manager before applying – phone 1300 679 673 or email regionalnsw.business@regional.nsw.gov.au.

No. Ongoing staff wages and salaries are not an eligible project cost. Applicants can consult with their relevant Department of Regional NSW Business Development Manager to clarify the eligibility of aspects of their project - phone 1300 679 673 or email regionalnsw.business@regional.nsw.gov.au.

Yes, loan funds are eligible as a co-contribution.

Please note that applicants are expected to have access to their nominated co-contribution available through the delivery of the project. Applicants will be required to provide evidence that this co-contribution is secured and confirmed.

Applications will be assessed against both criteria.

If the project cost is $400,000 and will create 10 FTE positions, then the applicant may choose to apply for the maximum NSW Government contribution of $20,000 per job (i.e. $200,000). However, if the project cost is $500,000 and 10 FTE positions will be created, then the applicant should note the maximum NSW Government contribution of $20,000 per job will mean the maximum request will be $200,000, with a co-contribution of $300,000 from the applicant.

The amount of grant funds requested, relative to the number of jobs created and the level of co-contribution are also relevant to the Return on Government Investment and Affordability Assessment Criteria. Prospective applicants are encouraged to discuss their project with the relevant Department of Regional NSW Business Development Manager before applying  –  phone 1300 679 673 or email regionalnsw.business@regional.nsw.gov.au.

The co-contribution can be cash reserves or a loan. Applicants will be required to provide evidence that this co-contribution is secured and confirmed, noting that applicants are expected to have access to their nominated co-contribution available through the delivery of the project.

The growth in FTE employees will be calculated from the date you receive an offer of funding. While projects must be completed by May 2023, successful applicants will have up to three years from the date the funding deed is signed to achieve the agreed employment outcomes. The project must have all committed FTE positions in place for at least six months within three years of signing a funding deed.

One FTE position is equal to a ‘standard working week’ of 35 hours of someone directly employed by the company. Positions filled through the use of labour hire firms are not included.

The project must create at least five (5) new, direct FTE jobs. The forecast increase in jobs delivered by the project must be achieved within three years of signing the grant funding deed. The increase in FTE positions will be measured against the number of FTE positions employed by the applicant at the time the grant funding is offered and the employment outcomes required to be reported as a condition of the funding.

For the jobs to be recognised as new FTE, they must be directly employed by the applicant (or joint applicant). Positions filled through labour hire firms will not be considered as direct FTE and will not be recognised for the purposes of reporting.

Funding can support wages for project-specific contracts to assist an applicant to deliver the capital works phase of a project, such as project management roles or consultants. 

Ongoing positions with the business are not considered eligible project costs under RJCF.

For example, a project management role created to deliver the construction and fit-out of a new factory can be considered an eligible project cost, however an existing or ongoing position created to operate the factory after its construction is not an eligible project cost.

No.

Yes. When invited to submit an application, applicants will be provided with compulsory documentation including a datasheet. This requires the identification of the types of jobs being created including apprentices and trainees.

Where the wage costs of apprentices and trainees are being supported by other Government funding, this should be noted in the application. 

No. Typically internships are nonpaid, and short term which is not the intent of the fund to create ongoing jobs.

Seasonal employees are eligible to be counted towards new jobs created. The duration of their employment must be converted to FTE and the requirement for the project to create at least five new FTE positions will apply. (e.g.: 8 jobs employed for 3 months = 2 FTE.

For the jobs to be recognised as new FTE, they must be directly employed by the applicant. Positions filled through labour hire firms will not be considered as direct FTE and will not be recognised for the purposes of reporting.

Projects must be completed no later than May 2023. Employment outcomes may be achieved over a three-year period from signing the funding deed but must be in place for at least six continuous months before the three-year period ends (recognising the jobs may not be realised immediately on completion of the project).

On the grant amount.

Indirect jobs created during the project construction period do not count towards the new FTE positions.

Part time jobs are eligible but need to be converted to FTE, for example a person working 17.5 hours per week is equal to 0.5 FTE. The requirement of at least five FTE positions for a minimum of 6 months will apply.

The jobs must be created in regional NSW, directly with the applicant (or joint applicant). Where a project is delivered across multiple locations, each location must be eligible. The employee residence is not assessed.

Yes, casual hours can be converted to FTE figures. Note that the objective of the program is to support projects creating new, ongoing jobs in regional NSW. To be counted towards the minimum five FTE job creation requirement in the Program Guidelines, the jobs need to be in place for six continuous months before the final report under the funding deed is due.

Yes, casual workers can be transitioned to full-time or part-time positions and counted towards the new jobs’ growth for the project, calculated on an FTE basis. Note that it is only the increase in hours (converted to FTE) that can be claimed as jobs growth, not the existing hours already employed. For further information, see Q: How are job creation numbers calculated? Are direct and indirect jobs included?

No. The five (or more) new FTE jobs created must be directly employed by the applicant (or joint applicants).

The cap is for each FTE job created (one FTE is equal to a ‘standard working week’ of 35 hours).

The objective of the program is to support projects creating new, ongoing and sustainable jobs in regional NSW. Successful applicants will be required to complete the project by May 2023 at the latest. Employment outcomes must be in place for at least six continuous months within three years of signing a funding deed.

The new jobs created must be based in regional NSW.

Applicants are required to demonstrate the project would not occur in regional NSW at all or in the same timeframe without government investment.

Refurbishment projects are eligible if the applicant can demonstrate that at least five new FTE positions will be created (not including construction period jobs), and other eligibility criteria are met.

Investment in new technology or improving manufacturing processes are eligible projects if they will create at least five new FTE jobs. Training employees to use new machinery or technology is an eligible cost if it is directly related to the project and if the expenditure is incurred within the program period (i.e. by May 2023 at the latest) and is not supported by other NSW or Australian Government Funding (e.g. Smart and Skilled).

View further information about Special Activation Precincts here.

Projects should align with and support key NSW Government policies, priorities, strategies. These Strategies set out a clear pathway for regional NSW to continue growing while supporting people’s decision to live, work and invest in regional areas.

• 20-Year Economic Vision for Regional NSW
• 2040 Economic Blueprint
• Relevant Regional Economic Development Strategy (REDS)

An industry driving growth in a regional economy. Typically, key industries can be categorised as engine industries, emerging engine industries, and enabling industries. Further information on these key industry types can be found in the Relevant Regional Economic Development Strategy (REDS) and the 20 Year Economic Vision for Regional NSW.

They are the economic development strategy for a region and usually incorporate more than one local council area. They have been developed by the NSW Government together with local councils and can be viewed here. The Regional Economic Development Strategies align with a Local Government Area (LGA). View the LGA listing here (PDF 86.96KB).

Applicants should provide information on any previous capital works or similar scale projects the business has undertaken, or any relevant experience in growing the business. Tell us about the experience and skills of key staff, contractors or consultants delivering the project and attach evidence of this to your application.

The grant does not override normal development and regulatory approval processes. When considering project and job creation milestones in your application, approval timelines must be considered.

Please consult your allocated Business Development Manager who can provide introductions to other government agencies.

A Cost Benefit Analysis (CBA) seeks to determine the value of the contribution of the project to the NSW economy. A CBA includes all costs and benefits, such as benefits to NSW businesses and Government, and benefits to NSW residents and workers. 

Applicants should provide information on how projects benefit the NSW economy such as export opportunities, import replacement potential onshoring, or footloose projects, i.e. where projects could otherwise occur interstate or in an overseas location.

The Cost Benefit Ratio is calculated by the NSW Government based on information provided by applicants in their application, which is collected on a standard format datasheet. A copy of the datasheet will be provided to applicants invited to submit an application after completing an Expression of Interest. A video resource on completing the datasheet, as well as written notations, will also be made available to relevant applicants.

No, although these factors may be considered as part of assessment process. 

The application process has two stages:  Expression of Interest (EOI) and detailed application. Each business must complete an EOI as the first stage. An EOI needs to include a basic overview of your proposed project only. EOI’s must be submitted online at nsw.gov.au/RJCF.

Each EOI will be allocated to a Business Development Manager or Officer who will review the EOI and discuss the Regional Job Creation Fund Guidelines and process with the applicant. If the applicant and project meet the eligibility criteria and the applicant chooses to proceed, an invitation and pack of supporting materials for the detailed application will be provided to the applicant. Applicants can commence preparation of their detailed application upon receipt of their invitation and pack of supporting materials. The BDM can also provide assistance in guiding applicants with the preparation of applications and supporting documents. The business must submit a detailed application in order to be considered for funding.

Applicants are encouraged to contact their Business Development Manager to request these missing documents  –  phone 1300 679 673 or email regionalnsw.business@regional.nsw.gov.au if you are unsure who to contact.

When completing your detailed application, provide as much information and certainty as possible. This should include building in as much contingency as possible where a cost estimate is unknown, and committing only to what is feasible within the timeframe of the project. Applicants are encouraged to contact their Business Development Manager for support – phone 1300 679 673 or email regionalnsw.business@regional.nsw.gov.au if you are unsure who to contact.

There will be performance-based milestone payments defined in a funding deed. Typically, there will be a share of the grant paid up front with subsequent payments based on project and/or employment creation milestones.

Please note that applicants are expected to have access to their nominated co-contribution through the delivery of the project, as co-contribution to costs incurred will need to be spent when claiming milestone payments.

No, projects must be completed, and grant funds spent by May 2023. However, successful applicants will have up to three years from the date the funding deed is signed to achieve the agreed employment outcomes.

Where an applicant is aware of delivery issues outside their control, such as the impact of COVID-19 on supply chains, contingencies and controls should be built into project plans in the application process.

Payments will be on the achievement of performance-based milestones. Successful applicants will need to provide evidence of job creation. A sample funding deed is available on the program’s website.

Applicants and potential applicants are encouraged to seek professional advice about the potential tax impact of a grant.

Applicants will be notified of the outcome within five working days of lodgment of an Expression of Interest. Applicants will be advised of the outcome of their detailed application from late June 2022, or as soon as possible after a grant is approved at the NSW Government’s discretion.

Phone 1300 679 673 or email regionalnsw.business@regional.nsw.gov.au.

Performance-based milestone payments will not be made to the business.

As funding is contingent on employment creation, failure to deliver employment outcomes up to three years from signing the funding deed will mean grant payments already received will need to be returned in part or whole.

The funding is a grant.

The NSW Government Small Business Commissioner coordinates a range of resources for small businesses, which are available at smallbusiness.nsw.gov.au.

Grant payments will be made to the lead applicant. Successful applicants will need to provide evidence of eligible expenditure to claim milestone payments. In a joint application, eligible expenditure may be incurred by any of the parties to the application.

The grant may be proportionally reduced if the number of new jobs specified in the funding deed or project scope are not realised within the terms of the funding deed.