Open Call: Industry and Economic Development Fund (Australia)

Deadline: 30-Jun-2027

The Cairns Regional Council Industry and Economic Development Fund (IEDF) provides up to $15,000 in financial or in-kind assistance to eligible not-for-profit organisations delivering projects that strengthen industry and economic development in the Cairns region. The fund supports future-focused initiatives that promote business growth, economic diversification, investment, resilience, and long-term employment. What Is the Industry and Economic Development Fund? The Industry and Economic Development Fund (IEDF) is a Cairns Regional Council funding program designed to support projects that contribute to a stronger, more diverse, and resilient regional economy. The fund aims to encourage initiatives that: Support the growth of emerging and established industries. Deliver broader economic benefits to the Cairns community. Projects should have clearly defined outcomes and demonstrate how they will contribute to economic development within the Cairns Regional Council area. Why Does the Industry and Economic Development Fund Matter? A diversified regional economy can create new employment opportunities, strengthen local businesses, and reduce dependence on individual industries. The IEDF supports initiatives that have the potential to generate broader economic benefits rather than simply funding routine organisational activities. Projects located outside Cairns Regional Council boundaries. The fund is therefore intended for specific economic development projects rather than routine organisational expenses or general business operations. Key Eligibility Requirements Before applying, organisations should ensure that they can demonstrate: Registered not-for-profit status. Appropriate public liability insurance. A project located within the Cairns Regional Council area. A clearly defined project scope. A future-focused economic development objective. Measurable development outcomes. Alignment with relevant Council strategies. The ability to deliver and report on the project. How to Apply for the IEDF Applications are accepted on a rolling basis until available funds are exhausted.

Applicants should follow these steps:

1. Define the Economic Development Problem

Clearly identify the economic, industry, or business-development challenge that the project will address. Explain why the issue matters to Cairns and why the proposed intervention is needed.

2. Develop a Specific Project

The project should be discrete and clearly identifiable.

Describe:

Project objectives. Key activities. Target industry or beneficiaries. Expected outputs. Expected economic outcomes. Project timeframe.

3. Demonstrate Economic Benefits

Explain how the project will contribute to the local economy.

Relevant outcomes may include:

Employment creation. Business growth. Industry development. Investment attraction. Economic diversification. Increased commercial activity. Improved regional economic resilience.

4. Demonstrate Strategic Alignment

Show how the project supports the objectives of the Cairns Regional Council Economic Development Strategy and relevant Council corporate priorities.

5. Prepare the Budget

Provide a clear project budget showing how the requested financial or in-kind assistance will be used. Avoid including ineligible costs such as ongoing salaries, recurrent operating expenses, capital equipment, or infrastructure construction.

6. Submit the Application

Submit the application through the designated Council process while funds remain available. Applicants should apply before the project begins. How Are Applications Assessed? Applications are assessed against several economic development criteria.

Key considerations include:

Economic Benefit Council considers the potential contribution of the project to the Cairns economy. Employment and Business Development Projects that support employment opportunities and business growth may receive stronger consideration. Investment Attraction The ability to attract or stimulate investment in the region is an important consideration. Sustainability Applicants should demonstrate that project outcomes can provide lasting benefits beyond the funding period. Strategic Alignment The project should align with relevant Cairns Regional Council strategies and economic development priorities. Community-Wide Benefits Preference may be given to projects that deliver broad benefits across industries, businesses, and the wider community rather than benefiting only one organisation. Common Mistakes to Avoid Applicants should carefully check their proposal before submission.

Avoid:

Starting the project before applying. Requesting funding for recurrent operational costs. Including ongoing salaries as project expenses. Proposing infrastructure construction. Requesting funding for capital equipment. Submitting a training-focused project. Failing to demonstrate measurable economic outcomes. Providing weak evidence of employment or business benefits. Failing to connect the project with Council strategies. Proposing activities outside the Cairns Regional Council area. A strong proposal should clearly explain what will change, who will benefit, how the project will support economic development, and how success will be measured. Funding Agreement and Acquittal Successful applicants must comply with the conditions attached to their funding agreement. Recipients are required to submit an acquittal report after completing the project.

The acquittal should provide evidence of:

Project completion. Expenditure. Delivery of approved activities. Project outcomes. Appropriate acknowledgement of Cairns Regional Council support. Organisations should maintain accurate financial and project records throughout implementation to make the reporting process easier. Industry and Economic Development Fund at a Glance

Fund: Industry and Economic Development Fund (IEDF)

Funder: Cairns Regional Council

Maximum support: $15,000 per project

Support type: Financial, in-kind, or a combination

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