We strongly recommend that you contact your local SmartStart agent and talk over your plans with them prior to applying for funds. They understand the scheme and can provide useful advice.

Download and complete the SmartStart Application Form and email to your local SmartStart agent with the quotation for the external assistance. You should make sure that you include all relevant information to increase your chances of a successful application. Your local SmartStart Agent will provide feedback and advise you on any changes you need to make to finalise the application.

Once the application is finalized you will be asked to sign a statutory declaration confirming the information in your application is accurate.

The Foundation will email the applicant and the external expert(s) advising them if the grant has been approved. This will usually be within four weeks of the Foundation receiving the proposal and signed statutory declaration. If funding has been approved, the external expert's email will include login details for an online reporting portal myFRST. Your SmartStart agent will assess applications of $5,000 or less. Applications for between $5000 and the maximum of $25,000 incl. GST are assessed by The Foundation and your SmartStart agent.

The applicant completes a funding contract.

When the external expert has completed the SmartStart project, they will provide a report to the applicant and an invoice for their services. After you have paid the invoice, they will submit electronic copies of the report and the invoice (noted as paid) through the online portal myFRST. After the report and paid invoice are submitted, the Foundation will generate a GST invoice in favour of the applicant and make the grant payment by direct credit to the applicant's nominated bank account.

Please note: The applicant does not have to generate an invoice in respect of this taxable activity (see Section 24(2) of the Goods and Services Tax Act, 1985).