Funding opportunity of up to $2 million to support Northern Rivers small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) and local councils restore infrastructure and revitalise town centres.
Current status of program
CLOSED
To register your interest in future rounds or discuss alternative grant opportunities please contact us here.
On this page you will find
What is the Northern Rivers Towns and Villages Resilient Business Activation Program?
The Northern Rivers Towns & Villages Resilient Business Activation Program (RBAP) is a NSW Government initiative aimed at supporting economic recovery in the Northern Rivers region. The program was developed in response to the significant damage caused by the February 2022 floods and aims to help small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) and local councils restore infrastructure and revitalise town centres. It is part of a broader commitment to enhance disaster resilience and support long-term recovery in the region’s most impacted Local Government Areas (LGAs).
The RBAP will be a two-stage application process, comprising of an Expression of Interest (EOI) and invitation to submit a Detailed Application.
RBAP level of support
The RBAP provides funding through two targeted streams:
Stream 1: Infrastructure support for small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs)
- Minimum funding: $250,000
- Maximum funding: $2 million
Stream 2: CBD activation and revitalisation projects delivered by Councils
- Minimum funding: $50,000
- Maximum funding: $500,000
Co-contribution requirement:
All applicants are required to provide a cash co-contribution of at least 30% of the total grant amount. In-kind contributions are not accepted. Evidence of financial co-contributions must be provided as part of the application. Extenuating circumstances may be considered if an applicant cannot meet this requirement.
RBAP important dates
- This program is currently closed
- Register your interest with GrantHelper
RBAP objectives
The key objectives of the Northern Rivers Towns & Villages Resilient Business Activation Program are to:
- Provide financial assistance for the repair, restoration, and resilience of SMBs affected by the 2022 floods.
- Support SMBs that provided essential products or services to the local community and whose operations have been interrupted due to the disaster.
- Improve the visual appeal, usability, and safety of public areas to attract pedestrians, shoppers, and tourists, thereby supporting town centre revitalisation efforts.
Projects and expenditure eligible for RBAP support
Stream 1: Eligible Infrastructure Projects for SMBs
Projects under this stream must focus on repairing or enhancing infrastructure that has suffered direct damage from the floods. Examples include:
- Repairing or replacing damaged fixed equipment and machinery.
- Implementing resilient materials to prevent future damage, such as flood barriers or waterproofing.
- Enhancing storefronts, signage, and public spaces in town centres.
Stream 2: Eligible Projects for Councils
Council-led projects that revitalise Central Business Districts (CBDs) and attract foot traffic through improvements to public spaces. Eligible activities include:
- Installation of public art, street furniture, or lighting.
- Upgrades to signage, facades, and safety features in public areas.
Ineligible Expenditures
Certain costs are not covered under the program. Ineligible expenditures include:
- Projects that have already received funding from other government grant programs or insurance for the same purpose.
- Purchase of land or buildings.
- Ongoing maintenance or operational costs.
- Retrospective funding for completed projects.
- Marketing, advertising, or product promotion activities.
See the guidelines for full details of projects and expenditure eligible for RBAP support.
Other RBAP important details that you will need to know
Organisations eligible for RBAP support
Eligible applicants for the RBAP are divided into two streams:
- Stream 1 (SMBs): Businesses must have between 1 and 199 full-time equivalent (FTE) employees, hold an active ABN registered before 22 February 2022, and be operating in one of the eligible LGAs.
- Stream 2 (Councils): Local councils in eligible LGAs.
See the guidelines for full details of organisational requirements.
RBAP assessment criteria
All applications will be assessed based on:
- Local need and community support: Applicants must demonstrate how their project addresses a local need and will benefit the broader community.
- Alignment with program objectives: Projects must align with the program’s goals of resilience and revitalisation.
- Financial viability and readiness: Applicants must provide financial evidence and a project plan, including a budget, to demonstrate that they can deliver the project within the required timeframes.
See the guidelines for full details of the assessment criteria.
How do I get the RBAP?
Applicants must:
- Read and understand the guidelines.
- Ensure eligibility for the funding. Applicants that do not meet all the eligibility criteria will not be considered.
- Demonstrate a strong alignment with the fund’s objectives
- Provide complete information requirements.
See the guidelines for full details of other requirements.
Information to prepare for the RBAP application
Before applying, ensure you have:
- Financial statements demonstrating viability before the disaster.
- Evidence of your co-contribution.
- A project plan outlining all elements of the project.
- Documentation of public liability insurance of at least $20 million.
See the guidelines for full details of information requirements.
Applying for the RBAP
Submit your EOI through the online portal SmartyGrants. Successful EOI applicants will be invited to submit a detailed application.
Register your interest with GrantHelper to explore your alignment with this grant and how we can assist you to increase your chances of success.
RBAP resources
I need help applying for grants
Our Insights showcase some of the grant-winning methods we employ at GrantHelper, and they will help you create a stronger grant application. But no matter how well prepared you are, winning grants takes time—something we know many business owners and directors just don’t have. And that’s why we’re here to help.
- Check out our How to Prepare Before You Apply insight to help you reduce the stress levels when you apply for a grant.
- Check out How to write a successful grant application to learn some time-saving tips to make the grant writing process easier.
GrantHelper can assist with your organisation’s next grant application, no matter what stage of the funding journey you’re at.
Our in-depth eBook is the single most valuable resource you will find that helps organisations to truly understand how to win government grants.
Download The Grant Application Starter Kit eBook to discover grant-winning secrets
Our free eBook features 12 chapters of expert advice, professional tips and more to help you do better with grants, whether you’re new to the process or you’ve applied before.
Get your copy of the Guide to Winning Grants now.
Is your business eligible for this government grant?
Or perhaps you’re not sure and want to know more?
GrantHelper offers a range of government grant services, helping businesses of all sizes to discover, apply for, and win the best grant opportunities. We can help you with anything from finding the right grants, to writing your application, formulating an ongoing grant strategy, and more.
Get started now by filling in the form below, or tap the ‘Book a Discovery Call’ button to schedule a no-obligation virtual meeting with an experienced government grants consultant.
Prefer to talk? Call 0409 478 850 now for a no-obligation discussion. We’re here to help your business better understand grants, submit your best possible application, and get you in the winners’ circle.
Check out some of the clients we’ve helped and what they had to say about us.
