Eligibilty Criteria
- Applicants must identify as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander women aged 18 years or older.
- Applicants must be residents of Australia.
- Applicants must be a member of Ember Connect.
- Applicants must currently operate, or have concrete plans to start, a side hustle or a small business. For these purposes, a side hustle is considered a part-time business or project that is conducted in addition to the applicant’s primary job or occupation. For example, you might sell handmade crafts online or provide freelance services like graphic design. A side hustle can also be the first stage towards establishing a small business. A small business is generally considered an independently owned and operated business, with a relatively low volume of sales. It is typically the applicant’s primary occupation.
- Applicants must complete the online application form in full.
Use of Funds
- Grant funds must be used solely for the purposes outlined in the application and proposed budget.
- Funds can only be used for costs directly associated with bringing your idea to life or taking your side hustle to the next level. Examples include marketing expenses, purchasing specific equipment, or undertaking related training.
- Funds cannot be used to pay for wages or as a wage replacement.
- Quotes or receipts must be provided for the funds to be released.
- Misuse of funds will result in the repayment of the grant and disqualification from future grants.
Accountability
- The grant recipient and Ember Connect will agree on a simple project plan outlining how and when the expenses will be incurred.
- Grant recipients may be required to participate in periodic check-ins with Ember Connect representatives.
Experience Sharing
- Successful applicants agree to collaborate with Ember Connect to create content on their experiences and progress for use on Ember Connect’s owned channels. This activity will be developed as part of the project plan. Please note funds may be withheld if project plan commitments are not met.
- Grant recipients agree to allow Ember Connect to utilise this content to promote the platform and the grant program.
Publicity and Confidentiality
- Grant recipients agree to allow Ember Connect to use their name, business name, and non-confidential project details for promotional purposes.
- Sensitive business information will be kept confidential unless explicit consent is provided by the applicant.
Compliance and Legal Obligations
- Recipients must comply with all local, state, and federal laws and regulations related to their business activities.
- Any legal issues or disputes arising from the business are the sole responsibility of the grant recipient.
Revocation of Grant
- Ember Connect reserves the right to revoke the grant if the recipient fails to comply with the terms and conditions, provides false information, or engages in unethical or illegal activities.
- In the event of grant revocation, the recipient must return any unused funds within 30 days of notification.
Termination of Agreement
- Either party may terminate the agreement with 30 days written notice in the event of a breach of terms or mutual agreement to terminate.
- Upon termination, the recipient must submit a final report and return any unused funds.
Non-transferability
- The grant is non-transferable and must be used by the applicant named in the application.
- Grant recipients cannot transfer or assign any rights or obligations under these terms and conditions to any other party.
Acknowledgement and Acceptance
- By applying for the grant, applicants acknowledge that they have read, understood, and agree to abide by these terms and conditions.
- Acceptance of the grant signifies the applicant’s commitment to fulfilling all outlined requirements and responsibilities.
