RSL Queensland Start Up Grants Terms & Conditions

The RSL Queensland Start Up Grants Terms and Conditions (Guidelines) will aid you in preparing your application. Please read the Guidelines in full prior to submitting your application to ensure you meet the eligibility criteria for the program and have provided all relevant documentation.

Unless otherwise specified, these Guidelines apply to both the Ex-Defence and Partner Applicants.

Purpose:	These Guidelines provide information for applicants wishing to apply for the RSL Queensland Start Up Grants (“Start Up Grants” or “Grant”)
Assessment of Applications:	All applications submitted to RSL Queensland will be assessed to confirm eligibility.
Outcome of Applications:	RSL Queensland will email applicants with advice of the outcome of their application. Applicants should anticipate that it will take a minimum of 45 days from the end of the Application Period to notify Applicants of the outcome.
Your Responsibility:	Applicants are responsible for ensuring that they have read this document, that their application meets the eligibility criteria and that the information provided in their application is true and correct. Approved Applicants must advise RSL Queensland (partnerships@rslqld.org) of any subsequent changes in circumstances relating to: change in relationship location change in financial position from time of application change to approved business model Applicants should be aware that RSL Queensland will disregard any applications which contain false or misleading information. In the event an applicant receives a Grant using false or misleading information on their application, RSL Queensland may withdraw the offer of a Grant to the applicant and the applicant will be required to return any funding provided by RSL Queensland.
Application Assistance:	If you require assistance in completing the Scholarship Application process contact RSL Queensland on partnerships@rslqld.org.
We value all voices:	We encourage people from all backgrounds who are eligible based on Part 2 of this document to apply.
Notifications:	Ex-Defence Applicants are responsible for: confirming with Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA) if their DVA entitlements will be affected by receiving a Grant; and confirming with COMSUPER if their pension entitlements will be affected by receiving a Grant. RSL Queensland accepts no responsibility if DVA or COMSUPER entitlements are affected by an Applicant accepting a Start Up Grant

PART 1: Introduction

PART 2: Eligibility

PART 3: Grants Available

PART 4: Limitations on Grants

PART 5: How to Apply

PART 6: Conditions of Approval

PART 7: Payment

PART 8: Administration

PART 9: Definitions

Annexure A - Business Plan Template

Annexure B - APP 5 Notice

PART 1: Introduction

1.1 INTENT AND AIM OF START UP GRANTS FOR EX-DEFENCE PERSONNEL

Careers in the Australian Defence Force (ADF) provide personnel a diverse range of expertise and knowledge. Following transition from the ADF, many personnel wish to apply their skills and knowledge to self-employment. The RSL Queensland Start Up Grant program has been created to assist those who are developing self-employment enterprise.

For Ex-Defence personnel, the Start Up Grants aim to:

provide funding to support self-employment opportunities to contribute to the employability of ex-serving Defence Members and create pathways for those who wish to pursue business ownership post their military career,
support ex-serving Defence Members to remain independent and able to support their families (if applicable) post their military career

However, the Ex-Defence Scholarship does not guarantee employment.

1.2 INTENT AND AIM OF START UP GRANTS FOR PARTNERS

Start Up Grants are awarded to approved Applicants to support the costs of investigating the feasibility of, and commencing, self-employment
The Grant is a contribution towards an Applicant's business start-up costs; it is not the responsibility of RSL Queensland to fund the full cost of the costs of investigating and establishing the business or any additional component of the business, where the cost exceeds the Grant amount provided
Grants are limited, and it is entirely at RSL Queensland’s sole discretion as to which Applicants are successful.
Applicants are required to read these Terms & Conditions (Guidelines) prior to submitting their application.
- Eligibility criteria for Applicants are detailed in Part 2.
- Grants available are detailed in Part 3.
- Limitations on Grants are detailed in Part 4.
- How to apply is detailed in Part 5.
- Conditions of approval are detailed in Part 6.
- Payment or reiumbursement is detailed in Part 7.
- Administration is detailed in Part 8.
- Definitions are detailed in Part 9.

PART 2: Eligibility

2.1 APPLICANT

Ex Defence Applicants, must demonstrate that:

they are an ex-Defence Member with either operational service or three or more years continuous full-time or other service. The Applicant must provide a copy of an official document showing the former member’s operational service and the period or periods of continuous full-time service (e.g. Discharge Certificate or Certificate of Service including the enlistment date and if relevant, discharge date). RSL Queensland may consider Applicants who have medically discharged with fewer than 3 years of service, nor operational service; and
they have either medically or voluntarily separated from the Australian Defence Force at time of application.
Applicant must reside in Queensland at the time of application.

Partner Applicants, must demonstrate that they are the Partner of a current or former Defence Member who has either operational service of three or more years continuous full-time or other service. The Applicant must include a copy of:

an official document showing the Defence Member’s operational service and the period or periods of continuous full-time service (e.g. Discharge Certificate or Certificate of Service including the enlistment date and if relevant, discharge date);
either a Marriage Certificate, or two of the following:
- Household bill with both Partner and Defence Member name listed
- Medicare statement for both Partner and Defence Member with same residential address listed
- Bank statement demonstrating joint bank account
- Drivers Licence copy of both Partner and Defence Member with same residential address listed
- A statutory declaration by the Defence Member and witnessed by a Justice of the Peace (JP) confirming the relationship with the Partner for a minimum three year period
Partners are eligible to apply for the Grant if the Defence Member is deceased, as long as the Partner can demonstrate a minimum three year continuous relationship with the Defence Member and they were a Partner to the Defence Member at time of death.
Applicant must reside in Queensland at time of application.

2.2 EDUCATION PROGRAM

Applicant must either:
1. have completed, within the previous 18 months; or
2. currently be enrolled in, either:
3. a Business Start Up education program delivered by a Registered Training Organisation (RTO); or
4. The Prince's Trust Australia Enterprise Connect Program,
  ("Education Program").
Applicants must be able to evidence enrolment in an Education Program, if required.
RSL Queensland may, in its absolute discretion, accept an Applicant who has completed an Education Program prior to the last 18 months, if they can demonstrate that they have not, since completion of the Education Program, taken steps to establish a business.

2.3 BUSINESS PLAN/APPROVED PURPOSE

Applicant must demonstrate a sound business plan and justified use of grant funding to RSL Queensland’s satisfaction utilising the Template Business Plan within the Application form (see Appendix A). RSL Queensland may, in its discretion, accept a business plan that is not in the form of the Template Business Plan, provided that the plan contains the information that is detailed in the Template Business Plan.
The Applicant’s business plan must be consistent with the objects and values of RSL Queensland, as determined by RSL Queensland in its sole discretion. The objects and values of RSL Queensland can be viewed on our website (www.rslqld.org).
Applicant must provide details of the purpose for which the Grant Funds will be used and include quotes and estimates (issued by third parties) to verify the costs of the proposed use of the Grant Funds.
Applicant may, at RSL Queensland’s discretion, be required to demonstrate the Applicant’s ability to cover the costs of all other essential business items, in order to demonstrate the proposed use of Grant Funds is appropriate. For example, if an Applicant requests to use the entire Grant Fund for Business Coaching, RSL Queensland may request evidence to demonstrate other essential business costs have already been, or are able to be, met by the Applicant.
RSL Queensland will review and assess each Business Plan based on internal criteria and the outcome of the assessment is at the sole discretion of RSL Queensland.

2.4 HARDSHIP/VULNERABILITY

Applicant must demonstrate hardship or vulnerability either relating to ADF service or since transitioning from ADF. Hardship or vulnerability does not include financial hardship, and Applicant’s experiencing financial hardship are discouraged from applying, due to the potentially burdensome costs involved in starting up a business.
1. Examples of hardship or vulnerability for Ex Defence personnel would be:
  1. Ex-Defence Member voluntarily transitioned from ADF into employment but the role does not provide meaningful employment or meet the Applicant’s skills and qualifications, and the Applicant wishes to establish a new business for a long term career pathway.
  2. Ex-Defence Member has been medically separated from the ADF and has identified self-employment opportunities that would not be constrained by the injury sustained during service;
2. Examples of hardship or vulnerabiity for Partners would be:
  1. A Partner who has been a stay at home parent, is now returning to work requiring flexibility to support family care requirements as the Defence Member has medically separated and is unable to work;
  2. A Partner has resigned from employment to become the recognised carer for Defence Member and due to health improvement, Partner can now return to work;
  3. A Partner wishes to pursue self-employment opportunities that would not be constrained by the transient nature of a Defence lifestyle requiring multiple relocations. Applicant must provide relevant documentation, including Partner information (if applicable) as requested by RSL Queensland to demonstrate hardship (if applicable)
For Applicants who are not employed at time of application, the Grant Application will require evidence the Applicant is not in, or at risk of being in, financial hardship. For example, bank statements to demonstrate financial position, or evidence of partner’s employment status.

PART 3 GRANTS AVAILABLE

3.1 The Grant Funds can only be used by the Recipients for the following expenses, which must be directly associated with start-up costs and related to the Business Plan submitted as part of the Application:

Purchase of digital software required for small business development (including websites, sales platforms, accounting software etc)
Business services (including legal and/or financial advice, advertising and marketing expenses) from a qualified, reputable service provider
Support for viable product testing
Expenses associated with product design
Funding co-working spaces
Business Coaching from a qualified International Coaching Federation organisation

3.2 Once the Application has been approved, the Grant Funds can only be used for the Approved Purpose and incorrect use of funds will require funds to be returned to RSL Queensland.

3.3 Applicants may apply for grant amounts of $2,500, $5,000 or $10,000 (incl GST, if any).

3.4 Only one Grant will be awarded to an Applicant and future, additional applications will only be considered in extenuating circumstances.

3.5 The Grant Funds cannot be used to cover capital items such as IT hardware, wages, travel, accommodation, meals, postage, rent or any GST to the extent that the Applicant is entitled to an input tax credit.

PART 4 LIMITATIONS ON GRANTS

4.1 Applicants who have previously been awarded an RSL Queensland Scholarship or Grant will not be eligible to apply for a Start Up Grant, unless the Applicant can demonstrate extenuating circumstances exist and additional support will result in business success or employment for the Applicant.

4.2 Applicants are required to declare to RSL Queensland any circumstances which may give rise to actual or perceived conflicts of interest. This includes but is not limited to an Applicant being related to an RSL Queensland board member or employee by birth or by marriage; an Applicant being employed by RSL Queensland; an Applicant being employed by or volunteering for a partner program of RSL Queensland. RSL Queensland reserves the right to determine eligibility based on the perceived level of conflict of interest.

4.3 Grants will only be awarded for businesses whose purpose is consistent with the objects and values of RSL Queensland. RSL Queensland’s objects and values can be viewed on our website (www.rslqld.org).

PART 5 How to Apply

5.1 Applications must be completed in full and will be assessed by RSL Queensland once all relevant documents have been submitted and received. Failure to provide all documentation as requested may result in the Application being unable to be processed and assessed.

5.2 Interested Applicants need to read the eligibility criteria and then complete and submit the Start Up Grant application form online. Incomplete Applications will not be processed.

5.3 Applicants must demonstrate that they meet all eligibility criteria and provide to RSL Queensland copies of relevant documentation to demonstrate how they meet the eligibility criteria.

5.4 Partner Applications cannot progress until the Defence Member has completed the relevant authorisation.

5.5 Applicants will be notified of the outcome of their Application within 45 days of the end of the Application Period.

5.6 Upon notification of a successful Application, Applicants must accept the offer within 14 days to confirm their Grant.

PART 6 Conditions of Approval

6.1 If any circumstances change and the Recipient is unable to continue and/or utilise the Grant Funds for the Approved Purpose for any reason, Recipients are required to advise RSL Queensland in writing of the changes as soon as reasonably practical. If the Recipient does not advise RSL Queensland of the change in circumstances, ongoing eligibility may be impacted and Grant Funds may be required to be returned. Please refer to clause 6.11 of these guidelines for the process for reimbursing RSL Queensland. It is up to RSL Queensland’s sole discretion whether a Recipient will remain eligible for the Grant if changes are made.

6.2 Applicants who have previously been approved for a Start Up Grant and want to apply for a secondary grant must complete a new Application, disclosing they have been a previous Recipient of funding.

6.3 Recipients must uphold the values of RSL Queensland and RSL Queensland reserves the right to cease the Recipient’s Grant in circumstances where values are not upheld, in the sole belief of RSL Queensland. The RSL Queensland values are able to be viewed on our website.

6.4 Recipients may be contacted by RSL Queensland, to invite them to connect with fellow grant recipients, provide feedback or support future grant programs.

6.5 Recipients must maintain communication with RSL Queensland as required by RSL Queensland during the Grant Fund Period (refer to 6.6). Failure to maintain contact may result in the Grant being cancelled at the sole discretion of RSL Queensland, in which case RSL Queensland may require the Recipient to return any or all of the Grant Funds to RSL Queensland.

6.6 As part of the conditions of the Grant, Recipients must complete the RSL Queensland mandated reporting requirements at the completion of the Grant Funding Period in order to demonstrate full use of the Grant, and that the Grant Funds were used for the Approved Purpose. RSL Queensland will provide a guide to reporting requirements to Recipients to assist with the following:

Recipients must provide evidence of use of the Grant Funds through completion of a financial acquittal and providing a copy of the original invoice and/or an official receipt to confirm that payment has occurred. RSL Queensland will not accept screen shots or print outs of online banking transactions as evidence of payment.
Recipients must also include within the mandated reporting requirements, information on the status and progress of their business venture at various checkpoints.

6.7 Grant Funds may only be applied to costs incurred after the Recipient is awarded the Grant. In extenuating circumstances, RSL Queensland may consider requests for funds to be applied to costs incurred prior to the Grant being awarded, if the Applicant can demonstrate these costs are relevant to the business start-up costs and meet the Approved Purpose.

6.8 Grant Funds must be utilised by the completion of the Grant Fund Period.

6.9 If the Applicant does not use the Grant Funds for the Approved Purpose, or is unable to provide evidence that the Grant Funds were used for the Approved Purpose, RSL Queensland may require the Recipient to return any or all of the Grant Funds to RSL Queensland.

6.10 In the event a Recipient has unused Grant Funds at the end of the Grant Fund Period, RSL Queensland reserves the right to request return of any unspent funding.

6.11 For Recipients who are obliged to repay Grant Funds to RSL Queensland pursuant to these guidelines, RSL Queensland will provide written confirmation of the debt, bank details and outline the payment options available.

PART 7 Payment

7.1 At the time of the Grant being awarded the Recipient will receive communications from RSL Queensland. This will confirm the amount of Grant Funding the Recipient is eligible for and the Approved Purpose.

7.2 The Grant Funds will be paid in a one-off, lump sum payment upon acceptance of the grant offer.

7.3 The Recipient must provide RSL Queensland with the details of a nominated bank account for receipt of Grant Funds.

PART 8 Administration

DISCLAIMER

8.1 RSL Queensland will not accept any responsibility for any loss or damage caused by the Applicant, Recipient or any other person arising from the failure by an Applicant or Recipient to comply with these guidelines, or arising from any ambiguity, discrepancy or error contained in an application.

FALSE OR MISLEADING INFORMATION

8.2 Applications may be disregarded if, in the belief of RSL Queensland, false or misleading information has formed a component of an application. In the event an Applicant is successful in receiving a grant, who has provided false or misleading information the Applicant must immediately return all funding provided by RSL Queensland.

APPROVING AUTHORITY

8.3 Applications will be reviewed and assessed by RSL Queensland staff, with Applicants notified of the outcome of the Application at the end of the assessment period (a minimum of 45 days from end of the Application Period). The decision on whether an application is successful or not is in the absolute discretion of RSL Queensland and the Applicant acknowledges that it has no right to challenge any decision by RSL Queensland as to whether an application is successful or unsuccessful in obtaining grant funding.

DISCRETIONARY PROVISIONS

8.4 If an Applicant is not eligible for assistance or the proposed use of the Grant Funds falls outside of the Approved Purpose the Applicant may apply in writing to RSL Queensland requesting discretionary approval for special/exceptional circumstances. This request must be sent to partnerships@rslqld.org. When assessing this request, RSL Queensland will consider the following factors:

that the Application aligns with the intent and aims of the RSL Start Up Grants (refer to Part 1); and
any other factors relevant to the Application and may require review of additional information to support the request.

PRIVACY

8.5 In general, RSL Queensland will use any information provided in connection with the RSL Queensland Start Up Grants Application in accordance with the APP5 Notice (See Appendix B).

8.6 All information provided in connection with an application (including in or associated with the Application Form) will be managed in accordance with RSL Queensland’s Privacy Policy. The RSL Queensland Privacy Policy contains information about the way RSL Queensland collects and uses personal information and the purposes for which it is held. The RSL Queensland Privacy Policy can be found on RSL Queensland’s website

8.7 If an Applicant is unsuccessful, all information provided in connection with the application will be destroyed within a reasonable period of time after the end of the Application Period.

PART 9 DEFINITIONS

Applicant	Person from whom an RSL Queensland Start Up Grants application has been submitted for consideration.
Application	An application form submitted to RSL Queensland by an Applicant, for the provision of the Grant, which is completed in accordance with these Guidelines.
Application Period	From applications opening to 31 October
Approved Purpose	The purpose for which the Applicant has applied for funding, as approved by RSL Queensland and detailed in the Offer, which must be a purpose set out in clause 3.1.
Education Purpose	An education program specifically designed to support those exploring and commencing self-enterprise, for example The Prince’s Trust Enterprise Program.
Ex-Defence Member	For the purpose of these guidelines, an Ex-Defence member is an ex-member of the Australian Defence Forces or Reservists (as defined in the Defence Force Discipline Act 1982, Sec 3) who has rendered 3 or more years full time continuous service or operational service (as defined in the Veterans’ Entitlements Act 1986).
Grant	The provision of Grant Funds by RSL Queensland to the Recipient in accordance with these Guidelines.
Grant Funds/ing	Funding provided to a Recipient in accordance with these Guidelines.
Offer	The formal offer for funding issued by RSL Queensland to the Applicant, which includes details of the Grant Funds and the Approved Purpose.
Partner	A Partner is a person who is the spouse or interdependent Partner of a Defence Member as defined above for more than three years continuous duration at time of application.
Recipient	Approved Applicant
RSL Queensland Start Up Grant Application	RSL Queensland Start Up Grants applications submitted via the online form accessed via the RSL Queensland website and completed with supporting documents provided by the Applicant.
Self Employment	The state of working for oneself as a freelance or the owner of a business rather than for an employer.
Grant Funding Period	The period commencing upon the Applicant accepting the Offer and expiring 6 months later.
Template Business Plan	Means the template business plan contained in Annexure A.

Annexure A - Business Plan Template

Business Plan Template (provided in online Application form for completion)

Business profile

BUSINESS NAME	{Enter business name}
Registration #	{Enter your Australian Business Number ABN}

1. Executive Summary

Describe your proposed Business, including your objectives and goals.

{Enter text – brief description of the business you are commencing including the day to day operations and aspirations – what is it, who’s it for, how will it operate?}

Current position

{Enter text – outline your business’s current position, such as where it is in its life cycle. For example, start up or growth phase.}

Growth plan

{Enter text – explain how you plan to increase your business’s capabilities and capacity. Why are you confident your business will keep growing?}

2. Business Strategy

Tactics

{Enter text – detail the steps required and the resources you’ll need to improve your business.}

Strategic impact

{Enter text – any threats or opportunities on the horizon.}

E-commerce and technology

{Enter text – how do you use e-commerce and technology to enhance your business?}

Core values

{Enter text – what are the core values to your business’s long-term success?}

Credibility and risk reduction

{Enter text – how will you increase credibility and reduce risk?}

3. Financial Plan

Start-up costs

{Enter text – summarise the start-up costs of your business.}

Funding

{Enter text – detail your sources of funding.}

Break-even date: {enter date here}

{Show calculation of breakeven date.}

Profit and loss forecast

	First year	Second year	Third year
Estimated sales	$ {Enter}	$ {Enter}	$ {Enter}
Estimated costs	$ {Enter}	$ {Enter}	$ {Enter}
Estimated profit/loss	$ {Enter}	$ {Enter}	$ {Enter}

Cash flow forecast

{Enter text – summarise your cash flow forecasts for the next three to five years}

4. Compliance

Legal, regulatory and financial considerations

{Enter text – summarise any legal, regulatory or financial considerations.}

Sole trader

I have carried out the following:

Applied for an Australian Business Number (ABN) - if applicable
Registered my business name - if applicable
Registered for GST - if applicable
Registered for PAYG withholding - if applicable
Register your domain name - if doing business online
Trademarked my business name and brand
Applied for the required licenses and permits

Partnership

I have carried out the following:

Applied for an Australian Business Number (ABN) - if applicable
Registered my business name
Registered for a Tax File Number (TFN)
Registered for GST
Registered for PAYG withholding - if applicable
Register your domain name - if doing business online
Trademarked my business name and brand
Applied for the required licenses and permits

Company

I have carried out the following:

Applied for an Australian Company Number (ACN)
Applied for an Australian Business Number (ABN)
Registered my company name
Applied for a Tax File Number (TFN)
Registered for GST
Registered for PAYG withholding
Register your domain name - if doing business online
Applied for any patents or trademarks
Applied for the required licenses and permits

5. Assets

Business premises

{Enter text – do you lease or own? Outline your premises situation here.}

Requirements

{Enter text – explain your business requirements in the areas of IT, machinery, vehicles or other equipment costs.}

Solutions

{Enter text – Please advise how you intend on addressing IT, or other equipment costs.}

6. Use of Grant Funding

Grant size

{Enter text – the grant amount requested.}

Intended use of grant funding

{Enter text – how is this grant intended to be used? Include estimates and quotes.}

Business development and growth

{Enter text – how will this grant aid your business and its growth?}

Annexure B - APP 5 Notice

Your privacy under the RSL Queensland Start Up Grant Program

This document explains how Returned & Services League of Australia (Queensland Branch) (RSL Queensland) will collect, store, use and disclose your personal information as part of the RSL Queensland Start Up Grant Program (Program), and in managing your information under the program.

RSL Queensland is bound by the provisions of the Privacy Act 1988, including the Australian Privacy Principles. Your personal information will be handled in accordance with RSL Queensland’s obligations under this Act and RSL Queensland’s Privacy Policy.

Why is my personal information being collected?

Personal information is collected for the purposes of administering the Program, including but not limited to, reviewing and assessing all applications for Start Up Grants and managing and administering the Program.

Personal information collected in this application and any supporting documentation you provide will be used in the first instance to assess your application for a Grant and, if you are successful in your application, to manage your participation in the Program. If RSL Queensland does not collect your personal information for these purposes, we may not be able to award a grant to you.

How will my personal information be collected, used or disclosed?

In assessing your eligibility or managing your participation in the Program, RSL Queensland may need to collect, use or disclose your personal information (including health information) from or to relevant educational institutions, Commonwealth, State and Territory Government Departments, public and private employment organisations and other relevant authorities.

RSL Queensland may also liaise with The Prince’s Trust Australia or other self-enterprise Education Program as necessary to determine eligibility criteria for the Program.

Your information may also be used to identify any other services or programs delivered by RSL Queensland for which you might be eligible. RSL Queensland works closely with Mates4Mates Ltd ABN 54 160 646 999 (a related entity of RSL Queensland) to provide these services and programs and your personal information may be shared with Mates4Mates for this purpose.

Overseas disclosure

RSL Queensland may disclose your personal information in certain limited situations.

If disclosure of personal information is made to an overseas recipient, RSL Queensland must comply with obligations under Australia Privacy Principle 8. This includes taking reasonable steps to ensure that the overseas body will handle and protect your personal information in the same way that an Australian body would.

Further information

The RSL Queensland privacy policy is available at https://www.rslqld.org/About-Us/Privacy-Policy.If you wish to access or seek correction of your personal information or make an enquiry or complaint about your privacy, you may contact the Privacy Officer by emailing privacy@rslqld.org or writing to:

The Privacy Officer
Returned & Services League of Australia (Queensland Branch)
283 St Pauls Terrace,
Fortitude Valley QLD 4006
privacy@rslqld.org