Here’s how you can access free business advisory and facilitation support to improve capabilities, build networks and take advantage of development opportunities.

 

The Centre for Defence Industry Capability (CDIC) offers eligible defence sector SMEs the opportunity to access free advisory and facilitation services that will assist you to:
 

• gain a better understanding of the Defence market;

• learn how to engage with Defence; and

• position your business to participate in global supply chains.

By accessing advisory and facilitation services, your business can improve its skills and business practices, become more competitive, and take advantage of growth and collaboration opportunities within the defence industry.

If your application for advisory and facilitation services is accepted, your business will receive tailored assistance based on your application and requirements. By assessing your needs, you will be allocated either:
 

• A facilitator for up to two days a week for four weeks who will help you understand how to navigate the defence market, the entry points, procurement processes and how to connect with relevant Defence capability areas, or
   

• A business adviser for up to 10 days over a period of 12 months who will;
   

  • provide an advisory services report within the first 4 months, including a holistic assessment of your business and recommendations to better position you in the defence industry or your supply chain, and

  • help you to implement these recommendations in the following 7 months.

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As part of an advisory or facilitation service your business adviser may recommend specific business improvements or skills development opportunities. Capability Improvement Grants are designed to assist you with implementing one or more of these recommendations with 80/20 grant funding.

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Eligibility Criteria

 

Advisory and facilitation services are targeted at defence sector SMEs, typically defined as organisations with less than 200 employees.

Eligible applicants must hold an Australian Business Number (ABN) and:

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• Have existing products or services or be developing products or services that relate specifically to supporting the Australian defence sector

• Require defence specific support which could not be provided through other government assistance.

 

Further information on eligibility is available in the CDIC Program Guidelines available here.

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