5. Not being assertive
When applicants do talk to customer representatives, they often come across as very disorganised and not sure of themselves. For example, if they don’t fully understand the information presented, they are afraid to ask a follow-up question, simply moving on the next question or even ending the call in order to avoid looking stupid.
This is a problem because it’s hard to know the competency level of the person speaking to you on the phone. For example, you could be speaking to a customer services representative who is very familiar with the grant. Or, more likely, you could be speaking to someone who has 10 sheets of paper in front of them, one page for each grant, each with 10 questions they can answer. For example, AusIndustry offers more than 100 different grant programs and the staff taking your call simply can’t be expected to know all of them by heart. So if you don’t understand the answer, keep on asking even if that means asking to be transferred to a more knowledgeable staff member.
Applicants should be confident and assertive when talking with grant representatives. If something is not clear, ask them to repeat themselves or request another explanation. There is nothing wrong with asking people to repeat themselves. It’s not as if they’re doing you a favour … it’s their job. If you don’t ask, you won’t get.
6. Not using the application forms provided
Government departments often require grant applicants to use pro forma ‘locked down’ Word documents in order to collect only the information required and to minimise the variation across applications. Unfortunately, some of these pro forma versions have unintended bugs – errors that should have been fixed but haven’t. These bugs are extremely frustrating as they make it difficult to enter the required information. They also prevent use of the spell checker and other commonly used tools. This glitch has caused many applicants to abandon the pro forma and simply attach Word documents containing their responses.
This is a problem because the forms have been created for a reason – to make the applications look exactly the same and reduce bias. This approach also ensures that only the required information is collected. Applications not in the pre-set format are typically regarded with suspicion for at least two reasons (both of which reduce the chances of the application being successful). First, they don’t follow instructions as outlined in the information guide (a big minus). And second, their application stands out from others, making them harder to compare.
Applicants should allocate additional time to ensure they can transfer the information as required. Yes, it is frustrating … but so is not getting the money.
7. Not understanding funding objectives
Businesses short on time don’t adequately plan their grant applications, leaping straight into the selection criteria without fully understanding what the Government is trying to achieve through the grant program. These leaps are typically made by the same managers who are evaluated on progress made rather than on the success of the application. These managers are already busy and don’t have the time to speak with the funding source – time that could be used for writing the grant criteria. After all, just typing information into the application form seems far more productive than being stuck on hold for 20 minutes or more while you wait to talk to a government employee regarding the application. This is a problem because not fully understanding the selection criteria increases the chances of not fully addressing them. Remember that grants are judged on their merit relative to other applicants. If other applicants go above and beyond what is required, you will miss out on getting the grant even if you did a good job. Applicants need to use every opportunity to increase their chances of success, including speaking with a customer representative at the funding source to get a better idea of what is required for the application. Obviously, not everything can be included in the information guide so talking to people who run the program (or even assess the application) will greatly increase your chances of being successful.
8. Missing the first round of a multi-round grant program
When a new grant programs become available, businesses are often reluctant to apply for the first round. Some feel that there is not enough guidance from the funding source, which may be true as it’s their first time as well. Others are unsure of their chance of success. There are also those that try to put in an application but life gets in the way and they defer their application to subsequent round.
Missing out on the first funding round is a problem for several reasons. Generally, more funding is allocated for round one, especially in three to four year programs. In fact, most of the money is allocated during the first year even if the funding is provided for three to four years. Also, the grant funding might be withdrawn for political or economic reasons at any time. In the past, funding rounds have been cancelled because of changes to government (federal, state, or local council).
So unless the round is formally opened, and project funds are committed against it, there is simply no guarantee that the funding will still be available when you want to apply for it. Other businesses are also less likely to apply on the first round and more likely to apply in subsequent rounds, so there is a higher chance of being selected in round one against a smaller pool of competitors.
To increase your chances of being successful, you need to apply as early as you can. Remember that applying in the first round typically does not exclude you from applying in subsequent rounds, so there is nothing to lose and much to gain.
Want more information?
The business.gov.au website has a ’grants and assistance finder’ function which includes information on more than 600 grants available to businesses around Australia. In addition, you can use a search function to find business and advisory services in your local area.
