Economic Development Fund

The Developing East Arnhem Limited (DEAL) Economic Development Fund (EDF) supports eligible businesses and organisations to deliver projects that strengthen the East Arnhem economy.

The fund is designed to help local enterprises, Yolŋu-owned businesses, joint ventures and regionally significant projects move from opportunity to delivery. Support may be available for projects that create jobs, expand services, increase business capability, support local supply chains, attract investment, or contribute to the long-term economic transition of the Gove Peninsula and wider East Arnhem region.

The first step is to submit an Expression of Interest. This helps DEAL understand your project and determine whether you should be invited to submit a full application.

The EDF is intended to support practical, business-focused projects that can deliver measurable economic benefit in East Arnhem.

Projects may include:

• business expansion or diversification
• new equipment, fit-out or commercial infrastructure
• projects that support local employment or workforce development
• tourism, hospitality, retail, trades, transport, construction, manufacturing, arts, cultural enterprise or service-based business activity
• projects that strengthen local supply chains or improve business resilience
• initiatives that help businesses respond to the Gove Peninsula economic transition
• projects that support Yolŋu participation, ownership, employment or enterprise development.

EDF support may be provided as a grant, loan, or a combination of grant and loan, depending on the project, applicant readiness, funding need and expected regional benefit.

Businesses and organisations are encouraged to submit an EOI if they:

• operate, or intend to operate, in East Arnhem
• have a project that can contribute to local economic development
  are a legal entity, or are working towards an appropriate legal structure
• can explain the project, expected benefits and funding need
• are prepared to provide further information if invited to submit a full application.

Applicants may include established businesses, start-ups, Yolŋu-owned enterprises, joint ventures, incorporated organisations, sole traders and other eligible entities.

Submitting an EOI does not guarantee funding. It is an initial screening step to help DEAL understand the project and provide guidance on next steps.

You do not need a full business plan at the EOI stage.

The online form will ask for information about:

• your business or organisation
• ownership and legal structure
• business activity, location and trading status
• the project you are proposing
• estimated project cost and funding request
• likely local benefits, including jobs and supplier opportunities
• workforce and housing considerations
• project readiness, timing, risks and barriers
• any support you may need to progress the project.

Before you start the form

Please have the following information available where possible:

• business or organisation name
• ABN or ACN, if applicable
• primary contact details
• project location
• brief project description
• estimated total project cost
• approximate funding amount sought
• details of your contribution
• expected jobs or local benefits
• any known project risks, permits, approvals, land access or housing needs.

You may be asked for more detailed information later if DEAL invites you to submit a full application.

The EOI form is designed to be simple. You can provide short answers and dot points.

For questions about the EDF or whether your project may be suitable, please contact DEAL.

Step 1: Submit an Expression of Interest

Complete the online EOI form with basic information about your business and project.

Step 2: DEAL reviews your EOI

DEAL will review the information provided and consider project fit, readiness, likely local benefit, funding need and alignment with the purpose of the EDF.

Step 3: Invitation to apply

If the project appears suitable, DEAL may invite you to submit a full application. The full application may require additional details such as quotes, project budget, business information, evidence of demand, delivery plan, permits, approvals, co-contribution and risk management.

Step 4: Assessment and decision

Full applications will be assessed against EDF guidelines and decision-making requirements. Funding is not confirmed until a formal approval and funding agreement are in place.

Step 5: Agreement and delivery

Approved projects will be managed through a funding agreement, with agreed milestones, reporting requirements and acquittal obligations.

EDF funding is intended to help unlock projects that may not otherwise proceed, or that may be delayed or reduced in scale without support.

Applicants are generally expected to make a contribution to the project. This may include cash, loan finance, equipment, assets, in-kind contribution or other verified support.

EDF funding is not intended to cover retrospective costs. Projects should not assume funding approval until DEAL has completed its assessment and a funding agreement has been executed.

The EDF is focused on economic outcomes for East Arnhem.

Projects will be stronger where they can demonstrate one or more of the following:

• creation or retention of local jobs
• employment or enterprise opportunities for Yolŋu people
• increased use of local suppliers
• new or expanded services for the region
• stronger business viability or resilience
• improved market access or visitor/customer attraction
• contribution to the region’s transition from reliance on mining activity
• practical benefits for Nhulunbuy, Yirrkala, the Gove Peninsula, homelands/outstations or wider East Arnhem.

That is fine. The EOI process is designed to help DEAL understand early-stage opportunities as well as projects that are ready to proceed.

You can submit an EOI if your project is still being planned, provided you can explain the opportunity, expected local benefit and what support may be required.