Assess-Implement-Monitor (AIM) Grants

AIM grants provide a subsidy for businesses to assess ways to implement more economically and environmentally sustainable practices.  Funding is available for businesses and not-for-profits to:

• ASSESS materials and resource efficiency, waste management, and/or other options to support a more sustainable and circular economy for South Australia
• IMPLEMENT recommendations made through a GISA-funded, independent and impartial assessment
  

Projects should enable participants to MONITOR progress and report outcomes, using it as a base for continuous improvement.

How much money is available?

Up to $15,000 per applicant comprised of:

• up to $10,000 for an assessment – co-contribution 2:1 (GISA:Applicant)
• up to $5000 (1:1) to implement assessment recommendations that meet eligibility criteria

Maximum $10,000 for energy-only assessments with co-contribution 1:1 (implementation funds are not available for energy-related improvements).

Charitable organisations and social enterprises that already form part of SA’s circular economy may be eligible for a full subsidy on assessments costs – please contact staff to discuss.

Who can apply?

Businesses, not-for-profits, and Australian companies that:

• are using commercial waste collection services (in addition to, or instead of council kerbside waste collection services)
• have been operating for a minimum 2 years in South Australia.

What will we fund?

• Materials efficiency / waste management assessment and improvement review
• Resource efficiency / (energy, water, waste, trade waste) assessment and improvement review
• Greenhouse gas / carbon emissions management review, and net zero emissions strategy development – must cover scope 1, 2 and 3 emissions
• Sustainable procurement assessment and improvement review
• Research, design and business case development for implementation of circular economy principles
• Energy audits / assessment (co-contribution 1:1, no implementation funds)

Assessments must contribute to the development of a business case for investment in one or more of the areas listed above; or development of sustainability, circular economy, or net zero emissions strategy, policy, plans and/or targets.

Assessments must focus on holistic solutions, and compare current practice to a range of improvement options (not be limited to investigating a single solution/option).

Assessments must be delivered by a suitably qualified and capable, independent and impartial service provider (contact us to find out which consultants have already delivered successful projects).

Implementation of recommendations that:

• have a payback greater than 2 years
• reduce materials or resource intensity for the production of goods/services
• reduce reliance on virgin materials.

Preference may be given to projects that assess multiple sites, and/or assess multiple aspect of operations (such as energy, carbon and waste)

Projects must meet and contribute to the program aim, objectives and outcomes.

What WON’T we fund?

• Government entities
• Schools
• Community groups and community-focused initiatives such as repair cafes and tool libraries
• Organisations that provide waste management services
• Implementation of energy-related improvements, including but not limited to:
  • solar and wind power systems and components
  • lighting replacement, repair, upgrade
  • power factor correction, HVAC systems
  • recommendations made through an energy-only assessment/audit
• Projects that focus on activities prioritised lower on the waste management hierarchy than current practice
• Projects that focus on kerbside council waste collection systems
• Projects that consider a single solution only
• Projects intended to meet minimum regulatory compliance standards
• Costs associated with certification or compliance standards, subscriptions, lease or licencing fees
• Vehicle purchase, hire, lease and/or repair
• Applicant operating costs such as rent and utility bills

When does it close?

Expressions of interest for 2024–25 are welcome. Please contact the project manager (details below) for details.

For the full list of eligibility and other criteria for 2022–23, read the 2022–23 AIM Grant Guidelines.

For more information, see the Frequently Asked Questions.