The Whitsundays Chamber of Commerce and Industry congratulates local manufacturer Scallywag Fabrication on successfully securing funding through the Queensland Government’s Business Growth Fund program.
The funding will support the continued rollout of advanced manufacturing technology within Scallywag Fabrication’s growing Proserpine facility, helping increase local manufacturing capacity, improve production capability, create future employment opportunities and strengthen advanced manufacturing in the Whitsundays region.
The project includes additional high-end aluminium welding systems and specialised fabrication infrastructure to help the business improve efficiency, increase output, further upskill staff and continue delivering Australian-made products from the region.
Founded by Jason Weir and Jannah Baker, Scallywag Fabrication has become well known for its innovative approach to aluminium fabrication, manufacturing Ute trays, canopies and 4WD accessories for customers across Australia. The business has also gained recognition for championing advanced technology, regional manufacturing, and workforce development opportunities within the Whitsundays.
Jannah said many businesses think grants are all about being good at writing, but in reality, most of the hard work happens long before an application is submitted.
“I’m really passionate about helping more businesses understand that grants are actually achievable, especially in regional areas where many businesses don’t apply simply because they think they won’t be successful,” she said.
“With AI now available, grant writing itself has become far more accessible for someone that doesn’t consider themselves a good formal writer. The hard part isn’t necessarily writing the application anymore; it’s the strategic thinking, planning, positioning, and groundwork that needs to happen well before a grant opens.”
When asked what she believes contributes to successful grant applications, Jannah shared the following practical insights:
- You need a project that already fits the grant. Trying to jam a random idea into a funding program usually doesn’t work.
- Government care about their outcomes first. You need to clearly explain what they get out of funding you — jobs, regional growth, apprenticeships, innovation, exports, productivity or community impact.
- You need proof you’re already doing good things. Be involved in your local Chamber, nominate for awards, invest in future technology and support your local community.
- You need your Business Plan and numbers ready before grants open. You can’t throw together proper forecasts and strategy in two weeks because you suddenly saw a grant online.
- Connections and visibility genuinely matter. Attend workshops, webinars and Government programs. Ask questions. Businesses that consistently show up become familiar names.
- Don’t undersell your project. Grant assessors are funding future potential, so if your project could create jobs, increase output or expand into new markets, say it clearly and confidently.
- Passion matters more than people realise. Businesses genuinely excited about what they’re building usually write far stronger applications than businesses simply chasing funding.
“The strongest applications usually come from people who deeply believe in what they’re building, because that passion naturally comes through in the application.”
The Chamber acknowledges Scallywag Fabrication’s ongoing contribution to regional manufacturing, innovation and local employment pathways, and looks forward to seeing the positive impact this project will have on the Whitsundays business community.
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