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Commercialisation Australia chief Doron Ben-Meir: We want to fund more innovative SMEs
When Commercialisation Australia was launched in January last year, many entrepreneurs, frustrated by previous government-backed funding schemes such as Comet, were sceptical of its impact.
However, the organisation, which offers up to $2 million in matched funding to help start-ups’ skills, executive hires, commercialisation and proof of concept, is steadily building itself a favourable image among small businesses.
With more than $50 million dished out to innovative entrepreneurs since its creation, Commercialisation Australia still has cash to play with, after being given a $278 million war chest until 2014. It will get $82 million a year from then on.
Doron Ben-Meir was appointed CEO of Commercialisation Australia last April. He has personally founded several start-ups, as well as working for a number of leading VC firms, including a stint as CEO of Prescient Venture Capital.
StartupSmart spoke to Ben-Meir about the challenges faced by start-ups attempting to get government funding, as well as get his tips on how to land a grant