# Portal Submission Instructions
**Industry Growth Program Advisory Service Application**

## Step-by-Step Submission Process

### 1. Portal Access
**URL:** https://portal.business.gov.au/
- Click "Register" to create new account
- Use company ABN for business registration
- Create secure password and verify email address
- Save login credentials securely

### 2. Application Selection
- Log into portal dashboard
- Select "Apply for a grant or service"
- Choose "Industry Growth Program"  
- Select "Advisory Service" (not grant application)
- Confirm eligibility requirements

### 3. Business Information Section
**Company Details:**
- Legal Business Name: RateRight Pty Ltd
- Trading Name: RateRight
- ABN: [INSERT ABN]
- Industry: Construction Technology / Digital Platforms
- Business Structure: Proprietary Company

**Contact Information:**
- Primary Contact: Michael [SURNAME]
- Position: Managing Director/CEO
- Business Email: michael@rateright.com.au
- Finance Email: finance@rateright.com.au
- Phone: [INSERT PHONE]
- Address: [INSERT BUSINESS ADDRESS]

### 4. Eligibility Confirmation
✅ Confirm each eligibility requirement:
- Combined annual turnover <$20M for last 3 years
- Australian incorporated company
- ABN registered and current
- GST registered
- Not exempt from income tax
- Not on National Redress Scheme exclusion list
- Compliant with Workplace Gender Equality Act (if applicable)

### 5. Innovation Description
**Copy from prepared application:**
- Product/Process/Service: RateRight Operating System
- NRF Priority Area: Enabling Capabilities (primary), Transport (secondary)  
- Innovation Summary: Three-platform integrated ecosystem
- Market Opportunity: Australian construction industry transformation
- Commercialisation Stage: Early-stage with pilot customers

### 6. Project Details
**Innovation Explanation:**
"RateRight represents the first integrated operating system approach to construction business management, combining labour hire marketplace, operations management, and CRM automation in a single platform ecosystem. Unlike fragmented point solutions, RateRight provides foundational digital infrastructure enabling small construction businesses to operate with enterprise-level efficiency."

**Commercialisation Goals:**
"Scale from pilot phase to 500+ construction businesses within 2 years, establishing RateRight as the standard operating platform for Australian construction SMEs while expanding nationally from NSW base."

**Government Support Need:**
"Advisory guidance required for optimal commercialisation strategy, funding pathways, market validation approaches, and scaling challenges specific to integrated platform business model in construction industry context."

### 7. Financial Information
- Current Annual Turnover: <$1M (startup phase)
- Financial Year End: [INSERT DATE]
- Funding Sought: Advisory Service (free), with intent to apply for Commercialisation Grant following advisory consultation
- Co-funding Available: [INSERT AMOUNT IF APPLICABLE]

### 8. Document Upload
**Required Documents:**
- Company incorporation certificate
- ABN registration document
- GST registration confirmation  
- Financial statements (available years)
- Business bank account verification

**File Upload Process:**
- Click "Add Document" for each file
- Select appropriate document type from dropdown
- Choose file from computer (PDF preferred)
- Add brief description for each document
- Verify all documents uploaded successfully

### 9. Application Review
**Final Check:**
- All sections completed with green checkmarks
- Contact information accurate
- Innovation description compelling and clear
- Financial information consistent
- All required documents uploaded
- Eligibility confirmations selected

### 10. Submission
- Review application summary page
- Accept terms and conditions
- Confirm authority to submit on behalf of business
- Click "Submit Application"
- Save confirmation number and reference details
- Print or save submission confirmation

## Post-Submission Process

### Immediate Next Steps (Day 1)
- Save submission reference number
- Print/save confirmation email
- Set calendar reminder for 10 business days (response deadline)
- Prepare for potential clarification questions

### Expected Timeline
- **Day 1:** Application submitted
- **Days 1-10:** Government eligibility review
- **Day 10:** Response notification (approval/rejection/clarification needed)
- **Weeks 2-5:** Advisor allocation and scheduling (if approved)
- **Weeks 4-6:** Advisory consultation sessions
- **Week 6-8:** Advisory report preparation and delivery

### If Approved for Advisory Service
1. **Advisor Contact:** Allocated advisor will contact within 5-10 business days
2. **Consultation Scheduling:** Initial meeting arranged (video/phone)
3. **Information Gathering:** Advisor may request additional business details
4. **Strategic Sessions:** 2-4 consultation sessions over 3-4 weeks
5. **Advisory Report:** Comprehensive recommendations for commercialisation

### If Advisory Report Recommends Grant Application
1. **Grant Eligibility:** Advisor confirms grant application suitability
2. **Application Preparation:** Use advisory recommendations to prepare grant application
3. **Grant Submission:** Apply for Early Stage ($50K-$250K) or Commercialisation ($100K-$5M)
4. **Assessment Timeline:** 6-12 weeks for grant application assessment

## Troubleshooting Common Issues

### Portal Technical Problems
- Clear browser cache and cookies
- Try different browser (Chrome, Edge, Firefox)
- Disable browser extensions temporarily
- Check internet connection stability
- Contact portal support: portal.business.gov.au/Home/FAQ

### Document Upload Issues
- Ensure files are under 10MB each
- Use PDF format where possible
- Check file names don't contain special characters
- Verify documents are readable and complete

### Application Questions
- Contact Industry Growth Program support
- Email: [SUPPORT EMAIL - CHECK WEBSITE]
- Phone: [SUPPORT PHONE - CHECK WEBSITE]
- Include application reference number in all communications

## Success Indicators
✅ Confirmation email received immediately  
✅ Application reference number provided  
✅ Portal status shows "Submitted"  
✅ Response received within 10 business days  
✅ Advisor allocated within 2 weeks (if approved)  

**Total Submission Time:** 30-45 minutes (with prepared documents)  
**Success Rate:** High for eligible innovative businesses  
**Cost:** Free (Advisory Service)  
**Risk:** Minimal time investment for significant potential return