Like many organisations around the world, large manufacturing businesses are increasingly turning to CRM to streamline their processes and increase profits.
For small and medium-sized enterprises however, the cost of implementing a CRM often makes this option seem unachievable. Co-funding this process through grants may help offset this cost.
Manufacturers rely on efficient processes when producing their goods and products, continually tweaking and streamlining these processes to ensure they remain profitable in an ever-growing and competitive industry.
While production is a key part of any manufacturing business, often the processes away from the production floor are less efficient. Enquiries may get lost, files get mislabelled making it harder for sales staff to find, invoices may be missed, and the potential for repeat customers decreases.
While production is a key part of any manufacturing business, often the processes away from the production floor are less efficient. Enquiries may get lost, files get mislabelled making it harder for sales staff to find, invoices may be missed, and the potential for repeat customers decreases.
Utilise Customised CRM
The use of a customised CRM system can eliminate all of these issues leading to improved customer service, better pipeline management, collaboration between departments and branches, future planning, and, ultimately, an increase in sales. Despite the obvious benefits of using a CRM, the cost of implementing one can be an issue.
In 2019, the Australian Government offered small and medium manufacturing enterprises grants worth between $50,000 and $1,000,000 that would have assisted with this cost. The co-funding was to be used specifically for capital investments and associated reskilling to modernise manufacturing processes, adopt new technologies, become more productive and create jobs.
The maximum grant period was two years, which would have been plenty of time for SalesFix to develop and implement any additions or changes you’d like to make.
While applications for this grant have closed, there are many other grants available at both a state and national level which may provide the financial assistance you need to help your business achieve its goals.
Apply for Grants
Grants can be a great way for businesses to receive additional funding and support without having to outlay extensive equity. Depending on the type of product you’re manufacturing, you may even qualify for more than one grant which may allow you to diversify into new markets, make technology and efficiency upgrades and even produce new products.
Of course, each grant will have its own criteria and you will need to submit new applications for each grant. This can be time consuming and confusing depending on the criteria which can make the process seem overwhelming and not worth it, especially if your first few applications are unsuccessful. However, these feelings will quickly disappear once you receive notification that an application has been successful.
There are many resources available online that provide tips and assistance when putting a grant application together. Research is often a key part of any successful grant application so putting some time into this before getting started is an important step.
Also, don’t forget to contact the relevant department or organisation who is offering the grants if you’re unsure if you qualify or have specific questions. Often, they will be able to give you advice and guidance on exactly what it is they’re looking for which can help you decide if the grant is right for you.
If grants aren’t quite right for your business but you’re interested in discussing a new integration, quickstart implementation, Salesforce CRM health check, or simply adding additional training and support days, we’d be more than happy to discuss these with you. To submit your enquiry or to register your interest in hearing about future grant opportunities, click here.
