Bluerydge Helping SMEs Navigate Defence Grants

Bluerydge Helping Defence SMEs Navigate the Grants Process

A New Era of Defence Industry Grants

For small to medium enterprises (SMEs) looking to break into the Defence sector, securing grants and funding can be one of the most challenging steps. While having an innovative product or service is crucial, developing it to an acceptable level of maturity and navigating the Defence grants process can be overwhelming.

For years, the Department of Defence has offered various grant programs to help SMEs develop emerging capabilities that contribute to Australia’s national security. These grants, previously provided under the Sovereign Industrial Capability Priority (SICP) and Defence Global Competitiveness Grant programs, are now being consolidated into a new funding model under the Defence Industry Development Strategy (DIDS).

Announced in February 2024, the Defence Industry Development Grant (DIDG) program will prioritise funding for SMEs that align with the Australian Government’s national security objectives.

Key focus areas for the DIDG program include:

• Sovereign capability – Strengthening Australia’s independent defence capabilities.
• Global competitiveness – Enhancing export potential for Australian Defence SMEs.
• Technical superiority – Advancing leading-edge Defence technologies.
• National security – Ensuring Defence industry resilience against cyber threats.

The AUKUS Pillar 2 initiative is also expected to influence funding priorities, particularly in cybersecurity, autonomous systems, space technology, hypersonics, undersea warfare, and electronic warfare.

How Bluerydge is Helping SMEs Enter the Defence Market

While the new grant program is promising for Australian SMEs, many businesses struggle to navigate the application process and understand the specific Defence requirements.

That’s where Bluerydge comes in.

A Canberra-based cybersecurity and technology firm with extensive experience in Defence projects, Bluerydge is stepping up to mentor and support SMEs looking to secure funding, meet security compliance requirements, and engage with Defence.

Bluerydge CEO and co-founder Jim Boekel emphasised that while Bluerydge is not a grant-writing firm, its first-hand experience in the Defence sector allows it to provide practical guidance to SMEs.

“We’re definitely not a grant-writing business,” Boekel said.
“But we’re a company that has been through the experience ourselves, and we’ve found that, especially for small companies, it can be pretty hard to even know where to start.”

“I’ve talked to a lot of companies, especially those that are new to Defence, and don’t really even know where to start – it’s a whole different language for them.”

Supporting SMEs with Security and Compliance

Beyond mentorship on the grants process, Bluerydge is actively assisting SMEs in achieving key Defence security certifications.

To work with Defence and major contractors, businesses often need to meet specific cybersecurity and compliance standards. Bluerydge is currently helping SMEs navigate and implement these requirements, including:

✅ Defence Industry Security Program (DISP) – A security vetting process for Australian organisations, ensuring they meet Defence Security Principles Framework requirements.

✅ ISO 27001 Certification – An internationally recognised standard for information security management systems (ISMS), ensuring data protection and risk mitigation.

✅ Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) – A mandatory requirement for US Defence contracts, ensuring contractors meet cybersecurity standards to protect sensitive US Department of Defense (DoD) information.

For many SMEs, understanding these requirements and implementing them can be daunting. Bluerydge simplifies the process, providing practical guidance, security expertise, and hands-on support.

“It can be difficult to find the right information in the security space—specifically on exactly what SMEs need to do and where to start,” Boekel explained.
“Because we’ve done it all ourselves, and as a cybersecurity and technology specialist – we’re DISP program certified, and we’re ISO 27001 certified – we can walk them through that.”

The Bigger Picture: Strengthening Australia’s Defence Industry

Bluerydge’s support for Defence SMEs aligns with its broader mission:

• Expanding Australia’s cybersecurity capability by mentoring SMEs.
• Helping businesses meet security compliance requirements to work with Defence.
• Ensuring Australian innovation contributes to national security objectives.

As the Defence Industry Development Grant (DIDG) program rolls out, Bluerydge is offering no-obligation discussions with SMEs, helping them understand the process, identify opportunities, and strategise their approach to Defence engagement.

“Bluerydge is involved in a number of organisations and networks that work with emerging SMEs,” Boekel said.
“But in this case, we’re also encouraging companies just to reach out directly, and we can have a no-obligation chat with them.”

Next Steps for SMEs

📌 Check the Grant Guidelines – The DIDG program guidelines will be released soon, allowing applications to be submitted. Businesses can monitor updates via Business.gov.au and Defence websites.

📌 Assess Your Readiness – Businesses should evaluate their alignment with Defence priorities, their cybersecurity maturity, and their ability to meet compliance standards.

📌 Engage with Bluerydge – For SMEs looking to navigate the Defence grants process, Bluerydge is available for consultations and support.

📧 Contact Bluerydge for a discussion:
📩 Email: [email protected]
📞 Phone: 02 6183 6567

Looking Ahead

With Defence industry funding shifting to the DIDG program, now is the time for SMEs to position themselves for success.

Bluerydge remains committed to supporting Australian innovation, helping businesses secure funding, strengthen their cybersecurity, and become trusted Defence industry partners.

For Defence SMEs looking to take their next step, Bluerydge is ready to help navigate the process and turn opportunity into success.