A new Tasmanian Government grants program will help 10 Tasmanian businesses to expand and create 122 new jobs.

The Premier, Lara Giddings, and Minister for Economic Development, David O'Byrne, today announced the first successful projects under the Tasmanian Government Innovation and Investment Fund (TGIIF).

The $3 million fund was a key initiative in this year's Budget and is a positive response to regional employment challenges.

"This is an example of how the Tasmanian Government is working with local businesses to build jobs and opportunities for the future," Ms Giddings said.

"The projects receiving funding in this round of the TGIIF are expected to create an additional 122 jobs in just the first 12 months, as well as having a significant effect on retaining existing employment.

"The Tasmanian economy is in transition and the Government is committed to providing practical support that not only helps businesses adapt to change, but emerge stronger for the future.

"Many of these companies are creating jobs in regional communities affected by the downturn in the forest industry, including Mitchell Plastic Welding in the Huon Valley and Turners Beach Berries on the North West Coast.

"We are here today at Offshore Unlimited which provides shipping services for the oil and gas industry in Western Australia.

"The company has received a $380,000 grant to undertake International Safety Management Standard accreditation which will allow them to operate in deeper water with larger vessels over 500 tonnes.  This expansion will allow Offshore Unlimited to create 50 new jobs in the first 12 months, with most of those workers to come from Triabunna and the Tasman Peninsula."

Mr O'Byrne said the $1.8 million paid out in the first round of grant funding would leverage an additional $5.9 million of private investment.

"We congratulate the 10 businesses who have been successful in round one and we look forward to continuing to partner with innovative Tasmanian companies that are growing sustainably and creating jobs," Mr O'Byrne said.

In all, 76 applications were received, representing a combined total of $37 million worth of investment across 17 key industry sectors.

"It is very encouraging to have received so many applications from businesses that are keen to innovate," he said.

"It is a really positive sign for Tasmania that so many business owners are seeking to unlock the potential that exists within our economy.

"The grants announced today will provide strategic financial support for projects located across Tasmania's three regions, and include the food and agriculture, building and construction, science and research, and mining and mineral processing sectors.

"It's clear that there are a broad range of industries expanding in Tasmania, and that these businesses are also confident enough to invest significantly in their futures."

Applications for the second round of the TGIIF program will open on January 7, 2013.

The full list of grant applicants is attached.

Name	Total Project Amount	Applicant Contribution	Grant Amount
Anchor Organics Family Trust No. 2	$643,366	$393,366	$250,000
BridgePro Engineering Pty Ltd	$532,009	$382,009	$150,000
Holm Oak Vineyards	$175,000	$102,500	$72,500
Mitchell Plastic Welding Pty Ltd t/a MPW Piping Solutions	$1,260,000	$1,010,000	$250,000
Offshore Unlimited Pty Ltd	$630,000	$380,000	$250,000
Shellfish Culture Tasmania	$3,004,000	$2,869,000	$135,000
Southern Marine Shiplift Pty Ltd	$579,900	$329,900	$250,000
Specialised Vehicle Solutions (SVS)	$123,442	$61,721	$61,721
Tasmanian Quality Meats	$537,790	$287,790	$250,000
Turners Beach Berry Patch	$236,900	$131,352	$105,548
	$7,722,407	$5,947,638	$1,774,769