Have a grant, partnership or sponsorship in mind? Submit an enquiry and let’s explore how we can work together — whether it’s co-designing a competitive research proposal or creating a sponsorship that supports SME-focused impact, policy and innovation.
Partner with us
We partner with industry, government and academia to deliver research that drives real outcomes for small-to-medium enterprises (SMEs). Our collaborations turn ideas into impact.
Partner on research that makes an impact
The Deakin Small-to-Medium Enterprise Research Centre partners with industry, government, not-for-profits and academia to deliver research that drives real-world change for SMEs. We co-design competitive bids and collaborations. We balance academic rigour with practical impact across areas like innovation, digital transformation, leadership, wellbeing, sustainability and internationalisation.
Partnering with the Deakin Small-to-Medium Enterprise Research Centre is a strategic investment in the engine room of Australia’s economy. While other research centres focus on start-ups or entrepreneurs, we specialise in the unique challenges and opportunities facing SMEs.
Partnering with us means being aligned with the only SME-focused research hub in Australia, gaining access to an unparalleled network, helping develop the next generation of researchers, shaping national debates, and using applied research and data to provide real-world solutions to the challenges that matter most for SMEs – and for your organisation.
What we bring to a partnership
We’re committed to partnerships that generate a clear line of sight from research to real impact for SMEs, whether it's through practice change, productivity gains, or capability lift. Our support includes:
- co-design and strategy – refining research questions, outcomes and pathways to impact
- partnership building – bringing together the right mix of industry, policy and academic collaborators
- methods and evaluation – designing pilots, trials and measurement approaches tailored to SMEs needs and funder criteria
- compliance and delivery – ensuring scheme-ready budgets, governance, ethics and project management
- impact and translation – sharing knowledge through policy briefs, academic papers, playbooks and industry papers.
Who we partner with
We collaborate with individuals, firms, industry associations, government agencies and universities – locally and internationally – through grants, tenders, consulting projects, living labs/pilot trials and philanthropic initiatives.
Our partnership approach
Every partnership begins with a scoping conversation to define goals and success measures. We map opportunities, co-design strong proposals, and manage projects from build through to delivery, ensuring research leads to practical outcomes for SMEs.
Flexible partnership opportunities
Centre partnerships are flexible and can take many forms, including financial contributions or in-kind support, such as access to data, participation in workshops, co-development of insights, or sharing industry expertise — contributions that are just as valuable in shaping meaningful, applied research outcomes.
Become a sponsor
You can also consider sponsoring the Centre. Sponsoring us means being aligned with the only SME-focused research hub in Australia, gaining access to an unparalleled network, helping develop the next generation of researchers, shaping national debates, and using applied research and data to provide real-world solutions to the challenges that matter most for SMEs – and for your organisation.
We offer two levels of sponsorship: Platinum (1 sponsor) and Gold (up to 5 sponsors).
What’s in it for sponsors?
- Applied Research: Tailored insights and co-branded outputs (white papers, policy briefs, industry reports).
- Training and capability building: Custom programs for staff or SME clients across six strategic themes.
- Consultancy and problem-solving: Targeted support for SME challenges.
- Influence and network: Advisory Board seat, policy-shaping opportunities, event co-hosting, and access to national and global SME networks.
- Custom Sponsorships: Tailor a package aligned with your objectives and budget, or collaborate on project-specific funding opportunities.
Our partners
Our research shapes the future of SME ecosystems through impactful partnerships with professional organisations, academia and government bodies. Here are some of our current and past sponsors, funders and projects:
Contact us
Send an enquiry to the Deakin Small-to-Medium Enterprise Research Centre
