The Federal Government is calling for applications for more NBN backed initiatives under round five of the Digital Enterprise Program (DEP).

Minister for Broadband, Communications and the Digital Economy, Senator Stephen Conroy, is calling for parties to apply for the program, which offers free expert training for local businesses and not-for-profit organisations to help them make the most out of the National Broadband Network (NBN).

“This is the fifth round of the Digital Enterprise Program, with the Gillard Government providing an additional $7.2million in the Budget to extend the program to another 23 NBN rollout communities,” Senator Conroy said.

The successful organisations will be awarded grants of up to $285,000 each to provide services to another 23 local communities. Applications close on 7 June 2013.

“The Government is also providing up to $400,000 for a Digital Enterprise - Virtual Advisor service. This online service will specifically target businesses in rural and remote communities, particularly indigenous businesses,” Senator Conroy said.

Consultation on the guidelines for that service will happen over the next week.

The Government is also seeking responses from 44 local councils on the draft guidelines for the next round of the Digital Local Government program. Consultation on the guidelines will continue until 24 May 2013.