The Australian government financially supports many small businesses and startups each year. There are hundreds of grants available at any given time, worth billions of dollars in total, each with specific eligibility requirements.
Businesses operating in industries such as tourism, renewable energy and exports have more options for funding. Although there are still mentoring and funding programs for startups creating new products or services.
Here are just 10 of the options available to give you a sense of how varied grants can be and how much assistance is available. You may even be able to successfully apply for one of these today.
Program
What it does
Eligibility
Find out more
The Entrepreneurs' Programme
Gives you access to a network of over 100 experienced private sector advisers and facilitators around Australia, and collaboration opportunities
Lets you get co-funded grants for commercialising products and services
Offers funding for growth, business evaluation services, supply chain facilitation, growth and opportunity consulting and ongoing business guidance and review
Your business must currently be operating in the food and agriculture, mining, energy, advanced manufacturing or medical technology and pharmaceutical sectors
OR you must be a tourism business operating in Northern Australia
OR you must be committed to and capable of operating in one of those areas in the future
Funds projects that contribute to cheaper or better value energy, reduce or remove barriers to renewable energy uptake, improve skills, knowledge or capacity relevant to renewable energy and improve the technological and commercial readiness of renewable energy.
Funding is awarded for projects that achieve these outcomes directly, or for research and analysis that can help these get achieved.
Is expected to provide funding of between $100,000 and $50 million per project
Projects must involve either a renewable energy technology or a method that has the potential to contribute to the stated outcomes above
Applicants must be a registered corporation unless applying for desktop studies or non-research analysis
Helps businesses secure finance in order to upgrade commercial buildings and maximise the structure's energy efficiency
Lets businesses upgrade buildings for improved energy efficiency while the local council collects repayments through the rates system. This makes it less risky for lenders who are then able to offer better rates and longer terms
These environmental upgrade agreements let loans be taken out for longer periods, which means the cost-savings that come from upgrading your building can more effectively pay off the loan
Eligible upgrades are those to buildings in NSW which:
Improve energy and water efficiency
Use greater proportions of renewable energy
Reduce greenhouse gas emissions
Reduce the use of materials
Recover or recycle previously used materials
Monitor the building's environmental performance
Encourage alternatives to car travel, like cycling and walking
What you need to know about government grants for startups
Most grants are available from your state government but there are also grants at the federal level.
Government grants are generally for specific projects, not a business in general. You need a specific plan to be eligible, not just a general business idea.
There are a few grants specifically for starting a business, but there are grants for business activities such as:
expansion
training
research and development
importing and exporting
commercialising a specific product and more.
The government also offers various free and low-cost business advisory services, financial and tax advice, loans and other support. A lot of government assistance takes the form of cheap loans, networking, coaching and mentoring. These are considered government assistance and can be even more important to startups than winning grant money.
Access government grants through government websites and beware of imitations. Official websites will have a “.gov.au” suffix. Do not trust other websites for anything more than information, and never pay a fee. Government grants are available for free. If you are paying for access then you are being scammed.
What government startup grants are available?
Government grants can be categorised as follows; many grants fit into more than one category.
Categories
Description
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander
If you are an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander, or are hiring and training someone who is, then you may be eligible for certain additional benefits. The Business Development and Assistance Program is one widespread type of grant that provides support, funding and loans to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people looking to start and grow a business.
Art and artists, and heritage projects
These two categories can be very similar. If your new business involves screen projects, digital media, community artistic involvement, documentary making, educational media or contributes to the arts in your state, you may be eligible for grants. Heritage locations, cultural significance and conservation projects can make you eligible for government assistance.
Commercialising a product
These type of grants are an option if you have a viable new product to bring to market but need help commercialising it or are developing new products or conducting related research.
Disaster recovery
This group includes drought relief and income assistance schemes for farmers and disaster recovery help.
Employment and training
As a startup there’s a good chance you’re actively hiring. Fortunately there are plenty of grants to take advantage of. JobSearch lets you advertise and hire employees at no cost, the AAIP pays you to offer apprenticeships, JobAccess supports you when hiring someone with a disability, the Restart Program is available if you’re hiring someone over the age of 50. There are many other options available, both at the state and federal levels.
Green businesses
If your startup is in the renewable energy industry you may be eligible for multiple grants and benefits, such as the Advancing Renewables Programme. Even if it isn’t, this category still offers financial incentives to reduce emissions and run a green business. You’ll find discounts on energy-efficient products and green providers, financial incentives to reduce emissions and recycle, and assistance for improving sustainability.
Business expansion
This is government help to turn your small startup into a big startup and diversify if caught in a flagging industry. Certain industries in some states may be eligible for low interest government loans to expand, businesses in transition can get support for both employers and employees, manufacturers are encouraged to explore new business models and there are countless networking and training programs to teach you how to grow a business.
Importing and exporting
There are many grants for importers and exporters of both products and services, as well as manufacturers, educators and other businesses which promote overseas trade. This assistance comes in the form of advice, loans for you, loans for your overseas buyers, government grants, business networks and more.
Research and development (R&D)
This includes both R&D of novel ideas and new products and innovations in specific areas or industries which are currently being funded, such as renewables and agriculture. If you are developing a new product that has potential or are taking a big technological step forward then you may be eligible for these grants.
The government grants that are available to startups and new small businesses at any given time will vary. Grants are constantly expiring and being phased out, while new ones are always being introduced. Some have application periods of just weeks or months, while others remain open for years.
We recommend using the Business.gov.au site to search for which grants you're eligible for as the site is updated regularly with the most up to date information.
Do’s and don’ts. How to get approved for a government business grant
Tailor your application for a specific grant. Each has different criteria that you must meet and is designed for a specific purpose. Your application needs to be specific to all of these.
Address all eligibility criteria and answer every application question. Be succinct yet thorough and answer all questions. If you are unable to answer a question on the grant application then it usually means you’re not ready. Rather than guessing or leaving it blank, make sure you get informed.
Have a grant strategy. It helps to know which grants you are eligible for ahead of time. This means you can map out an application timeline and systematically address each grant.
Consider specific projects instead of the business as a whole. Most grants are awarded for specific business activities such as product development, making import/export agreements and recruiting or training staff. For example, a technology startup is most likely eligible for grants, but only because its products or services meet certain criteria, not simply because it’s a technology startup.
Applying for grants you're unlikely to get. A proper grant application takes time and effort, which is best not spent frivolously.
Assuming that a good startup with a good idea is enough. Once again, grants and government business assistance are awarded for the fulfillment of specific requirements which vary between grants. Having a good idea is typically not one of these requirements.
Not following up. There are many startup and small business grants available, and it's possible that grant applications will become a regular part of your operation. Think about the long-term and follow up on grants even if you're unsuccessful. Ask the grant administrator how you can improve for next time, and how you might have better addressed certain eligibilities.
You can also use a professional grant writer’s services to potentially improve your chances, to save time or help you enact a complex grant strategy with many applications. Ask about their experience, fees and success rate before hiring and don’t be afraid to shop around. It can be helpful to find a grant writer who specialises in your industry or with the type of grant you want.
Finding startup assistance and creating a grant strategy
Creating a grant strategy is recommended for businesses that plan on applying for more than one grant. This involves mapping out a calendar of relevant grants, eligibility requirements and their application periods ahead of time. Follow this calendar to make the grant juggling more manageable.
Can I really get multiple government grants?
Remember that grants are more than just money infusions. Government business assistance also comes as low-interest loans, workshops, mentoring, training, subsidies, tax benefits, allowances and much more, depending on the type of help.
Taking advantage of everything on offer can give your business an edge but might take a lot of organisation and planning.
This is where a grant strategy comes in.
A grant strategy lets you plan ahead to make sure your startup achieves eligibility in the required time.
You are able to apply as soon as a grant opens. Being at the front of the queue like this improves your chances because many grants have limited funding and close when the money runs out.
If there is a conflict of timing or you don’t have the resources to apply for everything you want, then a grant calendar helps you prioritise, reschedule and weigh the benefits of different options.
A grant calendar should work alongside your business timeline. For example, you should look for employment grants to coincide with hiring new people or plan to reduce your emissions when there are grants or programs to assist.
There are a number of different websites where you can find lists of current and future Australian government business grants, but many of these sites have hidden costs or strings attached.
A more reliable and completely free way of finding startup grants is with the official government website: https://www.business.gov.au/assistance. Use this website to find relevant offers and fill up your grant calendar, or read on for startup grants that might be of interest.
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Hi there! I just want to know if grant finding and application services are provided on this site. I would just rather pay someone to do the research for me.
We are a financial comparison website and can provide general information. We do not represent the agencies, government, institution, groups and the likes that we feature on our website but our page can help you check and give you an idea on who you can go with based on your circumstance.
I suggest to contact your local government to determine if they have recommendation for you as you provide the details of your business needs.
I would like to know if there is a service that helps with finding the appropriate grants and helping with the application process to give us the best chance?
You can reach out to your local government to seek advise and assistance what grants is applicable to you based on your situation. They may also be able to refer you to someone who can help you along the application process.
But this page above can give you an idea on what are the grants and assistance are available and you can determine based on the description on what may suit you best.
Thanks for getting in touch with Finder. It’s nice to hear about your plan to start a business.
Regarding your question, it would depend on whether you meet the eligibility requirements of a specific government grant or not. Since there are different types of government grants, you need to check each one of them and see which of these grants best fit your situation and needs.
What I can suggest is for you to read the different grants listed above. From there, you should get an idea which grant would be the right one for you.
I hope this helps. Should you have further questions, please don’t hesitate to reach us out again.
We have been approved by our local council to open a motocross facility.
And we have been asked to hold a national event in June .
Seeking a grant to help us kick start this venture
Please note that grants vary in every state. Since your local council has approved your motocross facility, kindly ask them for assistance or information on how to apply for government grants or use the Grants & Programs finder for more information on this matter and proceed with your online application.
You have reached finder which is the comparison website you are currently on. If you wish to check on grants available for your area, you may scroll up the page to “What government startup grants are available?” and check with the individual institutions on the availability of grants. Hope this helps!
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Hi there! I just want to know if grant finding and application services are provided on this site. I would just rather pay someone to do the research for me.
Hi Rockney,
Thank you for reaching out.
We are a financial comparison website and can provide general information. We do not represent the agencies, government, institution, groups and the likes that we feature on our website but our page can help you check and give you an idea on who you can go with based on your circumstance.
I suggest to contact your local government to determine if they have recommendation for you as you provide the details of your business needs.
Hope this helps! 😊
Kind Regards,
Mai
I would like to know if there is a service that helps with finding the appropriate grants and helping with the application process to give us the best chance?
Hi Robbie,
Thank you your contacting Finder.
You can reach out to your local government to seek advise and assistance what grants is applicable to you based on your situation. They may also be able to refer you to someone who can help you along the application process.
But this page above can give you an idea on what are the grants and assistance are available and you can determine based on the description on what may suit you best.
Hope this helps! 😊
Kind Regards,
Mai
I would like to know if I’m eligible for a government grant to start me and help me with making my photography business.
Hi Chauntelle,
Thanks for getting in touch with Finder. It’s nice to hear about your plan to start a business.
Regarding your question, it would depend on whether you meet the eligibility requirements of a specific government grant or not. Since there are different types of government grants, you need to check each one of them and see which of these grants best fit your situation and needs.
What I can suggest is for you to read the different grants listed above. From there, you should get an idea which grant would be the right one for you.
I hope this helps. Should you have further questions, please don’t hesitate to reach us out again.
Have a wonderful day!
Cheers,
Joshua
We have been approved by our local council to open a motocross facility.
And we have been asked to hold a national event in June .
Seeking a grant to help us kick start this venture
Hi Sonia,
Thank you for getting in touch with Finder.
Congratulations on your new venture!
Please note that grants vary in every state. Since your local council has approved your motocross facility, kindly ask them for assistance or information on how to apply for government grants or use the Grants & Programs finder for more information on this matter and proceed with your online application.
I hope this helps.
Thank you and have a wonderful day!
Cheers,
Jeni
Are there any business grants / no interest loans available in western Australia for small businesses
Hi Suzanne,
Thank you for leaving a question.
You have reached finder which is the comparison website you are currently on. If you wish to check on grants available for your area, you may scroll up the page to “What government startup grants are available?” and check with the individual institutions on the availability of grants. Hope this helps!
Cheers,
Reggie