Government support can make a huge difference to your bottom line. Explore key grants and allowances available to Australian small businesses and learn how you can access them.
Running a small business in Australia comes with its fair share of challenges. But at the same time, there are plenty of opportunities for financial support.
It doesn’t matter whether you’re launching a new venture, recovering from setbacks, or scaling your operations. There are dozens of programs offering grants, allowances, and tax relief.
That said, learning about government funding for small businesses can feel overwhelming, but the payoff is worth it. Access to funding can mean more cash flow, investment in equipment or tech, hiring support, and even export expansion.
This guide breaks down key state business support programs and federal initiatives that you might be eligible for. You’ll also get tips on how to apply for them.
Why Government Grants Matter
Unlike loans, grants generally don’t require repayment. This makes them a powerful form of government funding for small businesses. And they’re often designed to:
- Encourage innovation and digital adoption
- Support economic development
- Boost regional industries
- Help businesses recover from disasters or downturns
Accessing the right grant can free up your cash flow and allow you to invest where it matters most.
More importantly, grants can provide validation for your business in the eyes of investors, customers, and stakeholders. Government backing signals credibility and can enhance your reputation within your industry.
For many small businesses, even a modest grant can have a big impact. Whether it helps you hire one more staff member, trial a new product, or break into a new market, these injections of capital allow you to scale faster and with less risk. That kind of flexibility often separates stagnant businesses from those with strong growth trajectories.
National Support Programs
Regardless of your state, there are several federal programs worth knowing about:
Program #1. Small Business Energy Incentive
This federal tax incentive offers bonus depreciation for energy-saving upgrades like new HVAC systems or solar panels. It’s part of the broader push toward sustainability in business.
Program #2. R&D Tax Incentive
It’s a program designed to support innovation. It provides tax offsets for eligible research and development activities. It’s a key option for startups and tech-driven businesses.
Program #3. Export Market Development Grant (EMDG)
This scheme offers financial support to businesses expanding into overseas markets. It helps offset marketing and promotion costs.
These national schemes complement many of the state business support programs detailed below.
State-by-State Grants and Support
Let’s look at some examples of small business grants in Australia, broken down by state:
New South Wales (NSW)
- Business Connect Program: Offers free advice and support for small businesses
- NSW Export Assistance Grant: Assists businesses with exporting goods and services
Victoria
- Business Victoria Support Finder: An online tool that helps businesses identify grant opportunities
- Small Business Ventilation Grant: Helps fund ventilation improvements to improve workplace safety
Queensland
- Business Basics Grant: Offers $5,000 to support foundational business improvements like training or website upgrades
- Business Growth Fund: Assists high-growth businesses with funding for specialised equipment
Western Australia (WA)
- Innovation Booster Grant: Provides up to $40,000 for early-stage startups pursuing innovative projects
- WA Business Events Grants Program: Supports businesses involved in hosting or delivering events
South Australia
- Small Business Fundamentals Program: Offers tailored training and mentoring for business owners
- Tourism Industry Development Fund: Aimed at regional tourism businesses looking to expand or enhance their offerings
Tasmania, ACT, and Northern Territory
Each of these regions has dedicated business support units. Tasmania’s Enterprise Centres and the ACT’s Business Hub are good places to start looking for government funding for small businesses.
What Can Grants Be Used For?
Depending on the grant or allowance, funding can be used for:
- Equipment purchases
- Technology upgrades
- Training and mentoring
- Marketing and branding
- Infrastructure improvements
- Sustainability initiatives
Just make sure to read the fine print. Many small business grants in Australia are specific about what the funds can and can’t be used for.
5 Tips for Applying for Grants Successfully
Tip #1. Do Your Research
Visit government grant directories like business.gov.au or your state’s small business portal. These sites offer filtering tools to help you find relevant opportunities.
Tip #2. Understand a Grant’s Eligibility Criteria
Know that grants vary widely. Some are industry-specific, while others focus on factors like location, business size, or growth stage.
Tip #3. Prepare Solid Documentation
Most grants will require financial statements, business plans, or evidence of expenditure. The more prepared you are, the smoother the application and approval process.
Tip #4. Don’t Apply for Every Grant You See
Stick to grants that align with your goals. It’s better to craft a strong application for one program than to rush several.
Tip #5. Consider Working With a Grant Consultant
Some businesses benefit from working with professionals who specialise in government funding for small businesses. While this service comes at a cost, it can significantly improve your chances.
Keeping Up with Changes
New programs are introduced regularly, and others evolve over time, often with changing eligibility criteria, funding amounts, and timelines. Staying informed is critical to ensuring you don’t miss out on valuable opportunities that could give your business an edge.
So, stay connected with your local business chamber, accountant, or state government website. They’ll keep you up-to-date with available state business support programs. These entities often host webinars, publish newsletters, or send email alerts when new grants are available.
You can also subscribe to updates from business.gov.au and other government portals. Many of these services offer tools that let you filter grants based on your location, industry, or funding needs.
And if you’re short on time, consider partnering with a local business advisor or grants consultant. They can help you identify and apply for relevant support programs.
Remember, staying proactive gives your business the best chance to benefit from every round of funding.
Take the Pressure Off with Fast, Flexible Finance
Applying for government grants is smart. But approval can take time, and not every business need fits neatly into a grant program.
Now, if you’re looking to act quickly on an opportunity, manage cash flow while you wait, or invest in growth that falls outside the scope of grant coverage, we’ve got you covered.
Unsecured Finance Australia provides fast, flexible funding options tailored to small businesses like yours.
Apply online today and you could receive approval within 24 hours.
Explore our unsecured business loans and take the next step in building your future with confidence.
