The Australian government financially supports many small businesses and startups each year. There are hundreds of grants available at any given time.

These programs are aimed at supporting startup businesses with the tools and resources fundamental to running a successful business.

Below are some of the grants currently available that your business may be eligible for.

Top Federal Government Grants for Small Business

• The Entrepreneur’s Programme. This popular program provides funding of up to $1 million to help small businesses innovate, grow and compete in the market. SMEs can also access expert advice and additional incentives through the program.
• Accelerating Commercialisation provides SMEs with up to $1 million in project funding to commercialise a novel product, process or service. Eligible applicants need to be exploring commercialisation opportunities in different states or territories from their state of business.

Top State Government Grants for Small Business

New South Wales

• The MVP Grant offers up to $25,000 to help early-stage startups develop a minimum viable product. 
• Local Innovation Network (LIN) is a $2.1 million commitment by the NSW Government to develop regional entrepreneurship and support startups and SMEs in seven emerging regional locations, including Armidale, Bathurst, Byron Bay, Coffs Harbour, Newcastle/Hunter region, Wagga Wagga and Wollongong region.

Victoria

• Future Industries supports job creation in high-growth industries including medical, new energies, food and fibre and construction.
• The Small Business Digital Adaptation Program allows businesses to apply for a $1200 rebate upon purchase of a digital product to build digital capability (registrations close at 11:59pm on 28^th of February 2021).

Queensland

• Startup onramp Regional Queensland Program provides training and accelerator programs. 

Australian Capital Territory

• Innovation Connect Grants (ICON) supports entrepreneurs to develop and grow ideas. Grants usually range between $10,000 and $30,000.

South Australia

• The SA Venture Capital Fund (SAVCF), provides a portion of the initial startup funding, with the rest needing to be matched by other funds or investors.

Western Australia

• There are several categories for business grants and programs to support startups and SMEs including:

– Small Business Quick Response Grants (up to $5,000)

– Economic Development Sponsorship (upwards of $4,000)

Tasmania

• Business Growth Loan Scheme provides concessional loan funding to support businesses to recover and adapt and allow new projects that contribute to employment in Tasmania.

Northern Territory

• Business Growth Program helps businesses, not-for-profits and Aboriginal enterprises receive support from grants and funding outlets.

Other Grants for Small Business Startups

• Grant Guru. There are always new grants and Grant Guru allows you to search from a database of more than 1500 government grants worth almost $40 billion. These include private grants, public sector grants and industry-specific grants.
• The Grants Hub. This directory includes over 1,000 grant programs in Australia, including those from private donors, corporate enterprises and more.
• Grants Assist. Provides a wealth of information for small business, startups and non-profit grants and you can search by sector or state.

If you’re looking for commercial finance options to help kickstart your business, contact our experienced team today on 03 5223 3453 to see how we can help you.