Government Support: Complete Guide to Australian Business Funding

The Australian government provides over $2.8 billion annually in support for small businesses. Yet most entrepreneurs don’t even know these programs exist. This guide reveals every major funding source available to Australian small businesses in 2025.

Quick Overview: What’s Available

Self-Employment Assistance (The New NEIS)

What It Is

The flagship government program for aspiring entrepreneurs, replacing the former NEIS program. It’s designed to help Australians transition from employment to successful self-employment.

What You Get

Total Value: Up to $20,000+ per participant

1. Free Business Training (Value: $3,000-$5,000)

   • Certificate IV in New Small Business
   • 12-month structured education program
   • Delivered by approved training providers
   • Covers business planning, marketing, finance, legal requirements

2. Expert Mentorship (Value: $5,000-$8,000)

   • One-on-one guidance from experienced business mentors
   • 12 months of ongoing support
   • 2 annual business advice sessions
   • Comprehensive business health checks
   • Access to networking events and peer support

3. Financial Support (Value: $8,000-$15,000)

   • Weekly allowance for up to 39 weeks (equivalent to JobSeeker payment)
   • Rental assistance for up to 26 weeks
   • $300 reimbursement for startup costs
   • Access to Small Business Mentoring program

Eligibility Requirements

• Age: At least 15 years old (18+ for small business coaching)
• Work Rights: Legally allowed to work in Australia
• Financial Status: Not an undischarged bankrupt
• Business Concept:
  • Viable business idea that hasn’t started operations
  • OR existing micro-business (fewer than 4 employees) needing support
  • Business must be sustainable and have growth potential

How to Apply

1. Find a Provider

   • Visit Workforce Australia
   • Search for “Self-Employment Assistance” providers in your area
   • Each provider may have slightly different application processes

2. Prepare Your Application

   • Business concept outline (1-2 pages)
   • Market research evidence
   • Financial projections
   • Personal statement on motivation and commitment

3. Attend Information Session

   • Most providers require attendance at an info session
   • Learn about program requirements and expectations
   • Meet other participants and mentors

4. Submit Formal Application

   • Complete provider’s application form
   • Provide supporting documentation
   • Attend assessment interview

5. Wait for Approval

   • Assessment typically takes 4-8 weeks
   • High demand may extend waiting times
   • Successful applicants start within 1-2 months

Success Stories

Josh Shand (2024): Went from living in a rooftop tent to running a successful lawn care business in regional Queensland, transforming his life and positively impacting his community.

Maria Santos (2023): Used the program to launch her home-based catering business in Western Sydney, now employing 3 part-time staff and earning $120,000 annually.

Tips for Approval

• Research thoroughly: Show deep understanding of your market and competition
• Demonstrate commitment: Explain why this business opportunity excites you
• Be realistic: Provide conservative but achievable financial projections
• Show business acumen: Even basic business knowledge helps your application
• Prepare for interview: Practice explaining your business concept clearly

Federal Government Grants

R&D Tax Incentive

What It Is: Tax offset for businesses investing in research and development

Benefits:

• Small businesses (turnover < $20M): 43.5% refundable tax offset
• Larger businesses (turnover > $20M): 38.5% non-refundable tax offset
• No minimum spending threshold
• Covers wages, materials, contractor costs

Eligible Activities:

• Developing new products, processes, or services
• Improving existing products or processes
• Software development
• Clinical trials
• Engineering and design work

How to Apply:

1. Keep detailed records of R&D activities and costs
2. Register activities with AusIndustry by April 30
3. Claim through annual tax return
4. Consider hiring R&D tax specialist accountant

Real Example: Tech startup developing inventory management software claimed $85,000 in R&D tax credits in their second year, funding further development and team expansion.

Export Market Development Grant (EMDG)

What It Is: Reimbursement for export promotion expenses

Benefits:

• Up to $40,000 per year (8 grants maximum over lifetime)
• Covers 50% of eligible expenses above $5,000
• No requirement to be already exporting

Eligible Expenses:

• Overseas marketing and advertising
• Trade shows and exhibitions
• Website localization
• Marketing consultancy
• Free samples and trials
• Business development trips

Eligibility:

• Annual turnover under $50 million
• Registered business with ABN
• Genuine intention to develop export markets

Industry Growth Program

What It Is: Competitive grants for innovative, high-growth potential businesses

Benefits:

• Matched funding up to $1 million
• Access to business advisory services
• Connections to research institutions
• International market access support

Focus Areas:

• Advanced manufacturing
• Circular economy
• Defence and space
• Digital technologies
• Energy and resources
• Food and beverage
• Medical products and pharmaceuticals

State and Territory Grants

New South Wales

MVP Ventures Program 2025-26

• Amount: Up to $75,000
• Stream 1: Up to $50,000 (50% co-funding required)
• Stream 2: Up to $75,000 (25% co-funding for women, Indigenous, regional businesses)
• Focus: Early-stage startups with high growth potential
• Application: Quarterly rounds, highly competitive

Jobs for NSW

• Various grants for job creation and business expansion
• Manufacturing and construction focus
• $10,000 - $250,000 range

Victoria

Business Growth Fund

• Amount: $250 million total fund (equity investments, not grants)
• Managed by: Roc Partners
• Focus: Growth-stage businesses
• Structure: Equity and debt financing

LaunchVic Programs

• Startup support and accelerator programs
• Various grant amounts from $25,000 - $250,000
• Focus on innovation and technology

Queensland

Ignite Ideas Fund

• Tier 1: Up to $100,000 (12-month projects)
• Tier 2: $100,000-$200,000 (24-month projects)
• Focus: Innovative, high-growth businesses
• Track Record: 450+ businesses supported

Business Development Fund

• $10,000 - $100,000 grants
• Job creation and industry development focus

South Australia

Business SA Grants Program

• Various small grants up to $25,000
• Industry-specific opportunities

South Australian Venture Capital Fund

• Equity investments rather than grants
• $50,000 - $500,000 range

Western Australia

New Industries Fund

• Large grants for significant projects
• $500,000+ typical amounts
• Focus on diversifying WA economy

Regional Economic Development Grants

• Support for regional businesses
• $5,000 - $50,000 range

Tasmania

Small Business Grants Program

• Various targeted grants
• $2,000 - $25,000 typical range
• Focus on local economic development

Australian Capital Territory

Priority Investment Program

• Grants for innovative businesses
• Focus on Canberra’s economic priorities
• $25,000 - $200,000 range

Northern Territory

Business Growth Program

• Grants up to $10,000 for Territory businesses
• Focus on business expansion and capability

Local Council Grants

Common Types

• Shopfront improvement: $2,000-$10,000
• Tourism and events: $500-$5,000
• Environmental initiatives: $1,000-$15,000
• Economic development: $2,500-$20,000

How to Find Local Grants

1. Visit your local council website
2. Search for “business grants” or “economic development”
3. Sign up for council newsletters
4. Attend local business networking events
5. Contact council’s economic development team

Industry-Specific Support

Agriculture

• Farm Investment Loans: Low-interest loans up to $2 million
• Drought Support: Various assistance programs
• Research and Development: Specific ag-tech grants

Tourism

• Tourism Industry Development: State-based grants
• Events and Festivals: Local and state funding
• Digital Capability: Online marketing support

Manufacturing

• Modern Manufacturing Initiative: Federal grants up to $1 million
• Industry 4.0: Digital transformation support
• Supply Chain Resilience: Post-COVID recovery grants

Technology

• Accelerating Commercialisation: Up to $1 million co-funding
• CRC-P Grants: Research commercialization funding
• Cyber Security: Specific grants for cybersecurity businesses

Tax Incentives and Write-offs

Instant Asset Write-off (Extended to June 30, 2025)

• Amount: Up to $20,000 per asset
• Eligibility: Businesses with turnover under $10 million
• Applies to: New and second-hand assets
• Assets over $20,000: Enter simplified depreciation pool

Small Business Income Tax Offset

• Up to $1,000 tax offset annually
• Available to small business entities
• Automatic calculation by ATO

Small Business CGT Concessions

• 15-year exemption: No CGT if owned business asset >15 years
• 50% reduction: Half normal CGT rate
• Retirement exemption: Up to $500,000 CGT-free
• Replacement asset rollover: Defer CGT when reinvesting

How to Find All Available Grants

Official Resources

1. Business.gov.au

   • Federal government’s official business portal
   • Comprehensive grants finder tool
   • Regular updates on new programs

2. GrantConnect

   • Database of all federal government grants
   • Advanced search capabilities
   • Email alerts for new opportunities

3. State Government Websites

   • Each state maintains its own grants directory
   • Usually found under “Business” or “Economic Development”
   • Sign up for email updates

Third-Party Resources

1. Grant Guru

   • Paid subscription service
   • Comprehensive Australian grants database
   • Personalized matching service

2. Australian Association for the Advancement of Business

   • Industry networking and grant information
   • Regular workshops on funding opportunities

3. Local Business Chambers

   • Chamber of Commerce organizations
   • Regular funding opportunity newsletters
   • Networking events with grant information

Grant Application Strategy

Before You Apply

1. Read Everything Twice

   • Guidelines, eligibility criteria, assessment criteria
   • Contact grant administrators with questions
   • Understand exactly what’s being funded

2. Check Your Eligibility

   • Business age and structure requirements
   • Location restrictions
   • Industry focus areas
   • Financial thresholds

3. Gather Required Documents

   • Business registration documents
   • Financial statements
   • Business plan
   • Insurance certificates
   • References and testimonials

Writing Winning Applications

1. Address Every Criterion

   • Use same language as application guidelines
   • Provide specific examples and evidence
   • Include relevant statistics and data

2. Tell Your Story

   • Clear problem statement
   • Compelling solution description
   • Demonstrated market need
   • Your unique qualifications

3. Show Impact

   • Job creation potential
   • Economic benefits to community
   • Innovation and differentiation
   • Measurable outcomes

4. Professional Presentation

   • Clear, error-free writing
   • Logical structure and flow
   • Professional formatting
   • All required attachments

Common Application Mistakes

❌ Missing Deadlines: Applications are rarely accepted late ❌ Incomplete Applications: Missing documents result in rejection ❌ Unclear Budgets: Vague or unrealistic financial projections ❌ Generic Applications: Not tailored to specific grant criteria ❌ Unrealistic Timelines: Overly ambitious project schedules ❌ Poor Grammar/Presentation: Undermines professional credibility

Managing Grant Funding

Once Approved

1. Understand Conditions

   • Spending restrictions and deadlines
   • Reporting requirements
   • Milestone payments
   • Compliance obligations

2. Set Up Proper Accounting

   • Separate accounting codes for grant funds
   • Track all eligible expenses
   • Keep detailed receipts and records
   • Regular financial reporting

3. Communicate with Funders

   • Regular progress updates
   • Early warning of any issues
   • Request variations if needed
   • Maintain positive relationships

Financial Management

1. Cash Flow Planning

   • Many grants reimburse expenses after payment
   • Plan for upfront funding requirements
   • Consider bridging finance if needed

2. Tax Implications

   • Grants may be assessable income
   • Consult tax accountant early
   • Plan for potential tax liabilities

3. Record Keeping

   • Maintain detailed financial records
   • Separate grant-related expenses
   • Keep receipts for minimum 7 years
   • Prepare for potential audits

Beyond Government: Other Funding Sources

Angel Investors and Venture Capital

• Angel investors: $25,000-$500,000 for early-stage businesses
• Venture capital: $500,000+ for high-growth startups
• Family offices: Wealthy family investment vehicles

Crowdfunding

• Kickstarter/Indiegogo: Product-based campaigns
• GoFundMe: Community and social causes
• Equity crowdfunding: Selling shares to public investors

Bank Loans and Alternative Lenders

• Traditional bank loans: Competitive rates, strict criteria
• Alternative lenders: Faster approval, higher rates
• Asset-based lending: Equipment and invoice financing

Industry Associations and Foundations

• Professional associations: Member grants and scholarships
• Private foundations: Grants for social impact businesses
• Corporate programs: Large company supplier development funds

Success Timeline

Months 1-3: Research and Preparation

• Identify relevant grant opportunities
• Assess eligibility for each program
• Begin gathering required documentation
• Start building relationships with grant providers

Months 4-6: Application Phase

• Submit Self-Employment Assistance application
• Apply for relevant state grants
• Consider R&D Tax Incentive registration
• Explore local council opportunities

Months 7-12: Follow-up and Management

• Respond to application feedback
• Manage approved funding properly
• Begin planning for next year’s applications
• Build track record for future opportunities

FAQ

How much government support can one business receive?

There’s no legal limit, but practically most businesses access 2-4 programs. Self-Employment Assistance + R&D Tax Incentive + State Grant is a common combination.

Do I need to pay grants back?

Most grants don’t require repayment unless you breach conditions. Some programs offer loans rather than grants - read terms carefully.

Can I apply for multiple grants simultaneously?

Yes, but check that programs don’t prohibit this. Some grants require disclosure of other applications or funding received.

What happens if my business fails after receiving grants?

Grant conditions vary, but many don’t require repayment if genuine business failure occurs. Fraudulent use of grants has serious legal consequences.

How competitive are these grants?

Success rates vary widely. Self-Employment Assistance has good approval rates (~70%), while competitive innovation grants may have 10-20% success rates.

Should I hire a grant writer?

For large, complex grants ($50,000+), consider professional help. For smaller grants, invest time learning to write applications yourself - it’s a valuable business skill.

When should I apply for R&D Tax Incentive?

Register activities with AusIndustry by April 30 following the income year. Claim through your annual tax return. Start keeping records from day one.

Ready to apply? Start with the Self-Employment Assistance program - it’s the most accessible and valuable program for new entrepreneurs. Then explore our Legal Compliance Guide to ensure you meet all requirements for grant eligibility.