Agristarter Loans

About this grant

Agristarter Loans provide farmers with loans to either assist them in starting their own farming business or to plan for and implement succession arrangements.

Eligibility requirements

All of the following criteria must be met:

• Individual applicants must:
• Be an australian citizen or permanent resident
• Contibute or plan to contribute at least 50% of their labour to the farm business
• Earn or plan to earn at least 50% of their income from the farm business
• Farm business applicants must:
• Operate as a sole trader, partnership. a trust or a corporation
• Be registered for tax purposes in australia with an australian business number (abn) and is registered for goods and services tax (gst)
• Have the capacity to repay the loan
• Have at least one member who is an australian citizen or permanent resident
• Funding for workers with a disability
• Subsidies for disaster affected primary producers to move materials
• Tax offset for unincorporated small businesses

What the funding covers

• Loans of up to $2 million.

How to apply

1. 1Confirm readiness: Ensure you meet criteria (e.g., ABN, turnover limits, GST registration), align project objectives with grant goals, and estimate time for evidence gathering and writing.
2. 2Gather evidence: Collect documents like financials, business plans, market research, project budgets, resumes, risk analysis, and support letters to prove capability and impact.
3. 3Register/log in: Obtain an Australian Business Number (ABN) if needed, sign into the relevant portal (e.g., Business Grants Hub portal), and note any prerequisites like advisory service reports.
4. 4Prepare and write application: Address all selection criteria clearly (project details, government alignment, costs, outcomes, benefits); keep concise, factual, and compelling; validate for completeness.
5. 5Review, approve, and submit: Proofread, get stakeholder sign-off, submit online via the portal before deadline (no late entries); expect eligibility check, merit assessment, and outcome notification.
6. 6Visit https://business.gov.au/grants-and-programs/agristarter-loans for application details

Application tips