How Australian Business Grants Work
Australian business grants come from the federal government (through Business.gov.au and AusIndustry), state governments, and industry bodies. Most require the business to be registered in Australia with an ABN. Grants typically cover 50–100% of eligible project costs and require the business to spend funds within Australia. Applications are assessed on innovation, commercial potential, and economic impact.
R&D Tax Incentive
The R&D Tax Incentive provides a tax offset for businesses conducting eligible R&D activities. Companies with turnover under $20 million receive a 43.5% refundable tax offset. Larger companies receive a non-refundable offset at their corporate tax rate plus an 8.5% premium. Eligible activities must involve generating new knowledge or creating new or improved materials, products, devices, processes, or services.
Export Market Development Grants (EMDG)
Austrade's EMDG programme reimburses eligible export marketing expenses such as overseas trade shows, marketing materials, overseas representatives, and market research. The programme is designed for small and medium businesses with turnover under $50 million. It has recently been restructured into a more streamlined application process with upfront grants for approved export plans.
State and Territory Programs
Each Australian state runs its own business grant programs. NSW offers the MVP Ventures program and Jobs Plus grants. Victoria provides the Business Growth Fund and sector-specific grants through LaunchVic. Queensland offers the Business Growth Fund and Advance Queensland Industry Attraction Fund. Western Australia focuses on resources sector innovation. South Australia targets defence and space industries.
How to Apply for Australian Grants
Start at Business.gov.au — the central portal for federal grants. Register on the GrantConnect portal to search and apply for federal funding. For state grants, check your state government's business or economic development website. Most applications require a business plan, financial statements, project budget, and a description of expected outcomes. Processing times vary from 4 weeks for small grants to 6 months for large programs.
Featured Australia grants
Recently verified funding opportunities in Australia
Cooperative Research Centres Projects (CRC-P) Grants
Australian Government - Department of Industry
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Prolonged Power Outage Payment VIC
Australian Government - Department of Industry
This program provides funding to small businesses impacted by prolonged power outages due to the January 2026 bushfire and associated heatwave.
Queensland Destination Events Program
Australian Government - Department of Industry
The Queensland Destination Events Program provides event organisers with funding to help with the costs of staging events in Queensland.
Carbon Capture Technologies Program – Round 2
Australian Government - Department of Industry
The Carbon Capture Technologies Program – Round 2 provides organisations with up to $10 million to reduce Australia’s emissions.
Incubator Event Fund NSW
Australian Government - Department of Industry
The Incubator Event Fund provides organisers of events in regional NSW with seed funding to support their first and second years of activity.
Building Better Aboriginal Business Supply Chain Voucher WA
Australian Government - Department of Industry
This program supports Aboriginal-owned businesses to build strong, sustainable practices to help them be competitive in WA's bush foods, bush products, seafood and beef industries.