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Starting or growing a small business in Australia is significantly more financially accessible than most entrepreneurs realise — because billions of dollars in government grants, rebates, and subsidised support programs are available specifically for Australian small business owners, and the majority of that money goes unclaimed every year simply because business owners do not know it exists.
This guide gives you a complete, practical overview of the most valuable government grants available to Australian small businesses in 2026, across federal, state, and territory levels. It explains who qualifies, how to apply, and how to maximise your chances of success.
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A grant is non-repayable government funding — unlike a loan, you never pay it back. For a small business, even a $10,000 grant can fund equipment purchases, marketing campaigns, or product development that would otherwise require debt financing at 8–15% interest rates.
Grants also signal credibility. A government-funded business attracts greater trust from customers, suppliers, and private investors — all of whom see the grant as third-party validation of your business’s merit.
The challenge with grants is that they require time and effort to find and apply for. This guide does that research for you.
1. Australian Small Business Advisory Services (ASBAS) Digital Solutions
What it is: Subsidised digital advisory services to help small businesses improve their online presence, digital marketing, and e-commerce capabilities. Participating advisors provide up to four hours of one-on-one advice for a co-contribution of just $44 (heavily subsidised from the full cost).
Who qualifies: Businesses with fewer than 20 employees and an ABN
How to access: Business.gov.au/grants — search “Digital Solutions”
Why it matters for manufacturers: This program helps manufacturing businesses build e-commerce capability, improve their Google ranking, and reach export markets — directly increasing revenue.
2. Export Market Development Grants (EMDG)
What it is: Reimbursement of up to 50% of eligible export promotion expenses for businesses actively trying to export their products to international markets. Maximum grant of $770,000 over a business’s lifetime, with tiered entry points for new and emerging exporters.
Who qualifies: – Australian businesses with an ABN – Annual revenue under $50 million – Products or services with genuine export potential – Must have spent at least $15,000 on eligible export promotion activities in the grant year
Eligible expenses: International trade fairs and exhibitions, overseas marketing materials, visits to international buyers, product registration in overseas markets, website localisation for international audiences
How to apply: Through Austrade (austrade.gov.au/emdg). Applications open after 30 June each financial year for the prior year’s eligible expenses.
Why it matters: If your manufacturing business exports products — or wants to — this grant effectively halves your international marketing budget. An absolute must-apply for any Australian manufacturer targeting overseas sales.
3. Research and Development (R&D) Tax Incentive
What it is: A tax offset (effectively a cash refund or reduction in tax payable) for eligible research and development activities. Small companies (turnover under $20 million) receive a 43.5% refundable tax offset on eligible R&D expenditure — meaning you receive 43.5 cents back from the government for every dollar spent on qualifying R&D, even if your business is making a loss.
Who qualifies: – Australian companies (not sole traders or partnerships — you must be incorporated) – Engaged in experimental activities that generate new knowledge – Registered with AusIndustry before undertaking the R&D
Why it matters for manufacturers: Developing a new product, testing new materials, improving manufacturing processes, or creating new production methods all potentially qualify. A manufacturer spending $50,000 on product development could receive $21,750 back from the ATO.
How to apply: Register your R&D activities with AusIndustry (industry.gov.au) before the end of the income year in which they occur. Claim the offset through your company tax return.
4. New Business Assistance with NEIS (New Enterprise Incentive Scheme)
What it is: For eligible job seekers starting a new business, NEIS provides small business training, mentoring, and a living allowance (currently approximately $340 per week) for up to 39 weeks while you establish your business.
Who qualifies: – Registered with Workforce Australia (formerly jobactive) – Assessed as eligible for NEIS by your employment services provider – Business must be new and demonstrate viability
Why it matters: If you are currently unemployed or receiving Centrelink payments and want to start a business, NEIS effectively pays you a salary for nine months while you launch — removing the income anxiety that stops many people from starting.
Each Australian state and territory operates additional grant programs beyond the federal level. Here are the most significant by state as of 2026:
New South Wales – NSW Small Business Grant: Periodic grants for businesses creating new jobs in NSW. Check Service NSW (service.nsw.gov.au) for current rounds. – MVP Ventures Program: Co-investment grants of up to $25,000 for businesses developing a minimum viable product.
Victoria – Business Acceleration Fund: Grants of $25,000–$150,000 for high-growth Victorian businesses investing in expansion, capability, or new markets. – LaunchVic Grants: For startup businesses in the early stages of development.
Queensland – Ignite Ideas Fund: Grants of up to $125,000 for Queensland businesses commercialising innovative ideas. – Export and Trade Development Program: Financial assistance for Queensland businesses developing export markets.
Western Australia – New Industries Fund: Grants supporting business diversification and development of new industries in WA. – Regional Business Development Scheme: Grants for businesses in regional WA creating local employment.
South Australia – Industry Advocate Programs: Support for SA businesses competing for government contracts and procurement opportunities.
Tasmania – Business Growth Loan Scheme: Low-interest loans (effectively grant-equivalent in some cases) for Tasmanian businesses investing in growth.
To find current state grants: Search “[your state] small business grants 2026” or visit your state government’s business portal directly. Grant programs open and close regularly, so check for current availability rather than assuming a program mentioned here is currently accepting applications.
Grant applications are competitive. Here is how to significantly increase your chances of success:
Read the eligibility criteria precisely. If the grant requires a minimum of three full-time employees and you have two, do not apply. Every grant has hard eligibility rules — ensure you meet all of them before spending time on the application.
Answer exactly what is asked. Many applications are scored against specific assessment criteria. Structure your answers to explicitly address each criterion rather than writing a general business description.
Quantify everything. Assessors respond to numbers. “We will create 5 new full-time jobs and generate $150,000 in new export revenue within 18 months” is far more compelling than “We plan to grow significantly.”
Get professional help for large grants. For grants above $25,000, consider engaging a grant writer or consultant. Their fee (typically $500–$2,000) is a sound investment if it meaningfully improves your chances of winning a $50,000+ grant.
Apply early. Many grant programs are first-in, first-served once the funding pool is exhausted. Apply as soon as a round opens rather than waiting until the deadline.
Keep records of all eligible expenditure. For reimbursement-based grants like EMDG, you need receipts and invoices for every eligible expense. Start keeping records from day one, before you even confirm eligibility.
Australian small business owners who proactively seek out and apply for grants consistently report that the time invested pays back many times over. A single successful grant application can fund equipment that would otherwise require years of savings or expensive debt.
The grants exist. The money is budgeted. The government wants to give it to qualifying businesses. The only thing standing between you and free government funding is knowing where to look and taking the time to apply.
This week, spend one hour on Business.gov.au. You may find a grant that changes your business.
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