Article by Avant Group - Government Grants and Incentives by State – Funding Opportunities for Australian Businesses

Government Grants and Incentives by State – Funding Opportunities for Australian Businesses

Posted: March 13, 2026

Navigating grant opportunities can be easier when you know what’s available in your state. Our comprehensive guide helps businesses, community groups, and individuals access funding programs tailored to each region. Whether you’re in Victoria, New South Wales, Queensland, or beyond, discover grants that support growth, innovation, and community development.

FEDERAL GRANTS

NAME OF GRANT / PROGRAM ELIGIBILITY WHAT IT COVERS & FUNDING AMOUNT CLOSING DATE
ANY
Early Stage
Venture Capital Limited Partnership (ESVCLP)
Venture capital fund managers and investors looking to invest in early-stage Australian businesses. $10M-$20M to raise venture capital funds, funds must be registered with Innovation & Science
Australia.
Ongoing, or until funding is fully allocated.
AGRICULTURE & VITICULTURE
GRDC Proof of Concept Funding – Call 1, 2026 Single legal entities or consortia undertaking early‑stage R&D aligned to GRDC priorities Early‑stage proof‑of‑concept R&D. Funding up to $250,000 (excl. GST) with 1:1 co‑contribution required. April 2nd, 2026
Feedlot Research for Accelerated Adoption (RAAD) Program Australian feedlot operators participating in structured commercial research trials Supports research and data collection costs for feedlot trials. No funding limit per applicant. Does not fund capital costs. Ongoing
Rural Financial Counselling Service (2027-32) Grant Program Eligible farmers, fishers, foresters, and small rural enterprises who are experiencing, or at risk of, financial hardship $104 million will be allocated over five years to support service delivery across the 12 service regions. Full program details will be available when applications open. Please note that these details are subject to change once the grant opportunity is published. The program is expected to open for applications between January and June 2026.
ARTS & CULTURE
Digital Games Tax Offset (DGTO) Australian game developers, with an ABN. Refundable tax offset for games development.
$30% refundable tax offset, capped at $20M annually.
Ongoing
DEFENCE
Defence Industry Development Grants Program – Skilling Stream SME or DIA, minimum $10K project expenditure. Funding for training and upskilling for personnel to gain qualifications and experience that aligns with Defence requirements.
$5K-$250K matched funding.
Applications for next batch are open until March 31st, 2026
Defence Industry Development Grants – Export Stream SMEs in defence industry, min $30K project expenditure Capex to overcome export challenges.
$15K–$250K matched funding
Applications for this batch are open until April 30th, 2026
Defence Industry Development Grants Program – Security Stream SMEs with $20K minimum project expenditure Security upgrades for defence industry facilities.
$10K–$100K matched funding
Applications for the current batch are open until April 30th, 2026.
Defence Industry Development Grants Program – Sovereign Industrial Priorities Stream SMEs that develop programs critical to the defence supply chain, minimum $100K project expenditure Investment in equipment and manufacturing plants. $50K-$1M, 50% co-contribution required. Applications for next batch are open until May 31st, 2026.
EXPORT
Export Market Development Grant (EMDG) Australian SME manufacturers & service providers planning to export goods & services globally. Covers 50% of eligible marketing costs into international markets, potential to receive up to $770K over eight years. Ongoing
Export Finance Australia Small Business Export Loan SME exporting businesses Loans from $20K-$350K to cover 80% of expenses to secure an export contract or international purchase order. Ongoing
FILM & TELEVISION
Screen Australia – Narrative Content Production Australian production companies and content creators producing scripted narrative film, television or direct‑to‑audience projects with significant Australian content and viable audience pathways. Supports production of scripted narrative content. Minimum request $150,000. Funding up to $500,000 provided as a grant, with amounts over $500,000 structured as a recoupable equity investment. May 14th, 2026
Screen Australia – Narrative Content Short Film Production Australian production companies and creative teams producing narrative short films with significant Australian content, intended for theatrical festival release. Funds production of narrative short films. Grants range from $75,000 up to $100,000 for live action projects and up to $125,000 for animated or hybrid shorts. Ongoing, with applications assessed every six weeks.
Documentary Development Program – Screen Australia Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander filmmakers, producers, writer or writer/directors. Up to $30K, or up to $45K if a producer is attached to support First Nations filmmakers to develop an idea into a longer feature format. July 30th, 2026
MANUFACTURING
Powering the Regions Fund – Safeguard Transformation Stream Round 2 Trade‑exposed Safeguard facilities with ABN and cash co‑contribution Emissions‑reduction projects. Grants from $500k up to $50m. Up to 50% co‑funding required. Batch 1: 5 Feb 2026 – 5 May 2026
Batch 2: 6 May 2026 – 5 Nov 2026
Batch 3: 6 Nov 2026 – 6 May 2027
Solar Sunshot – Round 2 Businesses with projects that will support solar PV manufacturing in Australia. ARENA expects funding requests to range between $2 million and $20 million per project to advance solar manufacturing and deployment. EOI applications are open until 30 April 2026.
Industry Growth Program SMEs in National Reconstruction Fund (NRF) priority sectors. Matched $50K-$250K grants for early-stage commercialisation projects. Ongoing
Industry Growth Program- Early-Stage Commercialisation SMEs in National Reconstruction Fund (NRF) priority sectors. Matched $50K-$250K for feasibility study, proof-of-concept and prototyping stages. Ongoing
Industry Growth Program – Commercialisation and Growth SMEs in National Reconstruction Fund (NRF) priority sectors. Matched $100K-$5M funding to take projects from prototyping to market-readiness stage. Ongoing
MEDICAL, PHARMACEUTICALS & HEALTHCARE
MRFF 2022 Frontier Health and Medical Research Grant Researchers developing products benefitting patients, physicians and the healthcare system. Costs of project expenditure such as equipment, personnel recruitment and direct research expenses.
Up to $25M available.
EOI applications open until 31 Mar 2026
OTHER
Venture Capital Limited Partnerships (VCLP) Fund managers to attract pool capitals, to raise venture capital funds for investment in innovative
Australian enterprises.
Tax benefits, benefiting both fund manager and eligible foreign investors. Ongoing
RENEWABLES & SUSTAINABILITY
CEWH Environmental Activities State/local governments, NFPs, First Nations groups, community groups and orgs, other orgs involved in Murray-Darling basin land management and protection. Grants for projects that improve the efficiency and effectiveness of delivering Commonwealth environmental water in the Murray–Darling Basin. Eligible projects may include infrastructure upgrades that improve environmental water delivery, activities that restore or protect native flora and fauna and their habitats, research that strengthens scientific and cultural knowledge to inform environmental watering, and projects that incorporate Traditional Owner knowledge to deliver environmental and cultural outcomes. No maximum grant funding request. Applications ongoing until all funds are allocated.
Battery Breakthrough Initiative (BBI) Australian businesses with eligible projects that are relevant to the Focus Areas. Grants from $2M-$200M to enhance Australia’s battery manufacturing capability and commercialise battery manufacturing processes. Applications ongoing until all funds are allocated.
Powering the Regions – Industrial Transformation Stream Australian entities, Australian state or territory owned corporations and/or Australian local
government or council OR organisation purposed with representing a council.
Supports industrial decarbonisation projects with matched funding; average grant is $500K, covering up to 50% of eligible costs. Round 3 is now open. Applications will be accepted until all funding is allocated.
Future Made in Australia Innovation Fund Australian businesses, research organisations Grants will fund innovation across Green Metals ($750M), Clean Energy Technology Manufacturing ($500M)and Low Carbon Liquid Fuels ($250M). Supports pre-commercial innovation, pilot projects, feasibility studies, and deployment of renewable energy and low-emission technologies. Priority projects include green metals ($750M), renewable energy tech manufacturing (initial $200M tranche), and low-carbon liquid fuels ($250M). No funding cap per applicant. Open until funding is fully allocated.
RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT
IRGP – Australia-Korea Foundation (AKF) Open to individuals and Australian or Korean organisations delivering projects that strengthen engagement between Australia and the Republic of Korea. Competitive grants of $50,000 to $150,000 per year for eligible innovation, research and engagement activities. Co‑contribution required. May 13th, 2026
R&D Tax
incentive
Businesses that are creating novel and new technology. P/L only, trusts ineligible. All project-related expenses – labour, rent, capital utilisation, consultants, software use, etc.
Funding amount dependent on business size and turnover.
Ongoing
CSIRO Kick-Start Program SMEs and start-ups Assistance accessing R&D expertise, facilitating growth. $10K-$50K matched funding Ongoing

VICTORIA GRANTS

NAME OF GRANT / PROGRAM ELIGIBILITY WHAT IT COVERS & FUNDING AMOUNT CLOSING DATE
AGRICULTURE & VITICULTURE
Livestock Biosecurity Funds Grant Program Incorporated organisations delivering projects that improve biosecurity and animal health outcomes for Victorian livestock industries. Competitive funding for biosecurity, disease prevention, traceability and preparedness projects. No minimum or maximum grant amount set. 14 April 2026
ARTS & CULTURE
Music Victoria – Live Music Festivals Fund Victorian festival organisers with demonstrated delivery of ticketed live music festivals with capacity over 1,000 attendees. Competitive grants of up to $50,000 to support planning and delivery of contemporary live music festivals, including artists, production and accessibility. 31 March 2026
Victorian Production Fund (VPF) – Games Victorian digital game development companies and creators, with projects poised to advance to
Pre-Production, Production or Post-Production stage. Min. 50% co-contribution required.
Range of production stage expenses, grants capped at $300K per stage or $500K per project. Ongoing
DEFENCE
Victorian Land Systems Fund – Supply Chain Uplift Program (SCUP) Victorian defence industry businesses in collaboration with Hanwha Defence Australia Grants from $2K-$100K for equipment fits out & facility upgrades, R&D, compliance and
accreditations, tenders, trade mission participation
Ongoing
EDUCATION & TRAINING
Skills Solutions Partnerships Program Round 3 Victorian businesses, industry groups or TAFEs partnering with a Victorian TAFE or dual sector university Co-designed pilot training projects. Funding up to $500,000 with matched funding required. EOI applications close 27th March, 2026
FILM & TELEVISION
Melbourne International Film Festival (MIFF) – Premiere Fund Australian producers delivering feature narrative or documentary films capable of premiering at MIFF and meeting financing and delivery requirements. Competitive, recoupable finance of up to $200,000 to support production, completion or enhancement of feature films premiering at MIFF. April 2nd, 2026
Victorian Screen Incentive (VSI) Companies with rights to produce or undertake post-production/VFX/animation/digital games work. Project must be fully financed, commercially viable, and meet minimum Victorian spend: AUD $8M for physical production or AUD $0.5M for post-production/VFX/animation/games. Covers physical production, post-production, VFX, animation, and digital games in Victoria. Funding equals 10% of Qualifying Victorian Expenditure (QVE). No co-contribution required. Ongoing
MAJOR INFRASTRUCTURE AND CONSTRUCTION
VIC Trunk Infrastructure Fund Victorian regional LGAs, private sectors, incorporated joint ventures and public-private partnerships, co-ops and eligible Indigenous orgs, VIC alpine resort management bodies. Grants from $500K-$2M to support delivery of essential infrastructure needed to unlock industrial and commercial land and enable private sector investment in regional Victoria. The fund co‑invests in trunk services such as power, water, transport and telecommunications to remove barriers to investment, expand business activity and create long‑term regional jobs. Cash co-contribution required. March 27th, 2026
Australian Cricket Infrastructure Fund (ACIF) 2025-26 Clubs, associations, schools, councils and facility managers (or any org managing/using community cricket facilities) with landowner consent and required documentation. Capital works that grow inclusive cricket participation. Minor $500–$15k; Major $15,001–$40k, typically up to 50% of total cost; >$40k considered case‑by‑case (Strategic). March 27th, 2026
NOT-FOR-PROFIT
RENEWABLES & SUSTAINABILITY
VIC Circular Economy Recycling Modernisation Fund Round 6 Australian businesses, social enterprises, Victorian local government organisations and other NFP. Grants from $50K-$500K to fund or enhance the capacity, capability and resilience of Victoria’s resource recovery centre. Co-contribution varies from $2 contribution for every $1 in funding to $1 contribution for every $1 in funding, depending on applicant type. 1 July 2026
TOURISM & HOSPITALITY
Sports and Recreation Victoria – Significant Sporting Events Program Victorian event organisers holding rights to host an eligible nationally or internationally sanctioned sporting event delivered in Victoria. Grants up to $20,000 (Event Assistance) or up to $150,000 (Event Development) to support delivery or expansion of eligible sporting events in Victoria. April 15th, 2026
VIC Regional Events Fund Applications will be considered from private sector organisations, Victoria local government, regional tourism boards and NFP organisations. Grants from $50K-$500K to support events that bring thousands of visitors to regional Victoria. Varies by stream; final round closes 30 June 2027

NEW SOUTH WALES GRANTS

NAME OF GRANT / PROGRAM ELIGIBILITY WHAT IT COVERS & FUNDING AMOUNT CLOSING DATE
ARTS & CULTURE
NSW Digital Games Rebate Organisation responsible for carrying out or planning all tasks related to the game’s production in NSW. 10% rebate for digital games with a minimum Qualifying NSW Expenditure of $350K June 30th, 2026
MAJOR INFRASTRUCTURE AND CONSTRUCTION
Australian Cricket Infrastructure Fund (ACIF) 2025-26 Clubs, associations, schools, councils and facility managers (or any org managing/using community cricket facilities) with landowner consent and required documentation. Capital works that grow inclusive cricket participation. Minor $500–$15k; Major $15,001–$40k, typically up to 50% of total cost; >$40k considered case‑by‑case (Strategic). April 24th, 2026
NSW Marine Estate Management Strategy – Reconnecting Fish Habitats NSW local councils, water management authorities, businesses & private individuals. Grants up to $1M for projects that improve habitat connectivity for fish in priority sites in NSW coastal waterways. Non-competitive program. Ongoing
NSW Boating Infrastructure Emergency Repair Pool Local councils, community groups & private sector entities managing public boating facilities and
infrastructure.
Grants from $5K-$300K to repair, replace or enhance public boating infrastructure impacted by natural disasters or severe weather events. 30 Jun 2028 or until all funds are allocated.
MANUFACTURING
Forestry Industry Supply Chain Support Program NSW forestry supply chain businesses impacted by reduced hardwood supply due to the harvesting moratorium. Grants of up to $100,000 to offset increased timber purchasing and freight costs caused by changes in hardwood supply. September 6th, 2026
NSW Net Zero Manufacturing Initiative – Renewable Manufacturing Round 2 documents are still being finalised, and more details will be available when the program opens soon. A total of $200 million has been allocated to Round 2 of the Net Zero Manufacturing Initiative (NZMI), which includes the Renewable Manufacturing (RM) stream. Open soon
NSW Net Zero Manufacturing Initiative – Low Carbon Product Manufacturing Round 2 documents are still being finalised, and more details will be available when the program opens soon. A total of $200 million has been allocated to Round 2 of the Net Zero Manufacturing Initiative (NZMI), which includes the Low Carbon Product Manufacturing (LCPM) stream. Open soon
RENEWABLES & SUSTAINABILITY
Renewable Gas Production Program Australian incorporated entities delivering front‑of‑meter biomethane projects in NSW with industrial offtake Capital infrastructure for biomethane production and injection. Grants up to $20M, matched funding required (min. 50%). EOI applications close 24th April, 2026
RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT
Emerging Technology Commercialisation Fund (ETCF) 2026 NSW‑headquartered for‑profit unlisted company/ATSI corporation with ABN; >65% FTE in NSW; FY24/25 revenue < $2.5m; owns/exclusive global IP rights. Repayable grants $500k–$2m (ex GST) for TRL 3–7 physical prototype or bio proof‑of‑concept; supports prototyping, scaling, trials, regulatory, IP and specialist expertise. 29th April, 2026
Queensland–Germany Bioeconomy Collaborative Science Program Queensland‑based universities or research organisations with an ABN, partnering with an eligible lead German research applicant. Up to $250,000 (ex GST) over up to 3 years for applied bioeconomy collaborative research with Germany. June 3rd, 2026
NSW MVP Ventures Program – Round 2 NSW startups and innovative SMEs Grants from $25K-$50K to increase the commercialisation of innovative products and processes in NSW. Next round open from 9 Mar to 5 Apr 2026.

QUEENSLAND GRANTS

NAME OF GRANT / PROGRAM ELIGIBILITY WHAT IT COVERS & FUNDING AMOUNT CLOSING DATE
FEMALE FOUNDERS
QLD Female Founders Co-Investment Fund Businesses founded by women in Queensland Grants ranging from $50K to $200K, matched at a 1:3 ratio, for securing new early-stage investments as
part of a capital raise
June 30th 2027 (or until all funds are allocated)
MAJOR INFRASTRUCTURE AND CONSTRUCTION
QLD Residential Activation Fund – Round 2 QLD local governments, developers or landowners. Individuals when applying as part of a consortium. The Queensland Residential Activation Fund supports construction‑ready trunk and essential infrastructure projects that unlock land and accelerate residential housing development. Round 2 focuses on projects that are ready to proceed, enabling new housing supply by removing critical infrastructure constraints across Queensland. TBC
Australian Cricket Infrastructure Fund (ACIF) 2025-26 Clubs, associations, schools, councils and facility managers (or any org managing/using community cricket facilities) with landowner consent and required documentation. Capital works that grow inclusive cricket participation. Minor $500–$15k; Major $15,001–$40k, typically up to 50% of total cost; >$40k considered case‑by‑case (Strategic). March 31st, 2026
TOURISM & HOSPITALITY
Queensland Destination Events Fund (QDEF) Round 1 & 2 2026 Businesses operating major events in Queensland Grants from $15K-$100K depending on stream for QLD-based events. Destination Signature Event Stream, $15K-$40 per year up to 6 years, Destination Significant Event Stream, $25K-$100K per year, up to 6 years, Desintation Indigenous Event Stream $15K-$40K one-off grant. NEW Destination Kickstarter Event stream, supports development of new events in first year of operation. Grant up to $25K per year for two years. /td>

Round 1: Closes 8 April, 2026 for eveny held Oct 2026-Jan 2028
Round 2: Closes Oct 2026 for events held Apr 2027-June 2028.

TASMANIA GRANTS

NAME OF GRANT / PROGRAM ELIGIBILITY WHAT IT COVERS & FUNDING AMOUNT CLOSING DATE
AGRICULTURE & VITICULTURE
Tasmanian Freight Equalisation Scheme Tasmanian businesses involved in sea freight. Financial aid for sea freight expenses for non-bulk good. Exact amount dependent on the variance between
the freight expenses incurred for sea transportation and the hypothetical costs for moving the goods by
road over an equivalent distance.
Ongoing
DEFENCE
TAS Defence
Industry Tender Support Program
Tasmanian advanced manufacturers and technology enterprises. 50% co-contribution required. Up to $30K to secure specialist bid and tender writing consultants for defence traders. Ongoing until all funding is allocated
EXPORT
TAS Accelerating Trade Grant Program Tasmanian businesses with an annual sales turnover over >$150K. 50% co-contribution required. Up to $10K for specific off-island activities to support market growth and diversification opportunities e.g. promotional activities, market research, buyer visits. 30 Jun 2026
MAJOR INFRASTRUCTURE & CONSTRUCTION
Marine and Safety
Tasmanian Small Boating Fund
Organisations, individuals, registered clubs, statutory body and/or councils. Total funding pool up to $350K annually to support smaller projects and safety and navigation
initiatives, for projects such as navigation aids, fendering, small walkways or pontoons, ramp overlays,
re-decking walkways, and ramp solar lighting
Ongoing
MANUFACTURING
TAS Advanced Manufacturing Productivity Grant Program Tasmanian-based advanced manufacturers. Up to 50% of eligible project costs; grants range from $1,500 to $20K. 30 Jun 2026, or earlier if funds are exhausted.
TOURISM & HOSPITALITY
Event Attraction Fund 2025 Australian businesses with events to be held in Tasmania. Grants up to $750K to fund events that will attract interstate visitors during Tasmania’s shoulder
season, i.e. from March-November. 60% co-contribution required.
31 May 2027
TAS One-off Assistance Grants Event organisers planning and hosting an event in regional Tasmania. To qualify you must collaborate
with Events Tasmania to enhance or develop your event.
Up to $20K for regional events outside of peak tourism season. Ongoing

SOUTH AUSTRALIA GRANTS

NAME OF GRANT / PROGRAM ELIGIBILITY WHAT IT COVERS & FUNDING AMOUNT CLOSING DATE
ANY
South
Australian Venture Capital Fund (SAVCF)
Local early-stage entrepreneurs and companies. Dependent on project, however for a limited time up to $400K per company available for early seed stage
investments.
Ongoing
EXPORT
SA Export Diversification Program South Australian organisations seeking to diversify export activities or reduce reliance on a single international market. Competitive grants of up to $50,000 to support export diversification and capability‑building projects. A co‑contribution is required. Ongoing until funds exhausted
RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT
SA Research & Innovation Fund (RIF) Seed-Start Program Innovative early-stage South Australian firms, matched funding required. $50K-$500K dependent on funding level to commercialise distinctive products or services with long-term
competitive advantage in domestic and international markets.
Ongoing

WESTERN AUSTRALIA GRANTS

NAME OF GRANT / PROGRAM ELIGIBILITY WHAT IT COVERS & FUNDING AMOUNT CLOSING DATE
AEROSPACE
Spaceport Establishment Support Grant Open to space industry businesses proposing to establish a commercial space launch facility in Western Australia. Applicants must meet business eligibility and contribution requirements. Competitive co‑investment grants from $200,000 to $1.75 million to support site assessments and business case development. Minimum 1:1 cash co‑contribution required. May 15th, 2026
MEDICAL, PHARMACEUTICALS & HEALTHCARE
Cancer Council WA – Clinical Capacity Building Grant WA‑based clinicians leading collaborative projects through eligible WA administering institutions, with most work delivered in WA. Competitive funding up to $114,000 (ex GST) for 12 to 24 month applied clinical cancer research projects focused on translation and capacity building. May 27th 2026
Cancer Council WA – Cancer Research Project Grants WA universities, hospitals and medical research institutes led by a WA Chief Investigator A, applying via the Cancer Council WA grant portal. Competitive funding up to $140,000 (ex GST) for 12‑month early‑stage cancer research projects across laboratory, clinical and population research fields. April 29th, 2026
MANUFACTURING
WA Wind Energy Manufacturing Co-Investment Program Local businesses in the wind energy industry. $20K-$1M depending on stream, funding aims to support innovation, job creation and new technology
development.
20 May 2027
WA Local Battery Manufacturing Program: Production Scale-Up Stream Existing battery manufacturers operating within WA’s battery energy storage supply chain. Up to $5 million per grant for projects that scale operations, covering 50% of eligible costs such as equipment, workforce training, premises upgrades and expert advice. 20 Mar 2026
RENEWABLES & SUSTAINABILITY
Innovation Booster Grant (IBG) 2026 WA-registered startups/SMEs (1–20 staff) with ABN/ACN, WA-based for 3 years, project < $100k, pre‑revenue, and able to provide cash co‑contribution. Up to $50k for external support services (R&D testing, MVP build, IP/legal, commercialisation). Cash matched funding required: 15% (targeted tiers) or 20% (others). 30th March, 2026

AUSTRALIAN CAPITAL TERRITORY GRANTS

NAME OF GRANT / PROGRAM ELIGIBILITY WHAT IT COVERS & FUNDING AMOUNT CLOSING DATE
RENEWABLES & SUSTAINABILITY
ACT Energy Innovation Fund Early-stage innovation projects. Grants from $30K-$1M depending on stream, to support early-stage energy innovation projects that attract
investment, create jobs, and position the ACT as a leader in clean energy technology
Grant applications are assessed quarterly, with closing dates varying by stream

NORTHERN TERRITORY GRANTS

NAME OF GRANT / PROGRAM ELIGIBILITY WHAT IT COVERS & FUNDING AMOUNT CLOSING DATE
EXPORT
NT Global Trade Scheme NT businesses looking to expand their exporting capabilities. Grants from $3K-$50K depending on stream. 30 Jun 2027