Farm Business Transition – Round 2

Funding per grantee: Up to $75,000, per eligible applicant across both rounds. There is no minimum grant amount.
Co contribution requirement: A matched cash contribution of $1 for every $1 of grant funding is required. Grant funding can cover up to 50 percent of eligible expenditure. In kind contributions are not counted.
Activity period: Earliest start date is December 2026 and all grant activities must be completed by 31 May 2028.
Application closing date: July 15 2026

Farm Business Transition Program Round 2 is a grant program supporting sheep producers affected by the planned cessation of live sheep exports by sea from 1 May 2028. The program is designed to help eligible producers plan and adapt their farm businesses by funding business planning, professional and technical advice, training, adoption of research and development innovations, and on farm infrastructure or operational improvements linked to alternative farming systems and practices.

Round 2 provides up to $75,000, GST exclusive, per eligible applicant across both rounds, with applicants required to provide a dollar-for-dollar cash co-contribution. The program is intended to strengthen business resilience and support transition away from reliance on live sheep exports by sea. Successful applicants are expected to start around December 2026, with all grant activities to be completed by 31 May 2028.

Key Requirements

Support business transition: The program aims to support sheep producers impacted by the phase out of live sheep exports by sea to prepare and adapt through planning, professional and technical advice, adoption of innovations, extension activities, and investment in infrastructure and improvements that increase uptake of alternative farming systems and practices.
Demonstrate impact on the business: Applicants must explain the past and future impacts of the cessation of live sheep exports by sea on their business, including the role of sheep production in the business and the extent of past reliance on the trade.
Show alignment to program outcomes: Applicants must describe the proposed grant activity, what will be delivered, and how it integrates with existing operations to transition the business away from reliance on the trade.
Present a credible project budget and delivery plan: Applicants must provide a detailed budget, delivery timeline, sourcing details where relevant, and key risks with mitigation strategies. Activities cannot start before the grant agreement is executed and must be completed by 31 May 2028.
Meet matched funding rules: Applicants must provide a cash co contribution equal to the grant request. In kind support is not counted and government funding cannot be used to cover the applicant contribution.

What is eligible for funding?

Development of farm business plans focused on the sheep producing activity of the business
Engagement of qualified or accredited professional services to support new or diversified business planning and models.
Participation in accredited or industry recognised training programs that build capability for transition.
Adoption of research and development innovations.
Infrastructure upgrades and equipment purchases to support new or diversified business models
Enhancement of feed base and pasture management systems.
Purchase or upgrade of technology to support business planning and decision making, including traceability, animal welfare, carbon farming and related systems.
Participation in new domestic or export markets through diversification and supply chain engagement.
Purchase or upgrade of water and grazing infrastructure linked to transition activities

What companies are eligible for funding?

Eligible entity types:

Company
Cooperative
Incorporated Association.
Indigenous Corporation.
Partnership.
Person.
Sole Trader.
Trustee on behalf of a Trust, where the trustee is an eligible entity type.

Other eligibility considerations:

Applicants must have an ABN.
Applicants must have a Property Identification Code.
Applicants must be registered for GST.
Applicants must be a resident of Australia for operational and tax purposes.
Applicants must have an account with an Australian financial institution.
Applicants must be a legal entity able to enter into a legally binding agreement.
Applicants must provide evidence that they have actively participated in the live sheep exports by sea industry since 1 July 2020.
Applicants who were unsuccessful in Round 1 may apply in Round 2. Applicants funded for less than $75,000 in Round 1 may apply for the remaining balance.
Only one application can be submitted for this grant opportunity.
Funding cannot be provided for the same activities if funding is received from another government source

Is this grant competitive or entitlement based?

Competitive. Your application will be assessed among other applications by a judging panel.

How can I increase my chances of winning this grant?

By engaging an accredited government grants consultant, such as Avant Group.

Competitive grants often require significant business case development and project analysis to support the application, this may include detailed presentations supporting the project’s merit, projected sales, cost-benefit analysis and more.

As part of your engagement with Avant Group, your account manager will assess the required documents and will provide the following as needed to support your grant submission.

Grant application writeup including a detailed presentation illustrating how the grant funding will contribute to your project, how the funding will contribute to the project’s budget, a project milestone plan, delivery timeline, impact on employment if applicable and a breakdown of the management and leadership team for the project

Industry analysis presentation
Competitor Analysis Presentation
Marketing and Sales Analysis Presentation
3-5 year Cashflow Forecast
3-5 year Balance Sheet Forecast
Cost-Benefit Analysis of Grant Funding
End-to-end grant application including information collating, analysis and application writing
CAPEX (Capital Expenditure) cost-benefit analysis
Stakeholder relations and Risk Mitigation Plans
Any other relevant forecasting that will support your application

How can I get help with my application? Or know if I’m likely to win funding?

Avant Group offers a no-obligation assessment of your eligibility for funding and will assess your likelihood of a successful grant application.

This grant is open

Apply for this grant below:

OR