NSW Sustainable Communities Program Business and Industry Round

Grant amount: $100,000 to $5,000,000 per project.
Co-contribution requirements:
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Corporations have no mandatory cash co-contribution, although a contribution is strongly encouraged.
- Local government organisations, universities and not-for-profit entities must provide a minimum 25% cash co-contribution of the total project cost.
- Businesses and all other applicants must provide a minimum 50% cash co-contribution of the total project cost.
- In-kind contributions: May be included in addition to the minimum financial contribution, but cannot replace or form part of the required financial contribution.
Applications close: August 3 2026

The NSW Sustainable Communities Program Business and Industry Round is a $50 million grant program supporting projects that strengthen business, industry and jobs in eligible NSW southern Basin communities. The program aims to improve business and industry sustainability, retain and create local jobs, and deliver long-term economic benefits for communities and local economies impacted by water recovery under the Murray-Darling Basin Plan.

Funding supports projects that encourage business growth, workforce participation, innovation, productivity, diversification, asset activation and local economic development. Eligible projects must be delivered in one of the nominated NSW Basin Local Government Areas and must demonstrate broader economic benefits beyond private commercial gain. Grants of $100,000 to $5 million are available, with co-contribution requirements varying by applicant type.

Key Requirements

Support business, industry and jobs in exposed and vulnerable NSW southern Basin communities. The program is designed to strengthen local economies by supporting projects that improve business sustainability, retain and create employment, and provide long-lasting economic benefits.
Deliver projects in eligible NSW Basin Local Government Areas. Projects must be located in Balranald, Berrigan, Carrathool, Edward River, Federation, Griffith, Hay, Leeton, Murray River, Murrumbidgee, Narrandera or Wentworth.
Generate broader economic benefits. Projects must not only benefit private individuals or businesses, and must demonstrate wider benefits for the local economy or community.
Support innovation, productivity, diversification and workforce participation. The program supports projects that increase local economic activity, enhance business growth, improve workforce participation, support value-adding and enable new or emerging industries.
Meet project delivery requirements. Projects must commence within 6 months of the funding deed commencement date and be completed by 31 May 2029

What is eligible for funding?

Business productivity and enhancement projects that support job creation or retention.
Expansion of existing facilities or development of new facilities that increase capability and productivity.
Introduction of new technologies, innovations, plant and equipment, systems and processes to improve business growth.
Projects that improve access to existing and new export markets.
Activities that transition new products or processes from pilot or prototype stage to commercial operations.
Value-adding of local products, including processing and packing facilities.
Industry-led programs that improve business capability, sustainability, market access, resilience, workforce participation and skills.
Asset activation projects that revitalise or repurpose assets and increase local economic activity.
Activation of culturally significant assets led by Aboriginal businesses and organisations.
Research and development projects focused on sustainability, water efficiency and innovation with tangible benefits for growers and producers in eligible LGAs

What companies are eligible for funding?

Eligible applicant entities include:

• Companies incorporated in Australia.
• Legally binding partnerships or trusts.
• Registered training organisations.
• Incorporated associations, public or private not-for-profit organisations and co-operatives.
• Australian universities or nationally accredited tertiary education providers.
• Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Corporations incorporated under the Corporations (Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander) Act 2006.
• Local Aboriginal Land Councils.
• Eligible local government organisations.
• NSW Joint Organisations of Councils and Regional Organisations of Councils.

Applicants must hold an ABN, ACN or relevant registration, be financially viable, have previous project delivery experience, hold or commit to obtaining public liability insurance of at least $20 million per occurrence, and provide evidence of capacity to make the required co-contribution if successful.

Applicants may be located outside the eligible LGAs, provided the project is delivered within an eligible LGA.

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

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