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: November 10, 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. Tax concessions for registered early-stage venture capital limited partnerships, not a cash grant. Committed fund capital must be between $10 million and $200 million. Eligible investors may receive tax exemptions on investment income and gains, and eligible limited partners may receive a non-refundable tax offset. Ongoing — applications for registration can be submitted at any time.
AGRICULTURE & VITICULTURE
Feedlot Research for Accelerated Adoption (RAAD) Program Australian feedlot operators participating in structured commercial research trials Co-investment (not a grant) for research, data collection, analysis and reporting costs of commercial feedlot trials. MLA Donor Company contributes up to 50% of eligible costs at up to $2.50 per head per day; an 8% access fee applies to the feedlot contribution. Does not fund capital costs. Priority 1 (Shade and Shelter) has closed. Priority 2 (Animal Productivity) is expected to open soon; dates not yet announced.
ARTS & CULTURE
Digital Games Tax Offset (DGTO) Australian resident companies, or foreign resident companies with an Australian permanent establishment, holding an ABN and the required Digital Games Tax Offset certificate. Sole traders, partnerships and trusts are ineligible. Refundable tax offset for games development. 30% refundable tax offset, capped at $20M annually. Minimum $500,000 in qualifying Australian development expenditure per income year required. Ongoing
Music Australia Export Development Fund – International Performance and Touring Activity Australian contemporary music artists, groups and music businesses $5,000–$75,000 matched funding for international touring and showcase activity 1 December 2026 (for activity starting between 1 April and 30 June 2027)
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 the current batch close 30 November 2026.
Defence Industry Development Grants – Export Stream SMEs in defence industry, min $30K project expenditure Grants of $15,000 to $250,000, covering up to 50% of eligible project expenditure, to purchase manufacturing plant and equipment or achieve international certifications needed to deliver defence export opportunities. Product development, prototyping and research and development are ineligible. Applications for the current batch close 31 January 2027.
Defence Industry Development Grants Program – Quality & Security Stream SMEs with $20K minimum project expenditure Security controls, accreditations and recognised certifications for defence industry suppliers. $10K–$100K matched funding. Applications for the current batch close 31 December 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 November 30th 2026.
EDUCATION & TRAINING
Powering Australia – Battery Workforce Skills and Training (BWST) Grants Program Australian businesses and organisations in the battery value chain Up to $30,000 (ex GST) for workforce training; up to $50,000 for training materials Open – applications accepted while funds remain available. All training must be completed by 31 December 2027.
EMPLOYMENT & REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT
Remote Jobs and Economic Development (RJED) Program – Round 4 Eligible organisations creating new jobs for people participating in, or eligible for, Remote Australia Employment Services in remote NSW, SA, WA, QLD and the NT. A separate application is required for each NIAA region. $56 million available over three years. The Job Creation stream funds wages and related entitlements; the Community Jobs and Business Fund covers equipment, operational costs and infrastructure that directly support the new jobs. 17 March 2027, 3:00pm (ACT local time)
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. Round 4 is closed. No rounds currently open. Austrade has not announced Round 5 timing
Export Finance Australia Small Business Export Loan Australian companies with an ACN, at least two years’ trading and turnover over $250,000 that export directly or are part of an export supply chain. Loans from $20K–$350K for export contracts and purchase orders, export market development, working capital and equipment. No property or inventory security required. Ongoing
FILM & TELEVISION
First Nations Documentary Development – Screen Australia Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander writers, producers or directors with at least one eligible documentary credit. Up to $30,000 for one-off feature and series documentaries, or up to $20,000 for one-hour TV documentaries and online series. Provided as a grant; Screen Australia may require repayment if the project is produced without its funding. 14 January 2027 (further deadlines 11 March 2027 and 6 May 2027)
Narrative Content Short Film Production Australian companies, citizens, permanent residents and eligible creative teams producing narrative short films. Funds production of live action, animated and hybrid narrative short films. $50,000 to $125,000 available. No mandatory co-contribution specified. March 18th, 2027
Screen Australia Games Production Fund Australian incorporated game studios with a playable prototype and a game budget under $500,000 Up to $100,000 to reach a release, demo or vertical slice milestone 25 February 2027 (round opens 14 December 2026)
Screen Australia – Global Fellowships Established Australian producers, directors, writers and screen development executives $80,000–$100,000 for international placements, mentoring and professional development opportunities February 11th, 2027
MANUFACTURING
SME Industrial Decarbonisation Fund Australian incorporated SME manufacturers with up to 200 employees, ABN, ACN, GST registration and eligible fossil fuel-powered processes. Matched co-investment of $200,000 to $500,000 for eligible decarbonisation projects, requiring at least 50 per cent cash contribution. 31 December 2027, or earlier if funds are exhausted.
AMCRC STARTER Project Funding Program Australian-registered businesses and manufacturers, with priority for AMCRC partners and additive manufacturing supply chain projects. Matched funding from $20,000 to $75,000 for short-term additive manufacturing R&D projects. Dollar-for-dollar cash contribution required. Ongoing
Powering the Regions Fund – Safeguard Transformation Stream Round 2 Trade‑exposed Safeguard facilities with ABN and cash co‑contribution Grants of $500,000 to $50 million for eligible emissions-reduction projects. Funding covers up to 50% of eligible project expenditure Batch 2 closed 5 November 2026. Batch 3 (final batch) is open from 6 November 2026 and closes 5:00pm AEST, 6 May 2027.
Industry Growth Program SMEs in National Reconstruction Fund (NRF) priority sectors. Advisory service plus matched grants of $50,000–$250,000 for early-stage commercialisation projects or $100,000–$5 million for commercialisation and growth projects. Paused to new applicants from 12 May 2026 pending redesign. No reopening date has been announced
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. Paused to new applicants from 12 May 2026 pending redesign. No reopening date has been announced
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. Paused to new applicants from 12 May 2026 pending redesign. No reopening date has been announced
MEDICAL, PHARMACEUTICALS & HEALTHCARE
NFMRI General Grant Round 2027 Australian researchers and publicly funded research organisations Funding for pre-clinical biomedical research projects across all diseases and conditions that may lead to regulated products such as medicines, devices, vaccines or diagnostics. 50th Anniversary round closed 29 October 2026. 2027 General Grant Round EOIs open 27 January 2027 and close 6pm AEDT, 24 March 2027.
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. The CEWH is not currently accepting new proposals but may fund proposals that align with an emerging priority. Invited applicants apply via GrantConnect (GO7562).
ARENA Launchpad Program Australian accelerators, incubators and other ecosystem partners that help early-stage businesses aligned to ARENA’s priorities develop and grow. Grants of up to $5 million for multi-year ecosystem programs, from a $15 million Ecosystem Funding Round. Startup Funding Round closed 28 October 2026. Ecosystem Funding Round remains open until funding is exhausted.
DRIVEN Charger Rebate Stream 2026 to 2029 Licensed motor dealers, their service centres, and EV repairers in commercial premises Up to $50,000 per site, including up to $21,000 for EV chargers and 80% of EV equipment costs Round 3 closes 5:00pm AEST, 30 April 2027, or earlier if funding is exhausted.
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. Minimum grant $500,000 with no maximum, covering up to 50% of eligible costs with a 1:1 co-contribution. $180 million allocated to Round 3. Round 3 is now open. Applications will be accepted until all funding is allocated.
Future Made in Australia Innovation Fund Australian businesses, research organisations Supports innovation across Green Metals (up to $750 million), Renewable Energy Technology Manufacturing (initial tranche of up to $200 million) and Low Carbon Liquid Fuels (up to $250 million). Funding supports eligible pre-commercial innovation, demonstration and deployment of renewable energy and low-emission technologies. Open until funding is fully allocated.
ARENA Solar SunShot – Round 3 Companies incorporated in Australia, including Australian-incorporated international companies, establishing, expanding or demonstrating solar manufacturing and technology capability in Australia. Up to $250 million in total round funding for commercial-scale manufacturing of solar PV racking, tracking, robotics, advanced automation, prefabrication and other technologies that reduce the cost of building and operating large-scale solar. Technologies must be at least TRL 8 and CRI 3. Expressions of interest close 4:59pm AEST, 12 November 2027. Full applications (by invitation) are due 12 April 2028.
RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT
R&D Tax incentive Australian-incorporated companies, or eligible foreign-resident companies, including public companies, undertaking eligible registered research and development activities. Trusts are generally ineligible. Tax offsets for eligible expenditure on registered research and development activities. The offset depends on aggregated turnover, the company tax rate and, for larger companies, research and development intensity. Ongoing
CSIRO Kick-Start Program SMEs and start-ups Assistance accessing R&D expertise, facilitating growth. $20,000–$60,000 dollar-matched per voucher, up to two vouchers Ongoing

VICTORIA GRANTS

NAME OF GRANT / PROGRAM ELIGIBILITY WHAT IT COVERS & FUNDING AMOUNT CLOSING DATE
AGRICULTURE & VITICULTURE
On-Farm Energy and Electrification Demonstration Program Agriculture industry associations, farming system and Landcare groups, Traditional Owner groups and Aboriginal businesses in primary production, research and development corporations, catchment management authorities, and technology companies partnering with them. Individual farm businesses can only apply through a partnership. $200,000 to $750,000 to demonstrate on-farm energy efficiency, renewable energy generation and energy storage technologies on Victorian farms. Co-contribution requirements are set out in the program guidelines. 5pm, 11 December 2026. Funding decisions will be made after the 28 November 2026 state election.
ARTS & CULTURE
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 collaborating with Hanwha Defence Australia. Registration on Hanwha’s BenchOn supplier portal is required before applying. Matched grants of $2,000 to $100,000, excluding GST, with a dollar-for-dollar cash contribution required. Supports eligible accreditations, compliance, tenders, minor facility upgrades, product development, defence research and development, and Hanwha-led trade missions. A cumulative grant limit of $100,000 applies per business. Applications assessed on a rolling basis until 30 June 2027, or earlier if funding is exhausted.
EDUCATION & TRAINING
Skills Solutions Partnerships – Round 4 Victorian industry groups, businesses and TAFEs or dual sector universities forming a partnership Up to $500,000 (matched) to co-design and pilot new training solutions in priority sectors 27 November 2026
FILM & TELEVISION
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. Incentive of up to 10% of Qualifying Victorian Expenditure for eligible physical production, post-production, visual effects, animation and digital games projects. Expenditure incurred before the application date is ineligible. Ongoing
TOURISM & HOSPITALITY
VIC Regional Events Fund Private companies, Victorian councils, Visitor Economy Partnerships and not-for-profit organisations. A letter of support from the local Visitor Economy Partnership is required. Stream 1 — Regional Event Acquisition: negotiated funding, by invitation.
Stream 2 — Event Growth and Development: up to $500,000.
Stream 3 — Event Industry Support: up to $50,000 for event capability, marketing and operations.
Stream 1: by invitation following consultation. Stream 2: Round 9 opens 1 February 2027 and closes 30 March 2027; Round 10 opens 1 May 2027 and closes 30 June 2027. Stream 3: monthly rounds, excluding December and January, until 30 June 2027. Rounds may not open if funding is fully committed.

NEW SOUTH WALES GRANTS

NAME OF GRANT / PROGRAM ELIGIBILITY WHAT IT COVERS & FUNDING AMOUNT CLOSING DATE
MANUFACTURING
Forestry Industry Supply Chain Support Program NSW businesses sourcing 50%+ of hardwood or by-products from sawmills affected by the moratorium Up to $100,000 for extra timber and freight costs from new suppliers 8 June, 2027
MAJOR INFRASTRUCTURE AND CONSTRUCTION
Housing Innovation in Construction Fund 2026–27 Established domestic and international MMC manufacturers with $2.5m+ annual turnover. $20,000–$150,000 (50% co-contribution) for engineering feasibility studies 31 May 2027, or earlier if funds are fully committed
NSW Marine Estate Management Strategy – Reconnecting Fish Habitats Closed, non-competitive program. Sites are selected from a priority list and landholders or managers are approached directly by the program team. Unsolicited applications are not accepted. 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.
RENEWABLES & SUSTAINABILITY
Net Zero Planning Grant – Round 2 NSW businesses spending $200k+ a year on energy at one site or $500k+ across sites Up to $25,000 (50% of costs) for specialist net zero planning 30 November 2026
NSW EV Fleets Incentive Kick-start funding FY26 Open to ABN holders operating an existing fleet, taxi or truck in NSW. Incentivised vehicles must be registered and used predominantly in NSW. Grants from $5,000 to $1.2 million to procure up to 15 BEVs and optional smart chargers. 30 November 2026. Funding is currently allocated; eligible new applicants are placed on a waitlist. The waitlist may close earlier.
EV Kerbside Charging Grants – Round 3 Charge point operators incorporated under the Corporations Act, or state-owned corporations $100,000–$1m covering up to 80% of public EV charger costs, capped at $3,000–$30,000 per port 21 December 2026

QUEENSLAND GRANTS

NAME OF GRANT / PROGRAM ELIGIBILITY WHAT IT COVERS & FUNDING AMOUNT CLOSING DATE
ANY
Shared Security Grants – Round 3 Queensland small businesses and commercial property owners or managers leading shared site projects $20,000–$200,000 (50% co-contribution) for security protecting multiple small businesses 29 January 2027
CONSTRUCTION
Construction Business Advancement Grant Queensland construction small and family businesses with 19 or fewer employees, 2025–26 turnover of $10 million or less, at least one year of trading, GST registration and a Queensland headquarters. Rebate of up to $5,000 (excluding GST) for business management software and related training from the approved catalogue. Software must not be bought before approval. 5pm, 6 May 2027, or earlier if funding is exhausted. Applications are assessed in the order received.
EDUCATION & TRAINING
QLD Local Skills Solutions Program 2025–26 Queensland-based industry bodies, community organisations and GTOs with strong local employer networks Tailored accredited and non-accredited training projects. Funding up to $250,000 available Ongoing throughout 2026, or until funding is fully allocated.
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
30 June 2027, or earlier once funds are fully committed. The fund is close to fully allocated and applications are now assessed first-come, first-considered — early application strongly advised.

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
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 exporters directly and significantly affected by trade disruption, with an eligible ABN, GST registration and at least 24 months of export revenue. Goods or services must be produced primarily in South Australia under the applicant’s own brand. Aggregators and traders are ineligible. Market Accelerator Grants: up to $50,000 for businesses that exported more than $500,000 to a disrupted market in 2023–24 or 2024–25. Export Advisory Grants: up to $5,000 for businesses that exported less than $500,000. Supports eligible export diversification and capability-building activities. Ongoing until funds exhausted
RENEWABLES & SUSTAINABILITY
SA Heritage Agreement Grants Program 2026–2030 SA Heritage Agreement landholders and authorised representatives undertaking biodiversity improvements Under $25,000 for medium grants, up to $100,000 for large grants and under $200,000 for multi-property projects 7 December 2026

WESTERN AUSTRALIA GRANTS

NAME OF GRANT / PROGRAM ELIGIBILITY WHAT IT COVERS & FUNDING AMOUNT CLOSING DATE
ANY
Regional Economic Development (RED) Grants – Round 9 Organisations with an ABN delivering projects in regional Western Australia. Government agencies, government trading enterprises, schools and hospitals are ineligible. Up to $150,000 or $250,000 per project depending on the region, for projects that create sustainable jobs, expand or diversify industry, build skills, attract investment or increase productivity. Minimum 50% cash contribution. 14 January 2027. Closing times vary by region.
FILM & TELEVISION
Screenwest Scripted Project Development Fund WA resident writers, producers and companies with a credited team member or market interest Up to $35,000 (repayable) to develop scripted TV series and feature films Round 3 opens 10 December 2026 and closes 1 February 2027.
MANUFACTURING
WA Wind Energy Manufacturing Co-Investment Program Local businesses in the wind energy industry. Co-funding of up to 50% of eligible project costs. Market Entry: $10,000 to $30,000 for projects valued at $20,000 to $60,000. Market Growth: $250,000 to $500,000 for projects valued at $500,000 to $1 million. Applicant contributions must be cash. 20 May 2027
RENEWABLES & SUSTAINABILITY
Bird Flu Wildlife Resilience Grants Licensed wildlife rehabilitators holding a current DBCA fauna rehabilitator licence and appropriate insurance, for projects based in WA Small grants of $1,500–$10,000 for bird flu preparedness, biosecurity, consumables and training, assessed in order of receipt. Large grants (up to $200,000) have closed. 10 December 2026, or earlier once funds are fully allocated.
Carbon Innovation Grants Program – Round 3 Corporations, councils, universities, not-for-profits and consortia with an industrial business partner $50,000–$500,000 (feasibility, up to 50% of costs) or $100,000–$1.5m (pilots and capital works, up to 25% of costs) 11 December 2026
TOURISM & HOSPITALITY
Tourism Accommodation and Attractions Proposals (TAAP) Program Individuals, councils and businesses with an ABN or ACN proposing WA tourism projects Up to $50,000 for feasibility and pre-development studies 14 December 2026

AUSTRALIAN CAPITAL TERRITORY GRANTS

NAME OF GRANT / PROGRAM ELIGIBILITY WHAT IT COVERS & FUNDING AMOUNT CLOSING DATE
RENEWABLES & SUSTAINABILITY
ACT Energy Innovation Fund Businesses and eligible institutions with an ABN that are ACT-based or deliver most activities in the ACT, and meet required insurance and compliance conditions. Three streams supporting energy transition innovation. Funding ranges from $20,000 to $1,000,000 per grant depending on stream. Stream 1 requires at least 1:1 matched co-contribution. Applications available year-round, with two assessment cycles each year (end April and end September). The fund is currently undergoing evaluation

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