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: July 16, 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.
AEROSPACE
iLAuNCH Fast Track Fund Open to iLAuNCH Partner Universities submitting TRL 3 to 4 projects through their commercialisation or research office, with university IP rights and industry support. Supports early-stage space commercialisation activities. Funding from $10,000 to $100,000 with matched co-funding from other sources required. July 31st, 2026
AVIATION
Regional Airports Program – Round 5 Open to eligible owners or operators of existing regional airports or aerodromes in Australia, with ABN and passenger throughput below 300,000 in 2024. Grants from $20,000 to $5 million for regional airport safety, accessibility, climate resilience and net zero aviation upgrades. Funding covers up to 50% of eligible project costs, or one-third where third-party co-funding applies. 28 July 2026
AGRICULTURE & VITICULTURE
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
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 July 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 July 31st, 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 August 31st, 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 August 31st 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 Ongoing (until funds exhausted)
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 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
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 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
Industry Growth Program SMEs in National Reconstruction Fund (NRF) priority sectors. Matched $50K-$250K grants for early-stage commercialisation projects. Following the Federal 26/27 budget, new applications for the Industry Growth Program are currently paused. New applications are expected to reopen sometime this year.
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. Following the Federal 26/27 budget, new applications for the Industry Growth Program are currently paused. New applications are expected to reopen sometime this year.
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. Following the Federal 26/27 budget, new applications for the Industry Growth Program are currently paused. New applications are expected to reopen sometime this year.
MEDICAL, PHARMACEUTICALS & HEALTHCARE
HCF Research Foundation – Health Services Research Grants Eligible research institutions and organisations Up to $500,000 for health services research projects Applications close 10 August 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 April 16th, 2027
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
Australian Research Council: Discovery Indigenous Council Eligible Organisations listed in the program guidelines can apply, with Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Chief Investigators or DAATSIA candidates. Funding from $30,000 to $600,000 per year for Indigenous-led research projects, including eligible project costs and DAATSIA salary support. August 25th, 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
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 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
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. 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
RENEWABLES & SUSTAINABILITY
BushBank Private Land Stream Private individuals or entities with eligible freehold land in Victoria, minimum 20 hectare woody restoration area, and willingness to enter a conservation covenant. Funding and guidance for native vegetation restoration on private land. Incentive payment amount is site based. Co funding may be required depending on project structure. 1 July 2026
TOURISM & HOSPITALITY
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
FILM & TELEVISION
Screen NSW Production Finance Australian companies producing or post-producing eligible screen content in NSW, with NSW expenditure, key creative and project rights requirements. Supports eligible screen production and post-production projects. Funding up to $850,000, based on Qualifying NSW Production Expenditure July 27 2026
MAJOR INFRASTRUCTURE AND CONSTRUCTION
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 Round 2 – Clean Technology Innovation Grant 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 – Renewable Manufacturing Grant Round 2 Incorporated entities able to obtain or hold an ABN and GST registration, with required insurance, solvency, and 50 percent co contribution. Supports new or expanded NSW commercial scale facilities manufacturing renewable energy components. Grants from $5 million to $30 million, up to 50 percent of eligible costs. Minimum 50 percent financial contribution August 25th, 2026
NSW Net Zero Manufacturing Initiative – Low Carbon Product Manufacturing Incorporated entities able to obtain or hold an ABN and GST registration, with required insurance, solvency, and 50 percent cash co contribution. Supports new or expanded NSW commercial scale facilities manufacturing eligible low carbon products. Grants from $5 million to $30 million, up to 50 percent of eligible costs. Minimum 50 percent cash co contribution required. August 25th, 2026
RENEWABLES & SUSTAINABILITY
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, or earlier if funds are exhausted.
NSW Sustainable Communities Program Business and Industry Round Eligible businesses, councils, Aboriginal organisations, universities and not-for-profits delivering projects in eligible NSW southern Basin LGAs. Grants from $100,000 to $5 million for business, industry, jobs, innovation, productivity, diversification and asset activation. Matched funding applies for most applicants. August 3rd 2026

QUEENSLAND GRANTS

NAME OF GRANT / PROGRAM ELIGIBILITY WHAT IT COVERS & FUNDING AMOUNT CLOSING DATE
DEFENCE
QLD Honouring our Veterans Grants Program Open to eligible Queensland organisations delivering distinct projects that honour veterans, preserve service stories, improve recognition and strengthen community understanding. Community and minor capital works grants up to $75,000. Major capital works grants up to $250,000. Major works require at least 25% co-contribution. 10% co-contribution may be prioritised for community and minor works. 4/9/2026
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
June 30th 2027 (or until all funds are allocated)
INFORMATION & TECHNOLOGY
QLD Local Digital Priority Projects Funding Program Legal entities with an active ABN, GST registration and a registered place of business in an eligible South East Queensland location. Applicant types vary by stream. Grants from $1 million to $5 million for digital infrastructure projects, and $100,000 to $1 million for non-infrastructure projects. Co-contribution is not mandatory but may be viewed favourably. August 24th, 2026
RENEWABLES & SUSTAINABILITY
QLD Great Barrier Reef Urban Technology and Innovation Fund – Wastewater Grant Program Open to local government, urban water management utilities, research organisations, innovators and other parties delivering wastewater solutions for Great Barrier Reef catchments. Tier 1: Up to $4,000,000, excluding GST, for projects of up to three years focused on trialling wastewater treatment or management solutions to minimum viable product stage and parallel commercialisation advice. Tier 2: Up to $200,000, excluding GST, for projects of up to two years focused on assisting commercialisation of relatively new to market wastewater treatment or management solutions to overcome market barriers. Tier 1 requires cash co-contribution at least double the grant sought. Tier 2 has no minimum requirement. 17 August 2026
TOURISM & HOSPITALITY
QLD Tourism Icons Investment Fund (TIFF) Round 2 New or established Queensland tourism operators, NFPs and Queensland local governments delivering tourism services or experiences. $1M to $5M, GST exclusive, for eligible tourism infrastructure and experience projects. 1:1 co-contribution required. August 10th, 2026
Queensland Destination Events Fund (QDEF) 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. 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
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 Local Government Research and Development Scheme 2026-27 Competitive Grant Round Open to South Australian councils, regional LGAs, education institutions, universities, local government bodies and organisations collaborating with SA local government. Supports innovative projects addressing sector-wide issues for SA councils and communities. More than $1.3 million is available for the round. EOI closes August 5th, 2026

WESTERN AUSTRALIA GRANTS

NAME OF GRANT / PROGRAM ELIGIBILITY WHAT IT COVERS & FUNDING AMOUNT CLOSING DATE
FILM & TELEVISION
WA Screenwest Scripted Production Fund Open to Western Australian resident producers or companies producing online series or one-off XR projects with market support and WA key creative involvement Up to 50% of the total production budget, capped at $100,000 per project. Matched funding is required. 24 August 2026
MEDICAL, PHARMACEUTICALS & HEALTHCARE
WA Mental Health Translational Research Grants 2026 WA Responsible Entities with an active ABN and WA presence, with eligible WA-based Activity Leads. Up to $600,000 excluding GST for translational mental health research activities completed within 36 months July 30 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

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 are available year-round, with two assessment cycles each year. Assessment deadlines are end April and end September.

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