GRANTS - BUSINESS
Applying for grants can be an effective way to raise vital funds to support your business capability.
A variety of grants are available, some are shown below.
For general information about how to apply for grants, please click here.
Expressions of interest now open for the Global Science and Technology Diplomacy Fund – Strategic Element
EOI close 31 May 2024
The Australian Academy of Technological Sciences and Engineering (ATSE), in collaboration with the Australian Academy of Science, will deliver $6 million in grants to strengthen science and technology collaboration with regional neighbours as part of the Australian Government’s $40 million Global Science and Technology Diplomacy Fund.
Grants from $100,000 to $1,000,000 are available to Australian businesses and researchers to partner with Australia’s regional neighbours and international collaborators.
Priority countries
To be eligible, applicants must include at least one partner organisation domiciled and registered in at least one of nine priority partner countries:
Brazil
Indonesia
Japan
Republic of Korea
Malaysia
New Zealand
Singapore
Thailand
Vietnam
Focus areas
The fund will support a range of projects and activities to enhance Australia’s profile and build capability in priority areas of science and technology through international collaboration. Australian businesses and research organisations will be able to capitalise on international opportunities to commercialise their cutting-edge products and services, build expertise through personnel exchange and strengthen scientific and research collaborations.
To be eligible, applications must address at least one of five priority themes:
Advanced manufacturing
Artificial intelligence
Quantum computing
Hydrogen production
RNA (mRNA) vaccines and therapies.
How to submit an EOI?
Interested applicants can submit applications through the application portal.
EOI applications close 31 May 2024.
To learn more, register for the information session to be held on 3 April 2024 or send an enquiry to info@glodip.org.au.
This initiative is delivered by the Australian Academy of Technological Sciences and Engineering, in collaboration with the Australian Academy of Science, as part of the Australian Government’s $40 million Global Science and Technology Diplomacy Fund.
Read our media release about the Global Science and Technology Diplomacy Fund – Strategic Element.
Co-funding for the cost of electric vehicle (EV) recharging infrastructure.
Round Two Funding amounts vary – closes Friday 3 May 2024.
The types of charging situations expected to be funded in this round include:
charging employee EVs – charging EVs that are primarily used by the eligible organisation's employees to commute to and from work
fleet charging – charging EVs owned by the eligible organisation that are primarily used to undertake the activities of the organisation within operating hours
destination charging – charging EVs owned by customers or other visitors to an eligible organisation’s premises (for example, to shop, dine or recreate)
public charging – chargers that are open to the public at large.
Applications will be accepted from the following types of organisations:
small to medium enterprises
not-for-profits registered with the Australian charities and not-for-profits commission (ACNC)
local government authorities.
To be eligible, applicants must intend to:
use the EV charger to charge during daytime hours (9am to 5pm) or overnight (9pm to 9am)
install the EV charger at a location within WA.
In general, charging that occurs mainly during the evening peak of 5pm to 9pm will not be supported by this grant.
More information and to apply click here.
Small business training for people interested in self-employment
Apply at any time.
This program provides support to people interested in starting their own business or who need help to refocus an existing small business.
Self-Employment Assistance can help you with your business idea or existing business through its flexible services including:
exploring self-employment workshops
business plan development
free accredited small business training
business advice sessions
business health checks
small business coaching.
To be eligible, you must:
be at least 15 years of age (a person must be 18 years of age to access Small Business Coaching)
not already be studying or employed for more than 25 hours per week
not be prohibited by law from working in Australia
not be an overseas visitor on a working holiday visa or an overseas student studying in Australia
not be an undischarged bankrupt.
For more information and to apply click here.
Funding for workers with a disability
Employment Assistance Fund
Funding varies – applications may be made at any time.
The Employment Assistant Fund provides workers with a disability with funding for workplace modifications, equipment or services they need to perform their job.
The Employment Assistance Fund (EAF) helps people with disabilities and mental health conditions to buy work related modifications and services.
The EAF is available to people with disability who are about to start a job or who are currently working, as well as people who need help to find and prepare for a job. It is also available to people with disability who are self-employed, and jobseekers who need Auslan assistance, or special work equipment to look for and prepare for a job.
The EAF provides funding for work related modifications and services including:
the cost of modifications to the physical work environment
modifications to work vehicles
special equipment for the workplace
information and communication devices
Auslan interpreting
specialist services for employees with specific learning disorders and mental health conditions
disability awareness training
deafness awareness training
mental health first aid training.
To be eligible for the EAF, the person with disability must:
be an Australian citizen or permanent resident
be currently in a job that is expected to continue for 13 weeks or more
be working at least eight hours per week, or 20 hours per week if self-employed
have an ongoing disability that has lasted, or will last at least two years. Your disability must limit, restrict or impair your ability to work.
An EAF application can be submitted by:
an employer of a person with disability
an employee with disability
a self-employed worker with disability
a job seeker who requires Auslan Level 2 assistance or who requires work related assistive technology or special work equipment to look for and prepare for a job
a Disability Employment Services provider, jobactive provider, or a Community Development Programme provider on behalf of their participant or participant's employer.
A person may also apply for EAF assistance on behalf of someone with disability as their nominee.
More information and to apply click here.
WAGE SUBSIDIES
Apply at any time.
Subsidies up to a maximum of $10,000.
Wage subsidies ranging up to $10,000 may be available to businesses that hire eligible individuals into ongoing jobs.
Businesses looking to fill an ongoing position, should contact their nearest Workforce Australia, ParentsNext or Transition to Work provider for help to find the right person for the job.
Providers may offer a wage subsidy to help with some of the initial costs of hiring a new employee. The wage subsidy is to help with some of the initial costs of hiring the new employee, to help ensure the success of their employment.
To be eligible to access a wage subsidy, an organisation must:
have a valid Australian business number (ABN), and
have an account registered with Workforce Australia Online for Businesses.
For more information and to apply click here.
FUNDING FOR ORGANISATIONS TO DELIVER INNOVATOR AND INVESTOR EDUCATON PROGRAMS IN WA
X-TEND WA PROGRAM
Up to $100,000, apply at any time
X-TEND WA Program provides organisations with funding to help them deliver innovator and/or investor educational programs to WA start-ups, emerging businesses and entrepreneurs.
Funding will be awarded to deliver activities in one or 2 of the following streams:
entrepreneurial education
investor education
broader ecosystem support.
Activities may take the form of educational forums, workshops, mentoring and incubator and accelerator programs.
To be eligible, you must:
have an Australian business number (ABN) and/or an Australian company number (ACN)
be in Western Australia or agree to register a business address in WA
be a valid legal entity that can enter into a funding agreement with the WA government
be financially solvent.
For more information and to apply click here.
FINANCIAL SUPPORT TO HIRE AN APPRENTICE
Apply at any time.
The Australian Apprenticeships Incentive System (Incentives System) aims to help fill skill shortages in areas of industry that need it most. If you employ an Australian apprentice, you may be a eligible for:
wage subsidies for priority occupations
a hiring incentive for other occupations not on the Australian apprenticeships priority list.
Businesses hiring apprentices may be eligible to receive incentives. Incentives are subject to eligibility criteria, waiting periods and time limits.
Contact an Australian Apprenticeship Support Network (Apprenticeship Network) provider for more information.
To find out more information and to apply click here.
PAYMENTS FOR WA BUSINESSES HIRING NEW APPRENTICES OR TRAINEES
Apply at any time.
Jobs and Skills WA Employer Incentive provides businesses with financial assistance to help them with the costs of employing a new entrant trainee or apprentice.
The incentive amount is based on the nominal term of the apprenticeship or traineeship. Employers may be able to receive an additional loading payment if the apprenticeship / traineeship is undertaken in a priority occupation.
Employers can claim incentive payments at the following milestones:
Apprenticeships
at the commencement of the apprenticeship
at the mid-point of the nominal duration of the apprenticeship
on completion of the apprenticeship
Traineeships
at the commencement of the traineeship
on completion of the traineeship
To be eligible, you must:
have an Australian business number (ABN)
be running a business which is currently below the payroll tax threshold (currently at $950,000 per annum)
employ a new entrant trainee or an apprentice
Employers must have lodged the training contract for registration on or after 1 July 2019.
For more information or to apply click here
LAUNCH INTO WORK
Apply at any time.
This is for businesses with entry level job opportunities willing to trial a new way recruiting.
The Launch into Work program supports the delivery of pre-employment projects. These projects prepare eligible individuals for specific entry-level roles within a business. This means individuals don't require a degree or higher-level vocational qualification to start work.
The project is co-designed with the department and the hiring employer. A well-designed project gives individuals the skills, experience and confidence they need to start work. Projects include:
training
practical activities in the workplace
mentoring.
One of the program's aims is to create long-term secure employment for women, but projects are not only for women. Anyone aged 18 years or over can participate if they are in:
Workforce Australia Services
Transition to Work
ParentsNext.
All Launch into Work projects must meet these requirements:
training tailored to the positions
practical activities in the workplace
participant mentoring
employment for suitable individuals who successfully complete a pre-employment project.
For more information and to apply click here.
NewAccess for Small Business Owners
Open
Closing date: Tuesday 31 December 2024
This program provides free and confidential mental health support to small business owners.
Free and confidential mental health coaching.
For: Small business owners.
This mental health coaching program has been developed by Beyond Blue to give small business owners support during challenging times.
Over 6 sessions, a NewAccess coach will work side by side with business owners to overcome difficult issues and provide practical skills to help them manage stress.
Check if you can apply.
This program is for anyone aged 18 years or over who owns a small business, from any industry, including sole traders.
A person is not eligible for the program if they are:
currently seeing a psychologist or psychiatrist
dealing with severe/complex mental health issues.
More information here.
Small Business Export Loan
Open
Applications may be made at any time.
The Small Business Export Loan provides small to medium export businesses with loans to cover up to 80% of the costs to secure an export contract or purchase order with an overseas buyer.
Loans of $20,000 to $350,000.
For: Small to medium export businesses.
Small Business Export Loans help businesses looking to grow through exporting.
The loans are designed to meet the specific needs of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), to help them take advantage of export opportunities when financial institutions cannot help.
Funding is available for:
contracts and purchase orders
export market development
general working capital
equipment finance
tourism services
online business growth.
Loans of between $20,000 and $350,000 are available, to cover up to 80% of your export contract(s) or purchase order(s).
If your business has export contract(s) or purchase order(s) with buyer(s) overseas, and your bank is unable to help, the loan could provide you with the necessary funds to help you secure the contract(s) and satisfy your cashflow needs.
To be eligible for a loan, your business must have:
an Australian company number (ACN)
an annual revenue of $250,000–$10 million per year
been established for at least 2 years
an export related funding need
20% of revenue from export sales.
More information here.
First Nations Tourism Mentoring Program (FNTMP)
Open
Apply at any time.
This program provides free mentoring support to eligible First Nations tourism businesses.
Free mentoring and expert advice.
For: First Nations tourism businesses.
The FNTMP provides First Nations tourism businesses with access to free, tailored and one-one-one mentoring services from experienced tourism industry professionals.
There are a range of supports, including:
a business diagnostic to help identify your needs
one-on-one mentoring tailored to your specific needs and goals
a suite of learning supports and resources developed for and tailored to First Nations tourism sector
specialist supports and advice from Intrepid Travel advisors
exit supports when you complete the program.
The program is flexible and can fit around your commitments. You can choose how often and how long you meet with mentors, and whether you meet face-to-face or virtual.
To be eligible, your business must be:
at least 50% First Nations-owned
operating in the tourism sector or associated supply chain (e.g. cafes and restaurants, accommodation providers etc)
at least 'semi-mature' i.e. active and currently in operation with goods and services which are, or can be made available to domestic or international visitors.
More information here.
Small Business Skills and Training Boost
Open
Additional 20% tax deduction.
This initiative provides small businesses with a bonus tax deduction to help them train new staff and upskill existing staff.
For: Small businesses.
Small businesses with an aggregated annual turnover of less than $50 million will be allowed an additional 20% tax deduction for external training courses delivered to employees by registered training providers.
The boost applies to eligible expenditure incurred from 7:30 pm AEDT on 29 March 2022 until 30 June 2024.
The expenditure must be:
for the provision of training to employees of your business, either in-person in Australia, or online
charged, directly or indirectly, by a registered external training provider that is not you or an associate of yours
already deductible for your business under taxation law
incurred within a specified period (between 7:30 pm AEDT or by legal time in the ACT on 29 March 2022 and 30 June 2024).
To access the small business skills and training boost, your business needs to be a small business entity. Your aggregated annual turnover must be less than $50 million for the income year in which you incur the expenditure.
More information here.
Innovation Booster Grant WA
Open
Matched funding of up to $40,000.
For: Western Australian start-ups and small businesses.
Funding is available for startups and small businesses to access professional skills, services or knowledge to help them advance an innovative idea, project or commercial activity.
The funding may be used to:
help develop new or enhanced commercially-ready products or services
establish a minimum viable product (MVP), prototype(s), processes or systems that might attract additional investment and/or customers
address a particular technical problem that cannot be solved by the applicant, or for which the solution is not readily available.
Recipients will need to provide a net cash co-contribution at a rate of at least 20:80 applicant-to-state government funding.
To be eligible, businesses must:
be registered in Western Australia (WA) with either an Australian business number (ABN) or Australian company number (ACN)
be developing an innovative project in WA, with a total budget less than $100,000
remain based in WA for the next 3 years
be a solvent start-up or small business, employing between 1 and 20 people
be able to contribute at least 20% of the requested project funding costs.
More information here.
Network of specialised programs to support Australian technology companies to expand globally
Landing Pads
Landing Pads provide start-ups with a workspace for up to 90 days in a global innovation hub, along with access to coaching, investors, customers, training and networking events.
Open
Workspace in a global innovation hub for 90 days.
For: Market-ready start-up businesses.
The program provides market-ready scaleups with an operational base and customised support for their overseas expansion goals.
Scaleups participate in an immersive program in one of Austrade's 6 Landing Pad cities: Bengalaru, London, New York, San Francisco, Shanghai and Singapore.
Landing Pads provide:
a dedicated Landing Pad manager
a co-working space
access to in-market Entrepreneurs in Residence
connections to local founder communities
introductions to Austrade customer networks, partners and contacts.
Landing pads are designed for scaleups ready to expand to global sales and partnerships.
Applicants should:
have an established product
be market fit
have a customer acquisition strategy
have some market leads.
More information here.