Small business grants in Australia

When you’re building a business a small business grant can help you grow. There are range of support options to help businesses speed their journey to success, particularly in the retail and hospitality industry. 

Australia-wide subsidies, tax breaks and grants

Wage subsidies

If you hire staff you may be eligible for wage subsidies, opens in new window up to $10,000.

Tax offsets and deductions

Sole traders with revenue under $5 million a financial year may be eligible for the Small Business Income Tax Offset, opens in new window of up to $1,000 per year.

From July 1, 2023, there is also an increase in the instant asset write off threshold to $20,000 for businesses with a turnover of less than $10 million.

Small businesses with a turnover of less than $50 million who invest in eligible energy efficient assets or upgrades will be entitled to an additional 20% tax deduction. You need to install or use what you buy before 30 June 2024.

State-based grants and tax breaks

New South Wales

MVP Ventures Program

Small businesses in sectors such as digital systems, software or tourism may qualify for a government-funded grant of $25,000-$50,000 under the  Minimum Viable Product Ventures Program, opens in new window. It’s designed to support start-ups and innovative small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in the product lifecycle between early-stage research and mature investment opportunities.

Payroll tax rebate

A payroll tax rebate is available for small businesses who hire apprentices and new entrant trainees who are recognised by Training Services NSW.

Victoria

Victorian Business Growth Fund

The $250 million Victorian Business Growth Fund, opens in new window helps small and medium-sized businesses with a revenue between $5 million and $100 million access funds or find the right financial partner to take the next step.

Queensland

Small business grants

The Department of Employment, Small Business and Training administers grants and programs to help Queensland small businesses grow. View the Queensland Government’s small business grants schedule, opens in new window.

Australian Capital Territory

ICON grants

Innovation Connect Grants, opens in new window (ICON) support entrepreneurs to develop and grow ideas. Grants usually range between $10,000 and $30,000.

South Australia

South Australian Young Entrepreneurs Scheme

The South Australian Young Entrepreneurs Scheme (SAYES, opens in new window)  can help South Australians under the age of 35 turn their business ideas into reality.

Western Australia

Small business advisory services

The Western Australian government offers free advice and support for the start-up and running of small businesses. Learn more at small business advisory services, opens in new window.

Tasmania

Apprentice and Trainee Grant for Small Business

The Tasmanian Government’s Apprentice and Trainee Grant for Small Business, opens in new window provides up to $5,000 for each full-time apprentice or trainee and up to $2,500 for part-time employees.

Northern Territory

Business grants and funding

The Northern Territory Government offers grants and financial incentives for business owners.  Learn more at business grants and funding, opens in new window.

Other grant options

Most local councils have year-round grant and assistance programs. Check out your council's website to find out what's on offer. It might pay to contact your local chamber of commerce too.

The Federal Government’s grant finder tool, opens in new window currently lists different grants and programs for businesses from financial counselling to relocation assistance.