Government Grants Q&A

Unfortunately just knowing about a grant does not create a successful application. That only comes with expertise and experience. The number of companies that waste their time applying unsuccessfully for a grant is astounding. The information they provide in the application usually gives the reasosn for not approving it. By all means find a grant, but then find a grants SPECIALIST (not an accountant or consultant that does other things) who has the confidence in their ability to prepare your winning application for just a success fee. No win, no fee.

One of the best sites for grant information in Australia is www.business.gov.au 
Steve's suggestion of www.grants.gov.au is a site similar to www.grants.com.au 
 

As Bruce Patten mentioned, the Australian Federal government provides a wide range of grants and financial incentives. They’re mostly designed to ‘enhance business productivity and competitiveness’ and can be in the form of matched funding, access to professional services and tax incentives. 

Your eligibility and the programs most relevant for you depend on the type of business you have, and why you need funding. 

The government’s flagship program is the Entrepreneurs’ Program and is a comprehensive offering (beyond just funding). It could be a great option if it’s relevant for you.

For exporters, there’s the Export Market Development Grant (EMDG). It can reimburse up to 50% of eligible export promotion expenses up to $150k - there’s a lot involved in this grant though.

We have a blog post about some of the different options - but this is only scratching the surface! I’d be happy to help you out if you’re looking for some more specific guidance.

Last time I checked, there were no government grants in Australia to help start a business unless you align with one of these - A community based non-for-profit organisation - Focused on youth - Providing services for people with a disability - Based on supporting innovation You could try other forms of grants. Banks are giving out grants all the time but with similar conditions.