Startup Business Grants Australia: Up to $500,000 Available

Starting a business in Australia in 2026? Government funding programs exist specifically for new businesses, sole traders, and early-stage startups, including grants that do not need to be repaid.

This page covers the government assistance programs currently available, who qualifies, how much is available, and what the most common eligibility mistakes are. If you are not sure what you qualify for, call 1300-005-999 and speak to an advisor today.

Quick Reference: Startup Grant Overview

What Government Startup Grants Are Available?

Government startup funding in Australia falls into several categories. Understanding which type applies to your situation is the first step to a successful application.

Non-Repayable Government Grants

These are the programs most people search for, funding you receive and do not pay back. They are typically tied to specific activities such as market research, technology development, or export readiness. Amounts generally range from $2,000 to $25,000 for early-stage startups, with higher amounts available through incubator and advisory programs.

To qualify, most non-repayable grants require your business to:

• Hold a current ABN
• Operate in a specific state or industry
• Have a documented business concept or plan
• Commit matched funding in some cases
• Not be currently receiving other government business support

Self-Employment Assistance (Formerly NEIS)

The federal government’s Self-Employment Assistance program supports Australians who want to start their own business. Eligible participants receive:

• Allowance payments for up to 39 weeks while starting their business
• Access to small business training
• Ongoing mentoring support during the early trading period

This program is particularly suited to sole traders and individuals transitioning from unemployment into self-employment. Eligibility includes being registered for income support, being over 18, and having an eligible business idea assessed by a provider.

R&D Tax Incentive for Tech Startups

Australian tech startups conducting eligible research and development activities can access the R&D Tax Incentive, a 43.5% tax offset on qualifying R&D expenditure for companies with an aggregated turnover under $20 million. This is not a grant in the traditional sense, but it is one of the most substantial forms of government startup support available and is accessible to early-stage companies.

Export Market Development Grants (EMDG)

Startups planning to take their product or service to international markets can access the EMDG program. This provides reimbursement of eligible export promotion costs and is designed to help new exporters build their presence overseas.

Business Advisory Grants (Incubator Programs)

State governments fund incubator and accelerator programs that support startups with expert advice, mentoring, and connections to capital. Advisory organisations delivering these programs can receive up to $500,000 in funding to provide services to new businesses. If you are running a startup that could benefit from structured advisory support, this pathway is worth exploring.

Startup Grants by State 

NSW Startup Grants

New South Wales has some of the most active startup funding programs in the country. Programs currently available or recently active in NSW include support for technology startups, digital initiatives, and small business advisory services. Key programs include:

• Digital Solutions Program (ASBAS): Subsidised digital advisory services for NSW small businesses, including new businesses. Sessions cost from $160 per day (subsidised rate).
• MVP Ventures Program: Matched funding up to $25,000 for technology startups testing new business models in NSW.
• Business Connect: Government-funded business advisory program providing subsidised advice for new NSW business owners.

NSW sole traders and new business owners may also qualify for the Self-Employment Assistance program at the federal level.

Key requirements for most NSW startup programs:

• Current NSW ABN or plan to operate in NSW
• Business concept with demonstrable market potential
• Not currently receiving the same type of government support

👉 For current NSW program availability and closing dates, call 1300-005-999.

QLD Startup Grants and Sole Trader Assistance

Queensland has specific programs targeting sole traders and early-stage businesses, particularly in regional areas and primary industries.

• Sole Trader Assistance Programs: QLD sole traders may qualify for the $3,000 Business Basics grant and other state-funded programs, depending on their industry and location.
• Advance Queensland: Funding programs for innovative Queensland startups, particularly in tech and science-based industries.
• Regional programs: Additional startup support is available in regional QLD, particularly for agricultural and agri-tech startups.

Many QLD sole trader grant queries we see relate to the $3,000 grant tier, these are highly competitive but accessible if eligibility requirements are met.

VIC Startup Grants

Victoria offers startup grants through several state-funded programs:

• Small Business Victoria programs: Access to subsidised mentoring, business planning support, and sector-specific grants.
• LaunchVic: Funding body supporting the Victorian startup ecosystem, including early-stage companies.
• Small Business Digital Adaptation Program: Subsidised digital tools and advisory support for Victorian businesses, including new entrants.

The $20,000 tier grant for Victorian small businesses has attracted strong search interest. While specific programs open and close throughout the year, Victorian startups with a solid business plan have multiple avenues to pursue funding.

WA grants, SA and Other States

Federal programs including the Self-Employment Assistance program, R&D Tax Incentive, and EMDG are available nationally. State-specific programs in WA, SA, TAS, ACT and NT are regularly updated: Call 1300-005-999 to confirm what is currently open in your state.

Startup Grants by Business Type

Sole Traders

Sole traders are often excluded from grant programs that require a company structure or multiple employees. However, several programs specifically target sole traders:

• Self-Employment Assistance (federal: for new sole traders transitioning from income support)
• Business Basics grants in QLD (sole traders may qualify)
• State advisory programs that accept sole trader applicants
• R&D Tax Incentive (if you conduct qualifying R&D as a sole trader)

The most common question from sole traders: “Can I apply without an ABN?” The answer is no, you must have a current ABN registered to your sole trader business before applying for any government grant.

Tech and Innovation Startups

Technology startups have the broadest access to startup funding in Australia, including:

• MVP Ventures Program (NSW)
• R&D Tax Incentive (43.5% offset on qualifying expenditure)
• Entrepreneurs’ Programme: Accelerating Commercialisation (federal, for startups with novel IP)
• Advance Queensland (QLD tech companies)
• LaunchVic (VIC startups)

Tech startups need to demonstrate their concept has market potential and ideally have intellectual property or a novel product/service that is not already widely available. The strongest applications include a clear description of the problem being solved, evidence of customer demand, and a realistic financial model.

Women-Led Startups

Federal and state programs specifically target female founders and women starting businesses:

• Boosting Female Founders Initiative (federal): Grant funding for female-led Australian startups scaling up, with grants from $25,000 to $480,000.
• Women’s Business Enterprise programs: State-based mentoring and advisory support targeted at women entering business ownership.
• Self-Employment Assistance: Available to women transitioning into self-employment.

Women-led startups often underestimate their eligibility for the Boosting Female Founders program. If your startup is majority female-owned and you are looking to scale into new markets or grow your team, this program is worth assessing urgently.

Indigenous-Led Startups

Indigenous Australians starting businesses can access targeted programs that are not available to non-Indigenous applicants:

• Indigenous Business Australia (IBA) Business Programs: Loans and business support specifically for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander entrepreneurs.
• First Australians Capital: Grant funding for Indigenous-led enterprises.
• Indigenous Business Sector Strategy: Federal program supporting the growth of Indigenous-owned businesses.

These programs are designed to be accessible and do not always require the same trading history or matched funding that general startup grants demand.

The Eligibility Traps That Sink Startup Applications

After reviewing thousands of startup grant applications across Australia, these are the most common reasons applications fail:

1. Applying for a program that has already closed Grant programs have specific open and close dates. Many applicants spend weeks preparing an application for a program that is no longer accepting submissions. Always verify program status before starting an application — call 1300-005-999 to confirm what is currently open.

2. Not having a current ABN Nearly every government startup program requires a current ABN. If you are applying as a sole trader or new company and have not yet registered your ABN, this must happen first. ABN registration is free through the ATO.

3. Applying without a written business plan Most grant programs require a written business plan as part of the application. A plan that includes financial projections, target market analysis, and a clear description of the product or service will score significantly higher than a brief description. Advisory support in developing this is available — call 1300-005-999.

4. Applying for grants that don’t match your business stage Some startup programs are for businesses in their first 12 months. Others are for businesses scaling to export markets. Applying for the wrong program for your stage wastes application effort and reduces your chances of approval.

5. Missing matched funding requirements Some programs require you to contribute matched funding — dollar for dollar — to the grant amount. If you cannot demonstrate access to matched funds, your application will be declined regardless of the quality of your business concept.

6. Submitting an incomplete application Grant assessors reject incomplete applications automatically. Every question must be answered, every supporting document included, and every eligibility criterion addressed directly.

Startup Grants vs Startup Loans: What’s the Difference?

Many people searching for startup funding come across both grants and loans. Here is the key distinction:

Government grants: Do not need to be repaid. They are provided in exchange for meeting specific eligibility criteria and delivering specific outcomes. They are competitive and require a formal application.

Government-backed loans: Do need to be repaid, but are offered at concessional interest rates or with more flexible terms than commercial lending. Programs like Indigenous Business Australia lending and state-based loan schemes fall into this category.

Commercial business loans: Offered by banks and lenders, repayable with interest. These are not grants and are not part of the government assistance programs we help clients access.

If you are unsure which type of funding is appropriate for your business stage, our advisors can help, call 1300-005-999.

How to Apply for a Startup Grant in Australia

The application process varies by program, but the steps are broadly consistent:

Step 1: Confirm your eligibility Use the portal to confirm which programs you are currently eligible for. Applying for programs you don’t qualify for wastes time.

Step 2: Register your ABN (if not already done) Free via the Australian Business Register at business.gov.au. Takes 15 minutes online.

Step 3: Prepare your business plan A clear, written business plan covering your product or service, target market, financial projections, and how the grant funding will be used.

Step 4: Gather supporting documents Typically includes: ABN registration confirmation, evidence of matched funding (if required), identification documents, and evidence of business concept (customer research, prototype, or proof of concept).

Step 5: Submit your application before the closing date Grant programs have strict submission deadlines. Late applications are not accepted. Submission order can matter for competitive programs, earlier applications sometimes score higher where volume is limited.

Step 6: Follow up Assessment periods vary from 4 weeks to 6 months depending on the program. Our advisors can help you track your application and respond to any requests for additional information.

Ready to Find Out What You Qualify For?

Our advisors work with startup, small and medium businesses across all states and industries. Use the portal to assess your eligibility and identify programs for which you can apply. 

Call 1300-005-999  to get started or utilise the quick eligibility assessment tool. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Are there free government grants for small business startups in Australia? Yes. Non-repayable government grants exist specifically for Australian startups. Programs vary by state, industry, and business stage. Most grant programs require an ABN and a written business plan. For current programs available in your state, call 1300-005-999.

What startup grants are available in NSW in 2026? NSW startup grants include the MVP Ventures Program (up to $25,000 matched funding for tech startups), the Digital Solutions Program (subsidised advisory support), and the Business Connect program. Federal programs including Self-Employment Assistance are also available to NSW residents. Call 1300-005-999 for current program status.

Can sole traders get startup grants in Australia? Yes. Several programs specifically target sole traders, including the federal Self-Employment Assistance program, QLD Business Basics grants, and state advisory programs. The key requirement is a current ABN registered to your sole trader business.

What startup grants are available for new businesses with no trading history? Many startup programs are specifically designed for businesses with no trading history, this is not a barrier to applying. The Self-Employment Assistance program, technology startup grants, and several state advisory programs accept applications from new businesses. Call 1300-005-999 to find out which programs suit your situation.

Can women apply for specific startup grants? Yes. The Boosting Female Founders Initiative (federal) provides grants from $25,000 to $480,000 for female-led startups scaling their business. State-based programs also provide targeted support for women entering business ownership.

What is the maximum amount I can receive from a startup grant? Non-repayable startup grants typically range from $2,000 to $25,000 for early-stage businesses. Advisory and incubator-related programs can provide funding of up to $500,000 for organisations supporting other startups. The amount you qualify for depends on your business type, stage, and the programs currently open in your state.

What startup grants are available in QLD? QLD startup programs include Advance Queensland for tech and innovation businesses, Business Basics grants for eligible new businesses, and the Self-Employment Assistance program for sole traders. QLD also has regional programs supporting agricultural startups. Call 1300-005-999 for current program availability.

Is there a government grant for indigenous startups in Australia? Yes. Indigenous Business Australia (IBA) provides business support and concessional finance specifically for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander entrepreneurs. First Australians Capital and the Indigenous Business Sector Strategy also provide targeted support. These programs are available regardless of trading history and have accessible eligibility criteria.

Programs open and close throughout the year. The information on this page reflects programs available or recently announced for 2026. For the most current program status and closing dates in your state, call 1300-005-999 or use the eligibility assessment tool above.