Finding the right grant can feel overwhelming, so we’ve pulled together a quick guide to some of the main funding programs available this year.
Supports small and medium businesses developing innovative products or services in priority sectors.
Apply Here: Grants Portal
More Information: Industry Growth Program
Provides long-term capital and strategic support to businesses ready to scale.
$5-$15million of capital into your growth-ready business for a minority stake of up to 49%.
Apply Here: Australian Business Growth Fund
More Information: abgf.com.au
Funds local ventures with bold ideas and strong growth potential. Launching mid-2025.
To be confirmed.
Apply Here: Activate Capital
Matched funding for R&D projects with CSIRO.
$10,000–$50,000 (matched)
Apply Here: Submit an Expression of Interest
More Information: CSIRO Kick-Start
Supports early-stage businesses in Canberra to turn ideas into market-ready solutions.
$10,000–$30,000 (matched)
Apply Here: Submit an Expression of Interest
More Information: ICON Grant
*Note: Expressions of Interest for the current round close at 5pm on 10 April 2025. This is a bi-annual program, so future opportunities will be available.
Supports eligible innovators and entrepreneurs in developing and improving their first working product using expert guidance and professional equipment.
Up to $10,000 in vouchers to use at professional prototyping facilities and makerspaces.
Apply Here: Submit an Expression of Interest
More Information: ACT Prototyping Voucher Pilot
Provides government financial support to employers and apprentices, with a strong focus on priority occupations.
Primary Eligibility Criteria
Incentives for hiring apprentices in high-demand occupations.
Funding: Up to $5,000 in the first year
Eligibility:
Reimburses some or all of the cost of Group Training Organisation (GTO) services for SMEs hosting an Australian Apprentice in a Priority List occupation.
Funding: $100/week (up to $5,200 annually)
Eligibility:
Wage assistance for businesses hiring apprentices with disability.
Funding: $104.30 per week
Eligibility:
Payment to support apprentices in Priority List occupations and qualifications.
Funding: Up to $5,000 (over 4 installments)
Eligibility:
Supports apprentices in clean energy occupations.
Funding: Up to $10,000 (full-time) or $5,000 (part-time) over life of apprenticeship
Eligibility:
Income-contingent loans to support apprentices’ living costs during training
Funding: Up to $25,374 in 2024–25
Eligibility:
Allowance for apprentices who must move away from home to undertake an apprenticeship
Funding:
Eligibility:
Apply Here: Through an Apprenticeship Support Network provider
More Information: Incentive Guidelines
Provides government financial support to employers and apprentices, with a strong focus on priority occupations.
Primary Eligibility Criteria
Incentives for hiring apprentices in high-demand occupations.
Funding: Up to $5,000 in the first year
Eligibility:
Reimburses some or all of the cost of Group Training Organisation (GTO) services for SMEs hosting an Australian Apprentice in a Priority List occupation.
Funding: $100/week (up to $5,200 annually)
Eligibility:
Wage assistance for businesses hiring apprentices with disability.
Funding: $104.30 per week
Eligibility:
Payment to support apprentices in Priority List occupations and qualifications.
Funding: Up to $5,000 (over 4 installments)
Eligibility:
Supports apprentices in clean energy occupations.
Funding: Up to $10,000 (full-time) or $5,000 (part-time) over life of apprenticeship
Eligibility:
Income-contingent loans to support apprentices’ living costs during training
Funding: Up to $25,374 in 2024–25
Eligibility:
Allowance for apprentices who must move away from home to undertake an apprenticeship
Funding:
Eligibility:
Apply Here: Through an Apprenticeship Support Network provider
More Information: Incentive Guidelines
To support demonstration and deployment of heavy vehicles, charging solutions and other innovation supporting uptake of BEVs.
Minimum $500,000
Apply Here: ARENA
More Information: Driving the Nation
The Fund provides up to $17 million over five years in flexible, early-stage grants for energy innovation projects.
Primary Eligibility Criteria
Support energy innovation projects, through technology research, development and demonstrations, contributing to the ACT’s energy transformation as well as potential for export.
Funding: $50,000 to $1 million (excl. GST)
Requirements:
Apply: SmartyGrants (Open all year)
Funds innovative solutions to key policy challenges the ACT faces in accelerating the energy transition.
Funding: $20,000–$500,000 per project (excl. GST)
Eligibility:
Apply: SmartyGrants (Based on annual themes)
Funding: $30,000–$300,000 (excl. GST)
Eligibility:
Apply: SmartyGrants (Open all year)
More Information: Energy Innovation Fund, Energy Innovation Fund Grant Guidelines
Source: Tailored Accounts
With a federal election looming, this year’s budget is all about offering relief where it’s needed most — from cheaper power bills and student debt cuts to tax relief and child care support. It’s packed with big headlines and small print, but we’ve cut through the noise to highlight who’s winning, who’s waiting, and who’s missing out.
With the end of the financial year approaching, small business owners should be aware of important tax changes and compliance updates on the horizon. From superannuation adjustments to shifts in GST reporting, these developments could significantly affect your business’s cash flow and obligations.
Here’s what you need to know to remain compliant, avoid unexpected costs, and position your business for ongoing success.
Improving your business’s profitability isn’t just about cutting costs — it’s about identifying areas where money can be saved without compromising quality or efficiency. A strategic approach to cost control can lead to sustainable savings and keep your business competitive in the long term.
