Finding the right grant can feel overwhelming when you don’t know where to start, so we’ve pulled together a quick guide to some of the key funding programs available in 2026 for Canberra businesses.
Provides financial support for workplace modifications, equipment, Auslan services and other assistance for people with disability or mental health conditions.
Funding: Varies depending on support required
General Eligibility:
More Info: Employment Assistance Fund (EAF)
Financial incentives available to eligible employers who hire certain job seekers, including people with disability, young people and the long-term unemployed.
Funding: Up to $10,000
General Eligibility:
More Info: Wage Subsidies
Supports innovative small and medium businesses undertaking commercialisation and growth projects aligned with priority sectors.
Funding: $50,000 to $5.25 million (matched grants available)
General Eligibility:
More Info: Industry Growth Program
Matched funding to help start-ups and SMEs access CSIRO expertise for research and development.
Funding: $10,000 to $50,000 (matched)
General Eligibility:
More Info: CSIRO Kick-Start
Supports SMEs to build sovereign capability, competitiveness and technical superiority.
Funding: $100,000 to $1 million (depending on stream)
General Eligibility:
Closes: 28 February 2026 (varies by stream)
More Info: Defence Industry Development Grants Program
Supports renewable energy and low-emissions technologies contributing to Australia’s net zero transition.
Funding: Varies depending on stream.
General Eligibility:
More Info: Future Made in Australia Innovation Fund
Helps growers access business development services and financial relief.
Funding: Up to $10,000
General Eligibility:
Closes: 6 March 2026
More Info: Green Shoots Program (Bunnings)
Provides refunds of customs duty on imported goods that are later exported.
Funding: Refund of eligible customs duty.
General Eligibility:
More Info: Duty Drawback Scheme
Provides tailored support to Australian technology companies looking to expand into global markets, including advice, connections and in-market expertise.
Funding: Non-grant support program.
General Eligibility:
More Info: Landing Pads
Reduces red tape at the border and improves trade certainty for accredited businesses.
Funding: Not a grant (accreditation program)
General Eligibility:
More Info: Australian Trusted Trader
Up to 4 hours of free tailored business advice for new and established Canberra businesses.
Support includes:
General Eligibility:
More Info: Canberra Business Advice and Support Service
If one of these programs looks like a good fit, don’t wait. Review the detailed criteria, confirm the closing dates and start preparing your application early. With the right preparation and alignment, these funding streams can provide meaningful support to help your business grow, innovate or expand into new markets.
Source: Canberra Business and Community Grants Bulletin
Compiled & Edited by: Tailored Account
2025 was a big year for workplace law changes, and many of them directly affect how you pay, manage and communicate with your employees. If you run a small or medium-sized business, staying across these updates is essential to managing risk and running your business with confidence.
Below is a practical summary of the key workplace law changes introduced in 2025, and what they mean for your business heading into 2026.
After a long break, coming back to work in January can make the pressure points stand out. It’s easier to identify the patterns: decisions that take too long, jobs that create constant interruptions, and weeks that fill up without moving the business forward.
A genuine reset is not about doing more. It is about clearing what is getting in the way, tightening your choices, and setting up the year to run with less strain.
Here are seven realistic ways to reset your business for the year ahead.
A major change to Australia’s superannuation system is coming, and it will directly affect how small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) manage payroll.
From 1 July 2026, employers will be required to pay their employees’ superannuation guarantee (SG) at the same time as salary and wages. This reform, known as Payday Super, is designed to reduce unpaid super, improve transparency and strengthen employees’ retirement savings.
