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Top Small Business Grants for 2025: Easy Funding Options
Looking for small business grants? This guide covers the top funding options available in 2025 and explains the application process for each.
Key Takeaways
Various government and private grants are available to support small businesses in areas like growth, innovation, and export activities.
Programs such as the Business Victoria Grants and Export Market Development Grants (EMDG) provide essential financial assistance tailored to specific business needs.
Mental health support programs, like NewAccess for Small Business Owners, emphasise the importance of well-being for entrepreneurs, contributing to their resilience and business success.
Government Support Programs for Small Businesses
Government support programs provide a crucial backbone for Victorian businesses and small businesses, offering financial assistance to help them thrive. In Victoria, tools like the Victorian Chamber Grant Finder and the guided search tool on the Australian Government’s website are invaluable for identifying grants and determining eligibility. These grants cover a broad spectrum, from business growth and innovation to export activities and workforce wellbeing.
Daily updates for Victorian Chamber members make it easier to stay informed about available grants. Here are some key government grants for small businesses.
Business Victoria Grants
Business Victoria grants are tailored to bolster small businesses within the state, offering financial assistance and guidance on various business grants programs. Whether you’re looking to enhance your operations or expand your market reach, Business Victoria provides a range of funding options to suit your needs.
The application process is straightforward, with specific steps outlined for each grant program. For more detailed information, you can visit their website or contact the Business Victoria Hotline at 13 22 15.
Victorian Business Growth Fund
The Victorian Business Growth Fund is a beacon of support for SMEs aiming for significant expansion. Launched in February 2015, this fund offers grants ranging from $50,000 to $5 million, depending on the project’s scope and potential impact. It’s particularly focused on businesses ready to scale up and make a substantial contribution to the local economy.
Partnering with investors, this fund helps businesses secure the capital needed for growth.
Export Market Development Grants (EMDG)
The Export Market Development Grants (EMDG) program is a cornerstone for Australian SMEs looking to expand their presence in international markets. Administered by Austrade, the EMDG program provides financial support to help businesses offset the costs of promoting their products and services overseas. Each year, over 5000 Australian SMEs benefit from this program, making it a vital resource for businesses aiming to grow their exports.
Whether you’re a medium enterprise or a start-up, the EMDG can be instrumental in helping you navigate international markets.
Innovation and Research Funding
Innovation is the lifeblood of business growth, and several grants are available to support SMEs with innovative projects. The Victorian Government, through Business Victoria, supports Victorian SMEs ready to take advantage of a myriad of funding options tailored to various stages of business development.
These grants are designed to foster innovation, support commercialisation, and drive industry growth. Let’s explore some key programs grants that can help your business harness innovation and research opportunities.
CSIRO Kick-Start Program
By partnering with CSIRO, businesses can leverage world-class research capabilities to access CSIRO’s research expertise and accelerate their growth and stay ahead of the competition.
The CSIRO Kick-Start Program is specifically designed to help start-ups and SMEs access CSIRO’s research expertise through matched funding. This program provides financial assistance for businesses looking to innovate and develop new products or processes, allowing them to access CSIRO’s research expertise.
Innovate to Grow
Innovate to Grow is a structured 10-week initiative aimed at helping SMEs identify and pursue research and development opportunities. This complimentary program provides a comprehensive exploration of R&D possibilities, supporting businesses in their quest for innovation as a global innovation hub.
Participation in this program allows small to medium enterprises to gain valuable insights and develop strategies to expand operations and enhance their competitive edge.
Research and Development Tax Incentive
The Research and Development Tax Incentive is a government initiative designed to reduce the financial burden on companies engaging in eligible R&D activities. This tax incentive program provides significant tax benefits, helping businesses offset the costs associated with research and development. Alleviating these expenses encourages businesses to invest in R&D, driving innovation and growth.
Digital Solutions and Technology Grants
In today’s digital era, integrating technology into your business operations is crucial for staying competitive. Various grants are available to help small businesses enhance their digital capabilities and adopt new technologies. From improving digital efficiency to implementing advanced technology solutions, these grants can significantly boost your business growth.
Let’s look at some of the key programs available.
ASBAS Digital Solutions
The ASBAS Digital Solutions program is designed for small businesses with fewer than 20 employees, offering tailored digital advice and support. Through a combination of free workshops and paid one-on-one advisory sessions, businesses can receive personalised guidance on implementing digital tools and strategies.
This program is a valuable resource for businesses looking to enhance their digital presence and operational efficiency.
Digital Solutions - Australian Small Business Advisory Services Round 1
The first round of the Digital Solutions program focused on enhancing digital efficiency and supporting business growth through expert advice. This program provided up to four hours of one-on-one digital consultancy at a minimal cost, covering areas such as online marketing, cybersecurity, and business software.
By participating, small businesses could significantly improve their digital capabilities and drive growth.
Export Finance and Support Services
Exporting can open up new markets and growth opportunities for small businesses. The Australian Trade and Investment Commission (Austrade) offers various financial assistance programs to support export activities. These programs provide essential funding and services to help businesses navigate the complexities of international trade.
Here are some key options available for export finance and support.
Export Finance Australia
Export Finance Australia provides tailored export finance solutions for Australian businesses. These solutions include loans, bonds, and guarantees designed to meet the specific needs of small to medium export businesses. This financial support helps businesses manage export risks and seize global opportunities.
Small Business Export Loan
The Small Business Export Loan is designed to meet the unique requirements of small businesses seeking to export, offering loan amounts ranging from $20,000 to $350,000 without requiring property security. This financial assistance can help businesses cover the costs of exporting and expand their market reach, thereby fostering growth and international competitiveness.
Tradex Scheme
The Tradex Scheme offers an upfront exemption from customs duty and GST for eligible goods imported into Australia, provided they are later exported. This program helps businesses manage cash flow more effectively by reducing upfront costs associated with importing goods for export.
Participating in the Tradex Scheme can significantly enhance the financial sustainability of export activities.
Energy Efficiency and Sustainability Grants
Adopting energy-efficient practices and sustainability measures can greatly benefit small businesses by reducing operational costs and promoting environmental responsibility. Various grants are available to support businesses in making these crucial upgrades.
These grants aim to enhance energy efficiency and encourage the adoption of sustainable practices, contributing to long-term business success and environmental stewardship.
Victorian Energy Upgrades
The Victorian Energy Upgrades program provides discounts on energy-saving products and services, offering significant financial incentives for businesses to adopt energy-efficient technologies. This program helps businesses lower operational costs and contribute to a sustainable future.
The program supports a wide range of energy-efficient upgrades, making it easier for businesses to implement green solutions.
Advancing Renewables Program
The Advancing Renewables Program encourages the development and implementation of renewable energy technologies by offering comprehensive funding options. Grants ranging from $100,000 to $50 million are available to support projects that advance renewable energy solutions.
This program aims to boost investment and innovation in the renewable energy sector, fostering a sustainable energy future.
Employment and Training Support
Investing in your workforce is key to business growth, and various grants are available to support hiring, training, and retaining employees. The Victorian government offers multiple programs designed to enhance workforce capabilities and address skills gaps. These initiatives provide financial assistance and incentives to help businesses build a skilled and capable workforce.
Wage Subsidies
Wage subsidies are a powerful tool for small businesses looking to hire and retain employees. The Wage Subsidy Scheme provides financial assistance to employers who hire job seekers from Disability Employment Services, helping to integrate diverse talents into the workforce.
Additionally, the Apprenticeship Wage Subsidy supports businesses financially when they hire and train apprentices, fostering skill development and growth. Programs like Launch into Work encourage businesses to recruit new staff through funded pre-employment projects, providing a pathway for job seekers to gain meaningful employment.
Skills Training Boost
The Small Business Skills and Training Boost is designed to provide financial assistance for training and upskilling employees. This program offers a bonus tax deduction for businesses training new or existing staff, making it an attractive option for enhancing workforce capabilities.
Skills Solutions Partnerships also play a crucial role, facilitating collaboration between government and educational institutions to address workforce skills gaps. These initiatives are essential for supporting the growth and development of small businesses through targeted training and skills enhancement.
Disaster Relief and Recovery Grants
Natural disasters can have devastating effects on small businesses, but various grants and programs are available to provide financial assistance and support recovery efforts. These grants are designed to help businesses recover from the impacts of natural catastrophes, ensuring they can rebuild and continue operations.
Let’s explore some of the key disaster relief and recovery grants available to small businesses.
Bushfire Clean-up Program
The Bushfire Clean-up Program offers complimentary clean-up services for businesses affected by bushfires. This program includes the free removal of debris and other clean-up services, providing much-needed support to businesses in the aftermath of a bushfire.
Additionally, the program offers up to $50,000 for clean-up and reinstatement costs, helping businesses get back on their feet.
Disaster Assist
Disaster Assist provides comprehensive support for businesses affected by natural disasters, offering various forms of financial aid to help them recover. This program helps businesses navigate the financial challenges post-disaster, ensuring they have the resources needed to rebuild and continue operations.
Disaster Assist provides financial backing, playing a crucial role in business recovery efforts post-natural catastrophes.
First Nations Business Support
Supporting First Nations businesses is vital for fostering economic growth and community development. Various grants and programs are available to help Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander businesses launch and grow. These initiatives provide financial assistance and support services tailored to the unique needs of First Nations entrepreneurs.
Here are some key programs supporting First Nations businesses.
Indigenous Business Australia Grants
Indigenous Business Australia offers grants designed to support Indigenous businesses in achieving sustainable growth and enhancing their economic opportunities. These grants cover business development, expansion projects, and operational costs for eligible Indigenous enterprises.
To qualify, businesses typically need to be at least 50% Indigenous-owned and meet specific criteria related to their operations and potential impact. The application process is straightforward, involving the submission of an online application form and supporting documentation.
First Nations Business Growth Program
The First Nations Business Growth Program is dedicated to the scaling and development of Indigenous-owned businesses. This program provides support for business expansion, helping Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander enterprises enhance their capabilities and market reach.
This program contributes to the economic empowerment of First Nations communities by facilitating the growth of Indigenous-owned businesses.
Wellbeing and Mental Health Support
Running a small business can be incredibly stressful, making mental health support essential for business owners. Programs like Partners in Wellbeing offer confidential support, including mental health coaching and financial counseling, to help business owners navigate their challenges.
Ensuring the mental wellbeing of small business owners is crucial for their overall resilience and business success. Let’s explore one of the key programs available for mental health support.
NewAccess for Small Business Owners
NewAccess is a free mental health coaching service tailored specifically for small business owners. This program offers personalised support from coaches familiar with the unique challenges of running a small business, employing Low-intensity Cognitive Behavioural Therapy techniques to help manage stress and overcome operational hurdles.
Feedback indicates that around 70% of participants experience a significant decrease in anxiety and depressive symptoms after completing the program.
Other Funding Options
Tax Incentives
Tax incentives are a powerful tool for small businesses looking to reduce their tax liabilities and reinvest savings into growth. The Australian government offers several tax incentives designed to support small businesses:
Small Business Income Tax Offset: This incentive provides a tax offset of up to $1,000 for unincorporated small businesses, helping to ease the financial burden and improve cash flow.
Backing Business Investment – Accelerated Depreciation: This program allows businesses to claim depreciation on new business assets at a faster rate, providing immediate tax relief and encouraging investment in new equipment and technology.
Small Business Technology Investment Boost: Offering a 20% bonus deduction on technology expenditure, this incentive supports businesses in adopting new technologies, enhancing their digital capabilities, and staying competitive.
Small Business Skills and Training Boost: This initiative provides a bonus tax deduction for businesses investing in training new staff and upskilling existing employees, fostering a more skilled and capable workforce.
These tax incentives are designed to provide financial relief and encourage investment in key areas, ultimately supporting the growth and sustainability of small businesses.
Bond Facilities
For small to medium export businesses, securing export contracts can be a significant challenge. Export Finance Australia offers bond facilities to help businesses overcome this hurdle. These facilities provide the necessary security for export contracts, ensuring that businesses can confidently enter into international agreements.
Bond facilities can include performance bonds, advance payment bonds, and warranty bonds, each tailored to meet the specific needs of export businesses. By providing this financial security, Export Finance Australia helps businesses manage export risks and seize global opportunities, fostering growth and international competitiveness.
Landing Pads
The Australian government’s Landing Pads program offers an invaluable opportunity for start-ups looking to expand their global footprint. Landing Pads provide start-ups with a workspace for up to 90 days in some of the world’s most dynamic innovation hubs, including the United States, the United Kingdom, and Singapore.
These Landing Pads offer more than just office space; they provide access to coaching, investors, customers, training, and networking events. This comprehensive support helps start-ups accelerate their growth, refine their business models, and establish a presence in new markets. By participating in the Landing Pads program, start-ups can gain a competitive edge and connect with key players in the global innovation ecosystem.
How to Apply for Grants
Applying for grants can be a complex process, but with the right approach, small businesses can increase their chances of success. Here are some essential tips to guide you through the application process:
Research Available Grants: Start by identifying the grants that are most relevant to your business. Utilise online resources such as the Australian Government’s Grant Finder tool or the Victorian Chamber of Commerce and Industry’s Grant Finder tool to find grants that match your needs.
Check Eligibility: Before applying, ensure that you meet the eligibility criteria for the grant. Each grant has specific requirements, so it’s crucial to read the guidelines carefully to avoid wasting time on ineligible applications.
Prepare a Strong Application: A compelling application is key to securing a grant. Make sure your application includes a clear and concise business plan, a detailed budget, and a persuasive case for why your business needs the grant. Highlight how the funding will help you achieve your business goals and contribute to the broader community or industry.
Submit Your Application: Once your application is ready, submit it before the deadline. Double-check that you have included all required documents and information to avoid any delays or disqualifications.
Follow Up: After submitting your application, follow up with the grant provider to confirm receipt and inquire about the status of your application. This shows your commitment and can provide valuable feedback on your application.
By following these steps, small businesses can navigate the grant application process more effectively and increase their chances of securing the funding they need to grow and succeed.
Summary
In 2025, a myriad of business grants and support programs are available to help small businesses thrive. From government support programs and innovation funding to digital solutions and disaster recovery, these grants provide essential financial assistance and resources. By leveraging these opportunities, small businesses can enhance their operations, drive growth, and ensure long-term success. Don’t miss out on these valuable resources; explore the options available and take the necessary steps to secure funding for your business today.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the key types of business grants available in 2025?
In 2025, key types of business grants include government support programs, innovation funding, technology grants, export assistance, sustainability grants, employment training support, disaster recovery aid, and First Nations business support. These opportunities can significantly enhance your business’s growth and development.
How can I find grants for my small business?
You can find grants for your small business by utilising tools like the Victorian Chamber Grant Finder and the Australian Government’s guided search tool to identify and assess your eligibility for different programs.
What is the Victorian Business Growth Fund?
The Victorian Business Growth Fund offers grants between $50,000 and $5 million to support small and medium enterprises (SMEs) focused on substantial growth and development. This funding is designed to help businesses achieve their expansion goals.
What support is available for businesses affected by natural disasters?
Various programs, such as the Bushfire Clean-up Program and Disaster Assist, provide financial aid and support services to assist businesses in recovering from natural disasters. Engaging with these resources can significantly aid in the recovery process.
Are there any mental health support programs for small business owners?
Yes, there are mental health support programs for small business owners, such as NewAccess, which offers free coaching services to help manage stress and operational challenges effectively.
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