Most government assistance for small business is in the form of free or low-cost advisory services, information or guidance.

You may be eligible for a government grant in certain circumstances, such as research and development, capability building for specific events, innovation or exporting. Each grant will have eligibility criteria you need to meet in order to apply. In some situations, these grants may be offered on a matched funding basis.

Where to find government grant opportunities

You can search a full database of federal, state and local government grants using the Business.gov.au online grant finder, or for federal government grants only visit the GrantConnect website. Both are a free service.

Read our frequently asked questions about government grants to find out more about the grants available to start or run a business.

How to apply for government grants

Many government grants are assessed on a competitive basis, so it’s important to not only meet the eligibility criteria but also demonstrate the outcomes and benefits the funding will provide. (This could include job creation, a reduction in landfill, or a percentage of revenue growth for your business.)

Read our expert’s guide to grant funding for an overview of the grants application process, including insights into the information and documentation you’ll need to provide.