💡 Federal Government Grants for Small Business in Australia
- 1pawellukas
- Nov 1, 2025
- 2 min read
Running a small business is no small feat — every dollar counts. The good news? The Australian Government offers several grants and programs designed to support small businesses with innovation, growth, and expansion.
But before diving in, here’s the truth: grants aren’t “free money.” They usually come with specific eligibility rules, reporting requirements, and deadlines. Still, if your business (or your client’s) fits the criteria, they can provide a real boost.
🔍 Key Federal Grants Worth Knowing
1️⃣ Research & Development (R&D) Tax Incentive
Encourages innovation by offering a refundable tax offset (up to 43.5%) for eligible R&D activities. Great for businesses developing new products or processes.
2️⃣ Export Market Development Grant (EMDG)
Helps businesses expand overseas by reimbursing a portion of eligible export marketing costs.
3️⃣ Industry Growth Program
Provides advice and funding for startups and SMEs commercialising innovative products and services — part of a $392 million federal initiative.
4️⃣ Business.gov.au Grant Finder
The official portal to search all available grants, including state and local programs. You can filter by industry, location, and business stage:
💼 What It Means for Small Business Owners
Be strategic. Focus on grants that align with your business goals — not every program will suit you.
Get your records in order. Good bookkeeping, clear budgets, and accurate reporting make the process smoother (and improve your chances).
Plan ahead. Most grants require time to apply, co-funding, and proof of outcomes — don’t expect overnight results.
⚓ A Bookkeeper’s Perspective
At Harbourlight Ledgers, we help small businesses stay organised and financially confident. If you or your clients are exploring government funding options, good bookkeeping can make all the difference — from tracking eligible expenses to preparing financial statements that meet grant requirements.
If you’d like help keeping your books in shape for future grant opportunities, reach out:
📞 +61 3 9352 7821
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