Australia has a robust ecosystem of government funding designed to help businesses grow, innovate, export, and commercialise. Yet many founders and business leaders don’t know what’s available — or assume they’re not eligible.
Whether you’re an early-stage startup, a scaling SME, or an established business exploring new markets or technologies, understanding the innovation funding landscape can unlock significant non-dilutive capital.
In this post, we break down the main categories of government grants, what they support, and how to start identifying opportunities relevant to your goals.
🧭 What Types of Government Grants Are Available?
Australia’s government funding system is diverse — spanning federal, state, and even local initiatives. While programs come and go, most fall into a few major categories:
- Research & Development (R&D) Support
- R&D Tax Incentive (RDTI) – A refundable or non-refundable tax offset for eligible R&D activities (covered in Week 1).
- CRC Projects Grants – Fund industry-led collaborations with researchers and universities.
- Commercialisation & Product Development
- Industry Growth Program (IGP) – Helps SMEs bring novel products or services to market.
- Venture Capital Limited Partnerships (VCLP) – Tax benefits for investors backing innovative businesses.
- Manufacturing & Industry Capability
- Defence Industry Development Grants Program– Support for defence-aligned innovation and infrastructure.
- Exporting & Global Growth
- Export Market Development Grant (EMDG) – Reimbursement of costs for promoting your business internationally.
- Austrade Landing Pads – Support for entering key overseas markets.
- Sustainability & Clean Tech
- ARENA Grants – Funding for renewable energy innovation and trials.
- CEFC Co-financing – Supports clean energy infrastructure and low-emissions tech.
🔍 How to Know What’s Right for You
Each grant has its own purpose, criteria, and timing — but most share a few common features:
✅ A clear business or project objective (e.g., R&D, expansion, collaboration)
✅ Eligibility based on sector, stage, or innovation focus
✅ A competitive process, requiring strong applications and documentation
At Noah Connect, we guide businesses through a “grant readiness” assessment, matching your goals with the right funding vehicle — and helping you plan and prepare across the year.
💡 Pro Tip: Think Strategy, Not Just Funding
Too often, grants are approached reactively — a scramble to apply before a deadline. But the most successful businesses integrate government support into their strategic roadmap.
This includes:
- Aligning project milestones with likely funding rounds
- Building relationships with partners, researchers, or collaborators early
- Maintaining strong documentation and financial hygiene to de-risk applications
Used correctly, grants aren’t just a cash boost — they’re a catalyst for scale, credibility, and access to new partnerships.
🚀 What’s Next?
Over the coming weeks, we’ll deep-dive into specific areas about the RDTI and grants. Next up:
The 3 Most Common Mistakes in R&D Tax Claims
👋 Need Help Navigating Grants?
Whether you’re just getting started or looking to scale your funding strategy, Noah Connect is here to help. Our team specialises in identifying the right grant pathways, preparing successful applications, and supporting long-term funding strategies.
📩 Let’s chat — book a free consultation here.
