How to Check if Your Business is Eligible for Government Grants

Government grants can be a valuable boost for small businesses — helping fund growth, innovation, training, or recovery from unexpected events. But with so many programs available, it’s not always obvious whether your business qualifies. Here’s a simple process to find and check grants you may be eligible for.

1. Search for Grants Relevant to Your Business

Start by seeing what’s actually out there. Use official tools to avoid scams and get accurate, up-to-date information:

• business.gov.au – Grants and Programs Finder

• Your state or territory government’s business website (e.g. Service NSW)

• Local council business support pages

The business.gov.au search tool lets you filter by location, industry, and funding type so you can quickly spot programs that might be a match.

2. Understand the Purpose of the Grant

Once you’ve found a program, read its objectives carefully. Grants are designed for specific purposes, such as:

• Supporting innovation or new technology

• Encouraging export and trade opportunities

• Promoting sustainability or environmental initiatives

• Helping businesses recover from disasters or downturns

• Funding skills development and training

If your project or business activities don’t align with the grant’s goals, it’s unlikely you’ll be approved.

3. Check the Basic Eligibility Criteria

Most grant programs set minimum requirements around:

• Business type – Sole trader, partnership, company, or trust

• Industry sector – Certain industries may be prioritised or excluded

• Location – Some grants are available only in specific regions or council areas

• Business size – Measured by annual turnover, employee numbers, or both

• ABN registration – You’ll almost always need an active ABN

  
  

4. Review the Project or Activity Requirements

Many grants fund only specific activities, such as:

• Purchasing equipment or technology

• Undertaking research and development

• Hiring or training staff

• Marketing to new export markets

• Improving sustainability practices

Your planned project must fit within these guidelines - and you should be ready to explain how it will deliver the outcomes the grant is designed to achieve.

5. Look for Financial or Co-Funding Obligations

Some grants require you to contribute your own funds, known as co-funding or matched funding. Example: A 50% co-funding requirement on a $20,000 project means you’ll need to contribute $10,000 of your own money to receive $10,000 from the grant.

6. Gather the Necessary Documentation

You may need to provide:

• A business plan or project plan

• Financial statements

• Cash flow forecasts

• Quotes from suppliers

• Licences or permits

Having these documents ready will make your application process smoother and strengthen your case.

7. Get Professional Advice

An accountant or business advisor can:

• Confirm whether you meet all eligibility requirements

• Help prepare the necessary financial information

• Ensure your application meets compliance and reporting rules

Final Thoughts

Start by finding the grants that could apply to you, then work through the eligibility checklist to confirm whether you qualify. By matching your business and project to the grant’s purpose and preparing the required documentation, you can give your application the best chance of success.

If you’d like, we can help you identify suitable grants and guide you through the application process from start to finish.