Top Small or Medium Business Grants for 2025: Funding Options You Could Be Eligible For

Starting and growing a small or medium business in Australia can be challenging, but with the right financial support, the journey can become easier. Small to medium business owners can take advantage of a range of grants and financial support options from both federal and state governments. These grants are designed to help businesses with everything from research and development to technology upgrades and sustainability initiatives.

If you’re looking for funding options in 2025, here’s a breakdown of some of the top grants you should consider applying for to support your business’s growth and innovation.

1. Research and Development (R&D) Tax Incentive
The R&D Tax Incentive is one of the most beneficial programs available for businesses looking to innovate and improve. It helps offset some of the costs involved in eligible research and development activities, making it a valuable resource for businesses investing in new products or processes.

  • Eligibility: Must be conducting eligible R&D activities in Australia.
  • Amount: The incentive can be up to 43.5% of eligible R&D expenditure, depending on the size of your business.
  • Apply Here: R&D Tax Incentive

2. CSIRO Kick-Start
For small businesses aiming to scale, the CSIRO Kick-Start program offers matched funding to help access CSIRO’s world-class research expertise. This grant helps businesses leverage cutting-edge science and technology to develop new products or services.

  • Eligibility: Businesses must be small or medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) with the potential for growth.
  • Amount: Up to $50,000 in matched funding for R&D services.
  • Apply Here: CSIRO Kick-Start

3. Innovate to Grow
The Innovate to Grow program is a free, 10-week initiative designed to assist small businesses in developing and advancing their R&D and innovation strategies. This program is ideal for businesses that are in the early stages of research or considering implementing new technologies or products.

  • Eligibility: Small to medium enterprises (SMEs) with a focus on R&D or innovation.
  • Amount: Free 10-week program.
  • Apply Here: Innovate to Grow’

4. Digital Jobs Program
The Digital Jobs Program offers small businesses the chance to host a digitally trained candidate for a 12-week, subsidised internship. This program is perfect for businesses looking to bring in digital skills without the high cost of hiring full-time employees.

  • Eligibility: Available to businesses in a range of sectors, particularly those looking to improve their digital capabilities.
  • Amount: Subsidised 12-week internship.
  • Apply Here: Digital Jobs Program

5. Advancing Renewables Program
For businesses involved in renewable energy technologies, the Advancing Renewables Program offers funding to support the development and commercialization of clean energy innovations. This grant is perfect for businesses looking to make an impact in the green energy sector.

  • Eligibility: Businesses working on renewable energy technologies.
  • Amount: Varies based on project scope and funding availability.
  • Apply Here: Advancing Renewables Program

6. Victorian Energy Upgrades
The Victorian Energy Upgrades program offers financial assistance to businesses seeking to reduce their energy consumption. This initiative supports the purchase and installation of energy-efficient equipment and upgrades, making it ideal for businesses looking to save money on their energy bills while reducing their carbon footprint.

  • Eligibility: Available to businesses in Victoria.
  • Amount: Discounts on energy-efficient products and services.
  • Apply Here: Victorian Energy Upgrades

7. City of Melbourne Grants
The City of Melbourne Grants support local businesses through a range of initiatives aimed at stimulating economic growth and job creation within the city. If your business is based in Melbourne, this is a great opportunity to receive financial assistance for projects that benefit the community and economy.

  • Eligibility: Must be located in Melbourne.
  • Amount: Varies depending on the program.
  • Apply Here: City of Melbourne Grants

8. Regional Jobs and Investment Packages
For businesses located outside major metropolitan areas, the Regional Jobs and Investment Packages provide funding to support projects that create jobs and improve regional economies. This program is perfect for businesses looking to make a positive impact in regional communities.

9. Small Business Technology Investment Boost
The Small Business Technology Investment Boost applies to eligible expenditure incurred 29 March 2022 and 30 June 2023.This means that thisgrant is only available for previous expenditure. It is designed to help small businesses invest in technology to improve their operations and digital capabilities.

  • Eligibility: Must be a small business with less than $50 million turnover for the income year in which you incurred the expenditure.
  • The expenditure must already be deductible for your business under taxation law.
  • Amount: 20% bonus deduction on eligible technology expenses.
  • Apply Here: Small Business Technology Investment Boost

10. Small Business Skills and Training Boost
The Small Business Skills and Training Boost is for eligible expenditure incurred from 29 March 2022 until 30 June 2024. This is to help small businesses with training and upskilling their workforce. With this boost, businesses can receive a bonus tax deduction for training new employees or improving the skills of their existing staff.

How to Stay Updated on Available Grants
To make sure you’re always in the know about the latest funding opportunities, subscribe to newsletters and grant assistance bodies. Here are some helpful resources to help you stay informed:

Conclusion
As a small or medium business owner, taking advantage of government grants and funding opportunities can significantly ease your financial burden and help you achieve your business goals. With a wide range of grants available for 2025, there’s never been a better time to invest in the future of your business. Make sure to review the eligibility requirements for each program and apply as soon as possible to secure the funding you need.

For more information and to check the full list of available grants, visit the official websites and sign up for relevant newsletters to stay updated on the latest opportunities. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to reach out to your Highview accountant. We’re here to help!

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