Key Takeaways of Government Grants for Small Businesses in NSW
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Minimum Viable Product (MVP) Ventures Grant
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The MVP Ventures Program supports NSW startups and SMEs with grants between $25,000 and $50,000 to drive the commercialisation of innovative products and processes.
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High-emitting Industries Grants
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This program offers up to $305M in grants to assist high-emitting manufacturing and mining facilities in NSW with decarbonisation projects, aiming for significant emissions reductions by 2030.
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Natural Hazards Technology Program
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This is a competitive grant offering $10,000 to $250,000 for NSW businesses to innovate in preparedness and response to natural hazards while enhancing collaboration with NSW agencies.
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Metering Plan Implementation Grants
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This New South Wales grant provides up to $100,000 to cover 50% of the costs of installing an energy metering and monitoring system. It is designed to improve energy performance and support NSW businesses’ net zero emissions objectives.
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Drought Infrastructure Fund
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This program offers low-interest loans of up to $1 million to support NSW farmers in investing in permanent on-farm infrastructure for long-term sustainability and productivity.
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Small businesses account for over 90% of all businesses in New South Wales (NSW) and the NSW government has made commitments to support the small business sector. If you’re running a business in NSW, there are several ongoing government grants you could be eligible for, depending on your industry, location and business growth stage.
Minimum Viable Product (MVP) Ventures Grant
The MVP Ventures Program is designed to support startups and innovative SMEs in NSW during the crucial phase between early-stage research and mature investment opportunities. With grants ranging from $25,000 to $50,000, the program aims to drive the commercialisation of highly innovative products and processes. The NSW Government commits up to $3 million annually to this program until 2027. So, even if you’ve already received a grant from this program, you can reapply for additional funding to progress further along the Technology Readiness Level (TRL) scale.
How to apply for this grant
Your new business can apply if it has an ABN, is non-tax exempt, is headquartered in NSW, and is a company incorporated in Australia or an incorporated trustee on behalf of a trust. Your company must hold intellectual property or rights to commercialise, with an aggregated turnover of less than $1 million for the past three financial years and no more than 20 full-time employees. Projects eligible for funding should relate to the commercialisation of a product or process. Visit MVP Ventures 2023-2024 for the full list of requirements.
High-emitting Industries Grants
The High-emitting Industries Grant program is designed to support high-emitting manufacturing and mining facilities in New South Wales in their efforts to develop and deploy decarbonisation projects. Offering up to $305M in grants, this initiative aims to assist these facilities from the feasibility study phase to commissioning to help them achieve significant and sustained emissions reductions by 2030. This aligns with NSW’s target of reaching net zero emissions by 2050. The program focuses on three main objectives: championing decarbonisation in such industries, accelerating decarbonisation projects & ensuring the industries thrive in a low-carbon economy.
How to apply for this grant
Eligible applicants for this program include NSW-based high-emitting manufacturing and mining facilities that emit more than 0.09 MtCO2e per year. The funding supports both pre-deployment projects, such as late-stage feasibility studies and business case development, and deployment projects that implement decarbonisation opportunities focusing on scope 1 emissions reduction. The application process involves a two-stage procedure, starting with submitting an online application form and getting reviewed against eligibility and merit criteria. Learn more by visiting High-emitting Industries Grants’ official page.
Natural Hazards Technology Program
Some government grants for small businesses in NSW are aligned with the state’s commitment to better management of natural hazards. One of which is the Natural Hazards Technology Program. This is a competitive grant designed to fast-track innovation and adoption of any technology focused on enhancing preparedness and response to natural hazards. Providing grant amounts from $10,000 to $250,000, this program enables innovative NSW businesses to field-test their technologies with NSW agencies, helping to refine products, build relationships, and increase future collaboration opportunities.
How to apply for this grant
Eligible applicants must have an ABN, be non-tax exempt, be headquartered in NSW, and hold the rights to commercialise the technology. The grant covers various project types, including technology build-out, pilot training and data management. Feel free to check out the NSW Natural Hazards Technology Program’s page on the NSW website for more information.
Metering Plan Implementation Grants
The Metering Plan Implementation Grants offer up to $100,000 to cover up to 50% of energy metering and monitoring system installation work for businesses in New South Wales. With this initiative, businesses can improve energy performance, prepare and verify their emissions reduction projects, acquire data for informed investment decisions, and enjoy the other benefits of energy metering.
How to apply for this grant
To qualify for this grant, your business must have an energy metering & monitoring plan of no more than three years old, an ABN, be registered for GST, and the project must be at a NSW site address with a minimum annual energy expenditure of $200,000. Applications are open for one grant per site, with a maximum of three grants per business, provided the sites operate in different industry classification subdivisions. Learn more about the requirements and application process for the Metering Plan Implementation Grants Round 1 today.
Drought Infrastructure Fund
Unlike other government grants for new small businesses in NSW, the Drought Infrastructure Fund (DIF) offers financial support through low-interest loans.
Previously known as the Farm Innovation Fund, DIF is designed to support NSW farmers by offering low-interest loans of up to $1 million. These loans aim to encourage investment in permanent on-farm infrastructure to ensure long-term sustainability and improve farm productivity. With enough funding, local farmers can adapt to changing seasonal conditions for sustained productivity and land use.
How to apply for this grant
Eligible producers in NSW can apply for this fund if they are the owner or operator of a farm business, operate as a sole trader, partnership, trust, or private company trading agricultural products, and earn more than 50% of their gross income from primary production under normal circumstances. Applicants must not have gross off-farm assets exceeding $5 million. The application requires the last three years’ tax returns, financial statements, a listing of assets and liabilities, Local Government Area rates notice, and, if applicable, Local Land Service rates notice. Additionally, a Farm Business Resilience Plan and other specific documents might be required. Applications are ongoing; learn more through the DIF page.
Maximise Grants to Propel Your Business Forward
Fund your business growth with available New South Wales grants. Feel free to check back on this page or visit the NSW’s grants and funding page for updates on ongoing grant applications. If you need further help funding your business expansion or new investment, don’t hesitate to reach out to Dark Horse Financial.
