R&D Tax and Grants

SME Grants Snapshot: A National and State-by-State Guide

Securing the right funding can be a game-changer for small and medium businesses, whether you’re innovating, expanding overseas, hiring staff or simply keeping cash flow healthy. The good news is there’s a wide range of government grants, tax incentives and support programs available at both national and state levels.

To save you time, we’ve compiled a snapshot of some of the key programs currently open across Australia. Think of this as a starting point for awareness, highlighting where opportunities may exist, rather than a comprehensive grant directory. At Carbon, our specialists focus on federal-level grants and incentives, while state-based programs are shared here so you can keep them on your radar.

Table of Contents

National Grants
State Grants – Western Australia (WA)
State Grants – New South Wales (NSW)
State Grants – Victoria (VIC)
State Grants – Queensland (QLD)
State Grants – South Australia (SA)
State Grants – Tasmania (TAS)
State Grants – Northern Territory (NT)
State Grants – Australian Capital Territory (ACT)
Making the Most of Grant Opportunities

National Grants

Industry Growth Program:

What: Advisory service, then matched grants for innovative commercialisation and growth. Grants: $50k–$250k (Early-Stage Commercialisation) and $100k–$5m (Commercialisation & Growth).
Who: Innovative SMEs in National Reconstruction Fund priority areas.
Closes: Advisory is “apply any time”; grant rounds run continually after advisory report.
Apply: Find out more and how to apply on the Department of Industry, Science and Resources website.

R&D Tax Incentive:

What: Tax offset for eligible R&D (for SMEs, refundable at company tax rate +18.5% premium).
Who: Companies conducting eligible R&D activities in Australia.
Closes: Ongoing (lodgement deadlines apply each income year).
Apply: Get in touch with Carbon’s R&D specialists to learn how to apply.

Export Market Development Grants (EMDG):

What: Reimburses a portion of eligible marketing/export-development spend to help you grow overseas.
Who: Australian SMEs meeting turnover and eligibility tests (tiers apply).
Closes: Opens in rounds; applications are accepted until funds are allocated for the round. Check current round status.
Apply: Get in touch with Carbon’s R&D specialists to learn how to apply.

Cooperative Research Centres Projects (CRC-P) – Round 18:

What: $100k–$3m (matched) for 1–3 year, industry-led R&D to deliver a product/process/service.
Who: SME-led consortia with at least 2 industry partners and 1 Australian research organisation.
Closes: 7 October 2025, 5:00pm AEDT.
Apply: Find out more and how to apply on the business.gov.au website.

CSIRO Kick-Start:

What: Dollar-matched funding $10k–$50k to access CSIRO researchers for R&D, testing and prototyping.
Who: Innovative start-ups and small businesses (eligibility applies).
Closes: Ongoing (apply anytime).
Apply: Find out more and how to apply on CSIRO’s website.

Early-Stage Innovation Company (ESIC) investor tax incentives:

What: Investor-side incentives (incl. 20% non-refundable tax offset and CGT concessions) to attract capital.
Who: Qualifying ESICs and their investors (specific tests apply).
Closes:
Apply: Get in touch with Carbon’s ESIC specialists to learn how to apply.

Business Research & Innovation Initiative (BRII):

What: Competitive grants to solve government-set challenges (proof-of-concept to prototype).
Who: Australian businesses with solutions to published challenges.
Closes: Runs in rounds (often closed between rounds) — monitor for new challenges.
Apply: Find out more and how to apply on the Department of Industry, Science and Resources website.

Australian Apprenticeships Incentive System (Employer incentives):

What: Financial support payments to employers of eligible apprentices/trainees (including priority occupations).
Who: Employers taking on eligible Australian Apprentices; amounts/eligibility vary by occupation and stage.
Closes: Ongoing (policy-based program).
Apply: Find out more and how to apply on the Department of Employment and Workplace Relations website.

Defence Industry Development Grants Program:

What: Grants to build sovereign capability and competitiveness for SMEs in defence supply chains.
Who: Eligible Australian SMEs working in or entering the defence industry (streams vary).
Closes: Streams open and close across the year — check current opportunities.
Apply: Find out more and how to apply on the Defence website.

Driving the Nation Program (ZEV):

What: Funding to pilot/deploy zero-emissions vehicle tech (typically a two-stage process).
Who: Eligible Australian ZEV projects.
Closes: Round-based; minimum funding typically $500k.
Apply: Find out more and how to apply on the business.gov.au website.

Export Finance Australia (Loans, Guarantees, Bonds):

What: Finance/guarantees to win and deliver export contracts.
Who: SMEs and exporters (or in an export supply chain).
Closes:
Apply: Search “Export Finance Australia” on business.gov.au.

Small Business Technology Investment Boost:

What: Bonus tax deduction on eligible digital/tech spend.
Who: Small businesses under the turnover threshold.
Closes: Legislation/time window applies.
Apply: Find out more and how to apply on the ATO’s website.

Small Business Skills & Training Boost:

What: Bonus tax deduction for eligible external employee training.
Who: Small businesses under the turnover threshold.
Closes: Legislation/time window applies.
Apply: Find out more and how to apply on the ATO’s website.

Instant Asset Write-Off / Accelerated Depreciation:

What: Immediate/accelerated deductions to improve cash flow on asset purchases.
Who: Eligible small businesses (limits/criteria apply).
Closes: Depends on current rules/year.
Apply: Speak to our accountants and tax specialists to learn how to apply.

Tradex Scheme:

What: Up-front duty/GST exemptions for import-to-export businesses.
Who: Importers who subsequently export.
Closes: You can apply for a Tradex order at any time.
Apply: Search “Tradex Scheme” on business.gov.au.

Duty Drawback Scheme:

What: Refund of customs duty on imported inputs used in exported goods.
Who: Exporters using imported components/inputs.
Closes: A duty drawback claim must be lodged within 12 months from the date of export for tobacco or tobacco products or 4 years from the date of export for all other goods.
Apply: Search “Duty Drawback Scheme” on business.gov.au.

Innovate to Grow (CSIRO):

What: Free 8-week online program to progress R&D opportunities.
Who: SMEs exploring/starting R&D.
Closes: Intakes across the year.
Apply: Find out more and how to apply on CSIRO’s website.

Biomedical Translation Fund (BTF):

What: VC funding (via licensed fund managers) to commercialise biomedical innovation.
Who: Companies in the biomedical sector.
Closes: Ongoing (investee companies engage via fund managers).
Apply: Search “BTF biomedical” on business.gov.au.

ACCU Scheme (carbon credits):

What: Earn Australian Carbon Credit Units by storing/avoiding emissions.
Who: Businesses/landholders undertaking eligible projects.
Closes: Ongoing (method-based).
Apply: Speak to our accountants and tax specialists to learn how to apply.

NewAccess for Small Business Owners (Beyond Blue):

What: Free, confidential mental-health coaching (up to 8 sessions) tailored to small business owners.
Who: Small business owners and sole traders nationwide.
Closes: Tuesday 30 June 2026
Apply: Search “NewAccess for Small Business Owners” on Beyond Blue.

State Grants - Western Australia (WA)

Small Business Growth Grants Program (WA):

What: Up to $10k matched funding for expert advice/services to grow.
Who: WA small businesses meeting criteria.
Closes: Fri 3 Oct 2025.
Apply: Find out more and how to apply on business.gov.au.

Wind Energy Manufacturing Co-Investment Program (WA):

What: Co-funding to build capability for wind-sector manufacturing/service supply chains.
Who: WA businesses with relevant capability.
Closes: Thu 20 May 2027.
Apply: Find out more and how to apply on business.gov.au.

Group Training Organisation Wage Subsidy (WA):

What: Subsidy to employ apprentices/trainees on government building & construction projects.
Who: WA SMEs in building & construction.
Closes: Apply at any time.
Apply: Find out more and how to apply on business.gov.au.

Entrepreneur in Residence (EIR) Scheme (WA):

What: Support for senior/exec biomedical leaders to access accelerators/training.
Who: WA biomedical sector.
Closes: Ongoing – applications remain open until funding is exhausted.
Apply: Find out more and how to apply on business.gov.au.

State Grants - New South Wales (NSW)

Energy Savings Scheme (NSW):

What: Incentives to upgrade equipment/processes for energy efficiency.
Who: NSW businesses.
Closes: Apply at any time.
Apply: Find out more and how to apply on business.gov.au.

Small Business Rebate (NSW):

What: Rebate when you buy/install eligible workplace safety items.
Who: NSW sole traders and small businesses (eligibility rules apply).
Closes: Ongoing.
Apply: Find out more and how to apply on business.gov.au.

Apprentices & Trainees Payroll Tax Rebate (NSW):

What: Payroll tax rebate on wages paid to apprentices/new entrant trainees.
Who: NSW employers who are liable for payroll tax.
Closes: Applications may be made at any time.
Apply: Find out more and how to apply on business.gov.au.

Going Global Export Program / Trade Missions (NSW):

What: Preparation, in-market business matching and missions to accelerate export growth.
Who: Experienced/high-growth NSW exporters (mission criteria apply).
Closes: Applications open for different streams at different times, and are announced on the Going Global Export Program page.
Apply: Find out more and how to apply on business.gov.au.

Women in Business (NSW):

What: Fully subsidised online program to start/scale a small business.
Who: Women living/working in NSW.
Closes: You can apply at any time.
Apply: Find out more and how to apply on business.gov.au.

Metering & Monitoring Planning (NSW):

What: Advice to assess metering/monitoring needs for energy.
Who: NSW businesses.
Closes: Expressions of interest are now open.
Apply: Find out more and how to apply on business.gov.au.

State Grants - Victoria (VIC)

Digital Jobs Program (VIC):

What: Free training to upskill staff with digital skills (manufacturing/construction focus).
Who: VIC businesses in participating sectors.
Closes: Apply at any time – intakes/schedules apply.
Apply: Find out more and how to apply on the Business Victoria website.

Victorian Business Growth Fund:

What: Growth capital for SMEs that can’t access the right partner/finance.
Who: VIC SMEs ready to scale.
Closes: Ongoing (investment process).
Apply: Find out more and how to apply on business.gov.au.

State Grants - Queensland (QLD)

Back to Work Program (QLD):

What: Support (financial + advisory) to hire eligible unemployed jobseekers.
Who: QLD employers meeting criteria.
Closes: Ongoing/region-specific.
Apply: Find out more and how to apply on business.gov.au.

Workforce Evolve (QLD):

What: Training, coaching and tools to attract/retain staff and diversify talent.
Who: QLD businesses (free program).
Closes: Apply at any time.
Apply: Find out more and how to apply on business.gov.au.

Private Sector Pathways Program (QLD):

What: Funding for SMEs/scaleups to solve corporate “challenge” statements.
Who: QLD start-ups/SMEs with MVPs.
Closes: Wed 30 June 2027 (challenge timelines vary).
Apply: Find out more and how to apply on business.gov.au.

State Grants - South Australia (SA)

Seed-Start Grant (SA):

What: Matched funding to commercialise an innovative product/service.
Who: Early-stage SA businesses with high growth potential.
Closes: Ongoing (apply any time).
Apply: Find out more and how to apply on business.gov.au.

Business Growth Programs (SA):

What: Access to clinics, growth modules and expert support.
Who: Business owners/CEOs/MDs.
Closes: Apply at any time.
Apply: Find out more and how to apply on business.gov.au.

Small Business Fundamentals Program (SA):

What: Tailored advice (planning, marketing, HR, etc.).
Who: SA small businesses.
Closes: Apply at any time.
Apply: Find out more and how to apply on business.gov.au.

Small Business Sustainability Support Program (SA):

What: Advice/support to adapt and grow in a net-zero future.
Who: SA small businesses.
Closes: Apply at any time.
Apply: Find out more and how to apply on business.gov.au.

Medical Device Partnering Program (MDPP) (SA):

What: Support to develop new medical devices/assistive tech.
Who: Inventors from research, industry and clinical settings.
Closes: Applications may be made at any time.
Apply: Find out more and how to apply on business.gov.au.

State Grants - Tasmania (TAS)

Business Growth Loan Scheme (TAS):

What: Concessional loans to expand or undertake new projects.
Who: Tasmanian businesses.
Closes: Fri 18 Dec 2026 (or until funds exhausted).
Apply: Find out more and how to apply on business.gov.au.

PowerSmart for Small Businesses (TAS):

What: Funding (up to ~$1,000) for energy-efficiency audits.
Who: TAS businesses wanting to cut energy use.
Closes: Fri 30 June 2028.
Apply: Find out more and how to apply on business.gov.au.

No Interest Micro Business Loan (TAS):

What: Interest-free microloans of up to $3,000 for low-income entrepreneurs.
Who: Eligible Tasmanians starting or growing a micro-business.
Closes: Applications may be made at any time.
Apply: Find out more and how to apply on business.gov.au.

State Grants - Northern Territory (NT)

Business Growth Program (NT):

What: $2k–$10k (50% co-funding) for professional advice/systems/services.
Who: NT enterprises meeting turnover/employee criteria.
Closes: Tue 30 June 2026.
Apply: Find out more and how to apply on business.gov.au.

Business Concessional Loans (NT):

What: $100k–$10m loans to undertake growth projects.
Who: Small, fast-growing NT businesses.
Closes: Apply at any time.
Apply: Find out more and how to apply on business.gov.au.

Global Trade Scheme (NT):

What: Grants ($3k/$10k/$50k streams) to set up/expand exports.
Who: NT businesses with export potential.
Closes: Wed 30 June 2027.
Apply: Find out more and how to apply on business.gov.au.

State Grants - Australian Capital Territory (ACT)

Sustainable Business Program (ACT):

What: Rebates, incentives and advice on energy/water efficiency (free assessment; rebates up to caps).
Who: ACT businesses operating from commercial premises.
Closes: Apply at any time.
Apply: Find out more and how to apply on business.gov.au.

ACT Microcredit Loan Program:

What: Interest-free/low-interest microloans to start or expand.
Who: Low-income ACT entrepreneurs.
Closes: Applications may be made at any time.
Apply: Find out more and how to apply on business.gov.au.

Training Fund Authority (ACT):

What: Funding to build skills and support new workers in building & construction.
Who: Employers/employees/training providers in ACT construction.
Closes: Applications may be made at any time.
Apply: Find out more and how to apply on business.gov.au.

Making the Most of Grant Opportunities

Government grants and incentives can provide a valuable boost to your business but not every program will be relevant , and most come with strict eligibility and reporting requirements. At Carbon, our expertise is in federal grants (such as R&D Tax Incentives and export development funding), and we’ll also guide you in aligning your finances so you’re in the best position to apply for other opportunities independently.

Our accounting and R&D and Grants specialists can:

Review your eligibility for key federal grant programs.
Prepare the financials and documentation you’ll need to support your application.
Guide you through the process to avoid common pitfalls.

For state-based programs, we’ll ensure your accounts and records are application-ready, so you can apply directly with confidence.

If you’d like to unlock growth with the right funding strategy, get in touch with our team today. We’ll help you turn these opportunities into real outcomes for your business.