A list of open business grants

For Australian startups and growing businesses, access to capital can make or break momentum. But in today’s climate, venture capital is more competitive than ever, and even if you land investor interest, the process is often long, uncertain, and comes with a cost: equity.

Grants offer an alternative. They’re non-dilutive, meaning you don’t have to give up ownership, and they can provide the exact kind of funding you need to develop your product, grow your team, or get to market faster.

Three straight-up tips to improve your chances:

1. Just because you can apply for $500,000 doesn’t mean you should

Get clear on your numbers. What do you actually need to reach your next milestone? Chasing big grants without a clear strategy is a waste of time. Find grants that align with your goals and fund the right stage of your journey.

2. Grants are still investments, so treat funders like investors

Although equity-free, grant funders still expect a return. Have a clear pitch. Align with their priorities. Show them you can deliver outcomes, impact, and ROI. It’s not charity — it’s a strategic partnership.

3. Start before you need the money

If you’re applying for grants when you’re already out of runway, it’s too late. Good grants take time. You need planning, evidence, and perhaps a few rejections before you get a win. Build grants into your funding strategy early, not as a last resort.

Grant round-up: Active funding opportunities for startups, tech and innovation

CSIRO Kick-Start Program

$10,000 to $50,000 matched funding | Rolling applications | Australia

For Australian startups and small SMEs (under three years trading or

Why it matters: It breaks down financial and technical barriers to innovation, giving small businesses direct access to world-class research expertise and matched funding to accelerate growth without giving up equity.

Seed-Start Grant

$50,000 to $500,000 matched funding | Apply at any time | South Australia

For early-stage, high-growth-potential businesses in SA, the program offers two matched-funding streams — Seed grants ($50,000 to $100,000 at 2:1 government-to-applicant over two years) and Start grants ($100,001 to $500,000 at 1:1 over three years) to support defined projects that take innovative products or services to national and international markets.

Why it matters: Bridges critical early-commercialisation funding gaps, tailoring support to your development stage so South Australian startups can validate, scale and compete on a global stage.

Female Founders Co-Investment Fund

$50,000 to $200,000 matched at 1:3 | Closing date: June 30, 2027 | Queensland

For women-founded and led innovation-driven enterprises planning an early-stage equity raise, the program provides grants of $50,000 to $200,000 (ex GST) with a matched $1 government to $3 external investment (minimum $150,000 raise for $50,000 grant) to help close funding rounds.

Why it matters: Tackles the gender investment gap by leveraging government backing to increase female founder participation, grow innovative businesses, and build a stronger early-stage pipeline in Queensland’s ecosystem.

Local Capability Fund

$5,000 to $50,000 (50–75% of costs) | Closing date: September 4, 2025 | WA

Supports Western Australian SMEs to enhance capability, competitiveness, and supply readiness for government and private sector projects, with specific rounds for Aboriginal businesses, digital transformation, standards compliance, key projects, and regional suppliers.

Why this matters: Tailored co-funding helps local businesses build scale, systems and certification to access major procurement pipelines and create long-term economic impact across WA.

Energy Innovation Fund

Up to $17 million over five years | Assessed biannually: April and September | ACT

Backs early-stage projects accelerating the ACT’s transition to net zero, with three funding streams: Technology Demonstration (up to $10 million), Policy Challenge (up to $3.75 million), and Innovation Ecosystem (up to $3.25 million). Open to businesses, non-profits, think tanks, and research institutions working on clean energy solutions.

WFP Innovation Challenge

Up to US$100,000 equity-free | Apply anytime | Global

Seeks bold, scalable innovations addressing global hunger across key areas like emergency response, supply chains, nutrition, food systems, smallholder farming, and social protection. Open to for-profit and non-profit startups with an MVP and early traction, and WFP teams with local support.

Why this matters: Tackles the urgent food insecurity crisis with funding, mentorship, and field access, empowering ventures to make a real impact for millions across 123+ WFP countries.

PayPal Small Business Impact Awards

US$25,000 per winner | Closing date: August 15, 2025 | Global

Celebrates small business leaders and social entrepreneurs creating innovative products, services, or models with strong social or environmental impact. Five winners receive US$25,000, expert mentorship, and brand support. Open to founders or CEOs of businesses under $1 million in revenue or fewer than 50 staff, with at least three years of community-driven impact.

Why this matters: Recognises changemakers scaling purpose-led businesses, while boosting visibility, resources and momentum for grassroots impact worldwide.

UNICEF Venture Fund

Up to US$100,000 seed / US$400,000 growth | Closing date: November 30, 2025 | Global

Funds early-stage, open-source tech startups using AI, blockchain, drones, XR, or data science to solve critical challenges for children in underserved communities. Offers equity-free capital, crypto options, and access to UNICEF’s global network and country office pilots.

Why this matters: Unlocks frontier innovation for social good by backing scalable tech solutions that improve the lives of children and youth worldwide.

Ultra Low-Cost Solar PV R&D Funding

Up to $60 million | EOI due: October 21, 2025 | Australia

Backs ambitious R&D projects aiming to cut utility-scale solar costs to $20/MWh LCOE. Open to Australian universities, research bodies, and innovators with TRL 3+ solutions. Two streams: Cells and Modules (focus on >30% efficiency and 30+ year stability) and Balance of System and O&M (focus on cost-cutting deployment, automation, and yield gains).

Why this matters: Fuels Australia’s solar innovation leadership and supports breakthrough tech to achieve net-zero energy at ultra-low cost.

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