Small business grants in Australia: what's actually open in 2026

Updated July 2026 · 6 min read

Every year, governments across Australia distribute roughly $125 billion in grants and funding. Yet most business owners never claim a cent — not because they aren't eligible, but because they never find out which programs are open, or miss the round before it closes. Here's a plain-English look at what's genuinely open for the 2026–27 financial year, and what's between rounds.

Federal programs open right now

R&D Tax Incentive

The single most valuable and accessible program for most innovative businesses. If your company has turnover under $20 million and you spend at least $20,000 on eligible research and development, you can claim a refundable tax offset of 43.5% — paid as a cash refund even if you're running at a loss. The current rules continue for FY2025–26 and FY2026–27; reforms announced in the 2026–27 Budget don't take effect until July 2028. You register your activities with AusIndustry within 10 months of your income year-end.

CSIRO Kick-Start

Dollar-matched funding of $10,000 to $50,000 for start-ups and small businesses (under $10 million turnover, or trading less than three years) to work with CSIRO's researchers on a technical challenge. Applications are open year-round and assessed on eligibility rather than in competitive rounds.

Industry Growth Program

Advice plus matched grants for innovative SMEs commercialising and scaling in national priority areas, with grants scaling from around $50,000 up to several million for larger commercialisation and growth projects.

Worth preparing for — between rounds

Some of the best-known programs aren't open at this moment but are worth getting ready for:

• Export Market Development Grants (EMDG): reimburses up to half of your overseas marketing costs ($20,000–$80,000 a year by tier). Round 4 funding is fully allocated; the next round is expected in late 2026.
• Ignite Ideas Fund (QLD): up to $200,000 for Queensland businesses commercialising an innovative product. Runs in rounds.
• MVP Ventures (NSW): matched funding to commercialise a minimum viable product; expected to reopen in 2026.

How to find the ones that fit you

Most business owners don't need a bigger list of grants — they need the short list that actually applies to their state, size and goal. That's what Grantiv's free finder does: three quick questions, and you see the programs genuinely worth your time.

This article is general information, not financial or legal advice. Grant programs, amounts and eligibility change often — always confirm current details on the official government page before applying. Last reviewed July 2026.