This guide covers the major small-business grants available in New South Wales (NSW) and nationally. Each section outlines who provides the grant, what it covers, eligibility rules, disqualifications, examples of business types, and a direct link to the official program page. It mirrors the Queensland grants guide structure.
Program Overview
| Program | Provider | Grant Size | Co-contribution | Best For | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Small Business Fees and Charges Rebate | Service NSW | Up to $3,000 | None | Covering government fees and charges | Open |
| Small Business Support Program | Service NSW | Varies (based on turnover loss) | None | Businesses impacted by downturns/disasters | Program reopened as needed |
| Business Connect Advisory Support | Service NSW | Advisory hours (no cash) | None | Startups and small firms needing planning support | Ongoing |
| Export Assistance Grants | NSW Government / Investment NSW | Up to $10,000 | Yes (reimbursement) | NSW exporters marketing overseas | Closed in 2024, future rounds TBA |
| TechVouchers | Investment NSW | $25,000–$50,000 | Yes | Collaboration with universities or research | Rolling rounds |
| Minimum Viable Product (MVP) Ventures Program | Investment NSW | $25,000–$200,000 | Matched | Startups building and testing early-stage products | Rolling |
| Regional Job Creation Fund | Dept. of Regional NSW | $100,000–$10m | Yes | Regional firms creating new jobs | Round 4 closed 2024, future rounds TBA |
| Small Business Disaster Recovery Grants | Service NSW | $50,000 (per disaster) | N/A | Small businesses affected by declared disasters | Event-based |
Small Business Fees and Charges Rebate
Provider: Service NSW.
Link: Small Business Fees and Charges Rebate
Funding: Up to $3,000 rebate (per ABN). Covers government fees and charges.
Eligibility:
- Must be a small business, sole trader, or not-for-profit with an ABN registered in NSW.
- Must be below payroll tax threshold.
Disqualifications: Cannot use for fines, penalties, or private expenses.
Business fit: Cafés, trades, small retailers paying licences, council rates, or other regulatory charges.
Small Business Support Program
Provider: Service NSW.
Link: Small Business Support Program
Funding: Payment varies depending on turnover decline during a downturn or disaster period.
Eligibility:
- NSW-based business or not-for-profit.
- Significant downturn in turnover (usually 40% or more) compared with a benchmark period.
Disqualifications: Not available for businesses not directly impacted or those not meeting turnover thresholds.
Business fit: Hospitality operators, tourism providers, and retailers impacted by public health orders or natural disasters.
Business Connect Advisory Support
Provider: Service NSW.
Link: Business Connect
Funding: Advisory services (not direct cash). Typically 8 hours of free support, then subsidised.
Eligibility: Any NSW small business or startup.
Business fit: Startups needing business plans, marketing strategy, or digital advice.
Export Assistance Grants
Provider: Investment NSW.
Link: Export Assistance Grant
Funding: Up to $10,000 reimbursement (matched funding).
Eligibility:
- NSW business with export-ready products/services.
- Eligible expenses include trade shows, e-commerce platforms, and international marketing.
Disqualifications: Domestic-only marketing, wages, or capital costs.
Business fit: Food exporters, tech companies seeking overseas markets, tourism providers targeting inbound clients.
TechVouchers
Provider: Investment NSW.
Link: TechVouchers
Funding: $25,000–$50,000 to collaborate with NSW universities or CSIRO.
Eligibility: NSW SMEs developing products or services needing R&D input.
Disqualifications: Costs unrelated to research partnerships.
Business fit: Advanced manufacturers, medtech startups, agtech companies.
MVP Ventures Program
Provider: Investment NSW.
Link: MVP Ventures Program
Funding: $25,000–$200,000 matched funding for early-stage startups.
Eligibility:
- NSW-based startups.
- Building or testing a prototype or MVP with potential commercial application.
Disqualifications: Established businesses not in early development, or those lacking IP ownership.
Business fit: SaaS startups, clean energy tech ventures, app developers.
Regional Job Creation Fund
Provider: Department of Regional NSW.
Link: Regional Job Creation Fund
Funding: $100,000–$10m with co-contribution required.
Eligibility:
- Regional NSW business or organisation.
- Must create new, sustainable jobs.
Disqualifications: Metro Sydney businesses, wage subsidies, general operating costs.
Business fit: Regional manufacturers, logistics operators, agribusiness firms expanding facilities.
Small Business Disaster Recovery Grants
Provider: Service NSW.
Link: NSW Disaster Recovery Grants
Funding: Up to $50,000 per business per declared disaster.
Eligibility:
- Located in declared disaster areas.
- Direct damage or loss of income due to the event.
Business fit: Farms, shops, tourism operators recovering after floods, bushfires, or storms.
If You’re Just Starting Out
If you are a new business in NSW looking at small business start up grants, your first step should be business planning and getting found online. Some grants cover planning or export activity, but they will not pay for SEO or advertising directly. This is where a tailored service can add value.
I run a product called Local SEO Boost. It helps new businesses establish their website and local search presence quickly. If you are applying for startup-related support in NSW and want practical help with your digital setup, I am happy to have a call and walk you through what I can offer.