where to find grants and support for your small business

The small-business community has been weathering the COVID-19 storm for almost two years now, and despite lockdowns being a thing of the past (fingers crossed), operating a business is not getting any easier – customers are staying away to avoid catching COVID-19, staff are being exposed to the virus and supply chains are being disrupted.

And while businesses are in need of some solid long-term solutions, there are a few short-term solutions that could alleviate some of the pressure brought about by recent outbreaks. Keep scrolling for a few government and non-government organisations that are offering grant funding, informative tools and other kinds of support for local businesses and makers.NATIONAL
business.gov.au The federal government’s website for local businesses is a one-stop-shop for business folk who are in need of financial support. It has a nifty search tool that helps you find and apply for grants based on your location, industry, business structure and needs. The website also has a tool for finding experts so you can get advice, as well as COVID-19 support info and events and training resources.

The Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman (ASBFEO) The ASBFEO has compiled loads of handy resources on its My Business Health page that touch on almost every aspect of running a business, including marketing your products, resolving a dispute, hiring staff and handling tax.

Beyond Blue Mental health organisation Beyond Blue has launched a free and confidential mental health coaching program for small-business owners and sole traders. The NewAccess program aims to help participants recognise the way they think, act, and feel, as well as break unhelpful thoughts. 

Indigenous Business Australia (IBA) The IBA is a government organisation that provides workshops, advice support programmes and funding to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who want to start or grow their business. The IBA is also currently offering relief packages for Indigenous businesses that have been impacted by COVID-19.

Support Act Support Act offers crisis release grants that cover household expenses to music industry workers, including artists, artist managers, crew and music workers. Those music industry workers who operate a small business can also apply to have their household expenses covered. Support Act also runs a wellbeing helpline and a First Nations support line for workers in the industry.

CSIRO This one's for the science-y types. Our national science agency, the CSIRO, provides funding to innovative start-ups and small businesses for research projects.

Australia Council And this one's for the arty types. The government’s arts investment, development and advisory body, the Australia Council, provides a range of grants to individuals and organisations who work in the creative sector.

Xero Accounting platform Xero has loads of helpful material for small businesses, including guides on business basics, resources for managing finances and handy case studies.

VICTORIA
Business Victoria Head to the Victorian government’s business-focused website and you’ll find a long list of grants and programs, workshops and mentoring services, a concierge service for microbusinesses (i.e., businesses with three or less employees and an annual turnover of less than $75,000) and a bunch of helpful tools.

coronavirus.vic.gov.au Meanwhile, the state government’s COVID-19 website provides a list of resources for small businesses that have been specifically impacted by the pandemic.

NEW SOUTH WALES
Service NSW This state government agency offers financial support for small businesses, and has a handy COVID-19 assistance finder tool.

Business Connect Meanwhile, the state’s Business Connect website has a bunch of webinars and other online tools and events on small-business topics, as well as advisors who can provide you with support based on your industry.

QUEENSLAND
Business Queensland The Queensland government’s business website has a tool that allows businesses to find COVID-19 assistance based on their size and needs. It also has entire sections dedicated to finding grants and writing grant applications, starting a business and running a business.

SOUTH AUSTRALIA
SA Business Information Hub South Aussies can head to the state government’s business website to find COVID-19 support packages and other grants and programs.

WESTERN AUSTRALIA
Small Business Development Corporation The WA government’s small-business agency has set up a Facebook group for small-business owners who are looking for recommendations, advice or network. It also has a COVID-19 support package and other resources on its small-business website.

NORTHERN TERRITORY
nt.gov.au Through the NT government’s business and industry page, you’ll find a bunch of business grants, as well as helpful info for folks who want to start their own biz.

AUSTRALIAN CAPITAL TERRITORY
Business Hub The ACT government’s Business Hub has a bunch of COVID-19 support programs and grants, as well as an advice and support service.

TASMANIA
Business Tasmania For small businesses in Tassie, the state government has a list of COVID-19 support initiatives and other grants, including a pilot program to support the creation of new businesses and existing early-stage businesses.