Understanding Government Grants, Rebates, and Funding Pathways for Business Growth

There’s no denying that the number one thing I spend my time on these days is educating business owners about how to access the funding and investment support they are actually entitled to in order to grow and expand.

Roughly half of the businesses that approach me already have a specific grant in mind that they want to apply for. The other half are unsure what funding opportunities exist and need support identifying what may be available—and how to prepare for it properly.

Today, I want to clarify the main categories of grants and rebates available through State and Federal governments, and why preparation is the single biggest determinant of success.

What Governments Are Trying to Fund

At their core, most government programs are designed to support businesses, products, and services that deliver one or more of the following outcomes:

• Innovation
• Support for marginalised groups (including women in business, regional and rural communities)
• Expansion into new domestic or international markets
• Increased employment, particularly for youth, people with disabilities, or regional workers

If your project aligns with one or more of these priorities, your probability of progressing through funding rounds increases. That said, there are never guarantees—but preparation significantly improves outcomes.

The Three Main Funding Categories

1. Competitive Grants

Most grants fall into this category and are highly competitive. A well-known example was the Queensland Small Business Grants in May 2022, where demand overwhelmed the system and funding was exhausted almost immediately.

Increasingly, these programs begin with an Expression of Interest (EOI) rather than a full application. This allows businesses to present their strongest case succinctly, after which shortlisted applicants are invited to submit full applications.

This approach benefits everyone:

• Businesses avoid investing heavily in full applications prematurely
• Assessors focus on the most viable projects

However, even an EOI requires substantial groundwork—particularly for projects seeking $100k+ in funding.

A full application typically requires, at a minimum:

• A detailed business plan
• Cashflow forecasts and financial projections
• Go-to-market strategy and market research
• Team capability (internal and external advisers)
• Historical and current financial statements
• IP protection and corporate structuring
• Pitch deck or director video

The most common reason applications fail is not the idea—it’s that responses do not directly address the funding criteria. Storytelling matters, but precise alignment with the questions and purpose of the funding is critical, especially when responses are limited to a few hundred characters.

2. Non-Competitive Funding Programs

Some programs are not competitive but still involve rigorous assessment.

A well-known example is the Accelerating Commercialisation Program, which offers up to $1 million in matched funding. After an EOI is submitted, a case officer is assigned to guide applicants through the approval process.

Strict eligibility conditions apply, including:

• A product ready for market, but not yet generating revenue
• Early investment secured, with capacity for further investment
• A clear market opportunity, but no signed sales contracts
• Comprehensive business, financial, marketing, and investment plans

Other examples include QRIDA loans for rural businesses. While these programs are not competitive in the traditional sense, funding is limited and applicants must clearly demonstrate alignment with the program’s purpose—similar to a loan assessment process.

3. Eligibility-Based Rebates

Eligibility-based rebates differ again. These are not competitive and are triggered once eligibility criteria are met.

The most prominent—and misunderstood—example is the Research & Development Tax Incentive, administered by AusIndustry and paid through the ATO.

Historically, the Export Market Development Grant (EMDG) was eligibility-based, but it has since transitioned to a competitive model—highlighting how funding structures can change over time.

Why Applications Fail

When speaking directly with assessors, the most common reasons for rejection are consistent:

• Applications are under-prepared
• The business is not at the required stage of maturity
• Responses do not directly address the selection criteria
• The project carries excessive perceived risk (inexperienced team, unrealistic forecasts, weak governance)

Funding bodies will rarely “fill in the gaps” for applicants. If risk appears too high, funding is simply declined.

Preparation Is the Advantage

I have developed a range of tools and frameworks to help businesses understand funding pathways, prepare appropriately, and significantly improve their chances of success.

If you want to better understand what funding opportunities may be available to your business—and ensure you are ready before applications open—you can visit my Funding & Grants website or reach out directly to discuss your plans.

Preparation doesn’t guarantee funding—but lack of preparation almost guarantees failure.

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