Businesses operating outside major metropolitan areas have access to a specific set of programs designed to support economic development in regional communities. These grants help level the playing field with city-based competitors, support local employment and encourage private investment in country areas across every Australian state.
What these grants can fund
- Business establishment and expansion in regional areas
- Infrastructure and connectivity investment
- Tourism and visitor economy development
- Agricultural and agribusiness diversification
- Workforce attraction, retention and training
- Digital connectivity and technology adoption
Common eligibility requirements
- Business must be physically located outside defined metropolitan areas
- Eligibility is often postcode-based — check program guidelines
- Some programs are tied to specific regional development zones
- May require evidence of economic benefit to the local community
- Co-contribution is commonly required for infrastructure grants
Eligibility varies by program. Always check the official source before applying.
Open programs
Showing 12 of 325This grant supports trade-exposed facilities covered by the Safeguard Mechanism to reduce their emissions and contribute to Australia's 2030, 2035 and 2050 emissions reduction targets. It aims to reduce the risk of carbon leakage and provide skills development to industrial workforces in new equipment or processes that reduce scope 1 emissions.
A strategic aviation initiative designed to stimulate international and interstate aviation capacity into NSW by attracting new routes and increasing seat capacity. The fund supports route establishment or expansion through passenger subsidies and cooperative inbound marketing activities for up to two years, driving visitor economy growth and regional dispersal.
A $70 million program that funds critical infrastructure and enabling works in exposed and vulnerable NSW southern Basin communities to support economic growth and workforce participation. Projects must unlock industrial development, support economic activity across multiple users or industries, or enable population growth in regional areas.
This program provides low-interest loans to Queensland primary producers whose assets have been significantly damaged by the Western Queensland Surface Trough and Associated Rainfall and Flooding between 21 March – 19 May 2025. Loans of up to $5 million over a maximum term of 10 years can be used to repair or replace damaged plant, equipment, farm buildings, livestock, and meet carry-on requirements.
Provides financial relief payments to operators of regional and remote airports that are unsecured creditors of Rex Airlines regional business. The program aims to support critical aviation services connecting remote and regional communities and help local governments maintain essential services.
The $60 million Business Growth Loan Scheme provides loans to assist eligible Tasmanian businesses to develop, expand or undertake new projects that promote growth in the Tasmanian economy and align with the Tasmanian Government's strategic objectives.
This scheme provides concessional loans to Tasmanian businesses to help them develop, expand, or undertake new projects that promote economic growth. Loans range from $100,000 to $5 million at variable interest rates over a loan term of up to 5 years.
This program provides funding to existing battery manufacturers in Western Australia for projects that scale-up their operations. Eligible uses include purchase of capital equipment, workforce training, premises upgrades, and engaging business or manufacturing expertise to enhance capability, improve competitiveness, and create jobs.
This program provides funding to Western Australian sheep producers and supply chain businesses to adjust to the removal of live sheep exports by sea. It supports capital investments for on-farm finishing activities and processing supply chain enhancements through two funding streams.
The Clean Energy Future Fund provides funding to Western Australian corporations to undertake innovative clean energy projects that deliver significant greenhouse gas emissions reductions or demonstrate new clean energy technologies with community benefits. Projects must contribute to cost-effective emissions reductions below baseline levels or support the design, deployment, testing, or demonstration of innovative clean energy solutions.
This program provides loans between $100,000 and $3 million to support tourism projects in regional Tasmania. Loans fund improvements and development of visitor accommodation, experiences, attractions, hospitality venues, event facilities, and worker accommodation for tourism and hospitality operators.
This scheme supports tourism product and experience development in regional Tasmania outside the Hobart CBD. It encourages dispersal, year-round visitation, authenticity, sustainability and accessibility in line with the 2030 Visitor Economy Strategy. The interest rate is highly concessional for the first three years, with a commercial rate applying for the remainder of the loan term of up to two years.
Grant information is sourced from official government websites and updated regularly. Program details, eligibility and closing dates change — always verify with the official source before applying. Last data update: February 2026.