What is a voucher?
A voucher provides access to subsidised professional services. Instead of cash, you receive credits that can be redeemed with approved service providers — typically for advisory, consulting, training, or specialist services.
How it works
You apply for a voucher (often a quick online form). If approved, you select an approved service provider from a government-maintained list. You receive the service, paying your co-contribution (often $0–$100 per session), and the voucher covers the rest. The service provider is reimbursed directly by the government.
Advantages
- ✓Very low upfront cost (government pays most of the service fee)
- ✓Access to expertise you couldn't otherwise afford
- ✓Quick to apply for and receive
- ✓No reporting obligations after service delivery
Considerations
- ·Must use approved service providers
- ·Services not cash — can't redirect to other business expenses
- ·Programs often time-limited or quota-based
- ·Service quality varies across providers
Open Vouchers
29 programsThis initiative provides eligible innovators and entrepreneurs with up to $10,000 worth of access to world-class fabrication facilities and technical expertise to turn designs into physical prototypes. Vouchers cover time on machines, expert consultation, and access to specialized equipment across partner institutions including ANU, CIT, UC, and UNSW Canberra.
This program supports Aboriginal-owned businesses in Western Australia to build strong, sustainable practices in the bush foods, bush products, seafood and beef industries. Vouchers fund services and activities to improve business capability, competitiveness and supply-chain readiness through activities such as business development, workforce training, governance coaching, marketing support and value-adding capability.
This bursary program supports South Australians seeking to improve soil management practices and build knowledge in soil health. It funds individuals and groups to participate in soil-focused training, events, and learning activities that develop skills and professional networks across the state.
This program supports commercial horticulture businesses in the Gnangara groundwater allocation plan area to obtain expert advice on water use efficiency. Vouchers fund certified irrigation specialists to audit properties, design efficient irrigation systems, and provide written advice on technologies and cropping strategies to improve water use efficiency.
A program delivered by 2XE Pty. Ltd. that helps small and family businesses increase their knowledge of environmental sustainability and adopt sustainable practices to reduce emissions. The program includes one-on-one sustainability consultations and a subsidised Business Sustainability Assessment ($500 ex GST) to develop a clear action plan with financial benefits.
This program provides South Australian small businesses with sustainability support including workshops and assessments to help them understand environmental sustainability, reduce emissions, and adapt to a net zero carbon future. Eligible businesses can attend 3-hour regional workshops and access a subsidised sustainability assessment at $500 (ex GST) to develop tailored actions for reducing carbon emissions.
Supports NSW residents with severe and permanent disabilities who are unable to use public transport by providing a subsidy of 50% of taxi fares, up to a maximum of $60 per trip. Eligible recipients receive a TTSS Smartcard to claim the subsidy portion of their fare, including travel in wheelchair-accessible taxis.
A $50 voucher available twice a year for eligible children to use towards sport, creative and cultural activities such as dance, music, martial arts, gymnastics, drama, and coding. The voucher must be used with a registered activity provider and can be combined with another unexpired voucher for a total value of $100.
Program information is sourced from official government websites and updated regularly. Always verify details with the official source before applying.