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Tackling climate change is at the top of Australia’s agenda, so it’s no surprise that sustainability is a big focus in the grant sector for May.

Both ARENA and the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW) have announced funding to support companies in the development of a cleaner and more sustainable future.

Startups in SA and NSW can also benefit from additional funding opportunities, including the SA Seed-Start Program for early-stage startups and the Tech Central Scale Up Accommodation Rebate for scaleups in NSW.

Discover our pick of the latest grants below, or skip to the ones of interest:

If you need support with your grant application, our team of specialists are here to help. don’t hesitate to reach out to us for a free discovery call. 

1. Innovative Biodiversity Monitoring: Round 1 (closes 24 May 2023)

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The Innovative Biodiversity Monitoring grant aims to support the development of innovative, low-cost, accurate and fit for purpose approaches or technologies that make biodiversity monitoring for the Nature Repair Market easier and/or better.

Up to 100% of eligible project costs may be funded, and there is no minimum or maximum grant amount for this round. However, the total funding pool is capped at $8 million over 3 years between 2022-23 to 2024-25.

Eligibility: Applicants must have an ABN, be registered for GST and have an account with an Australian financial institution. Applications from across Australia are eligible – visit the grant page for more information.

Applications close: Applications for Round 1 of the Program close at 5PM on 24 May 2023.

2. ARENA Transforming Research Accelerating Commercialisation (TRAC) Program (closes 1 June 2023)

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Expressions of Interest are now open for Australian Renewable Energy Agency's Transformative Research Accelerating Commercialisation Program.

This program is targeted towards two key areas:

  • The transition to low emissions iron and steel through innovative R&D in iron and steel technologies using Australian iron ore, and
  • The commercialisation of renewable hydrogen through innovative R&D in renewable hydrogen production, storage and distribution technologies.

Grants of up to $5 million are available, with funding provided for up to 50% of eligible project costs.

Eligibility: Applicants must be an eligible Australian entity or research institution with an eligible project that takes place in Australia. Specific criteria vary based on the specific fund - for more information, visit the Hydrogen Research and Development Funding Round and Iron and Steel Research and Development Funding Round page.

Applications close: EOIs close on 1 June 2023.

3. ARENA Driving the Nation Program: 2022 Focus Areas (closes 19 June 2023)

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The Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) Driving the Nation Program provides funding to invest in cheaper, cleaner transport. A total pool of $500 million has been allocated towards the program targeting support for key focus areas, including business fleets, new technologies for heavy and long-distance vehicles, public charging and hydrogen refuelling stations, and smart charging.

Last year, ARENA announced $127.9 million would be allocated towards its 2022 Focus Areas, which aim to accelerate uptake of ZEVs by business fleets across three key areas:

  • Supporting the integration of battery electric vehicles into light vehicle fleets.
  • Supporting the integration of battery electric vehicles into heavy vehicle fleets.
  • Commercialising hydrogen as a transport fuel.

Grants are available between $500,000 and $5 million for the 2022 Focus Areas.

In addition, ARENA recently announced an additional $70 million in funding will be allocated to the 2023 Focus Areas of innovation in public charging and the management of charging. Grants are available between $500,000 and $15 million for the 2023 Focus Areas.

Eligibility: To be eligible for the 2022 Focus Areas, applicants must have an eligible project involving a Renewable Energy Technology that can contribute to the Program Objectives. It should also use sustainable biofuels, renewable hydrogen, or source Renewable Energy or Green Certificates to cover the energy usage for ZEVs, and should include the deployment or demonstration of equipment and/or technology solutions. For detailed eligibility criteria, download the program guidelines.

Applications close: Applications for the 2022 Focus Areas close on 19 June 2023.

4. SA Seed-Start Program (ongoing)

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Expressions of Interest are open for the Seed-Start Program, which assists innovative early-stage South Australian businesses with high-growth potential to commercialise products or services that are unique or have a sustainable competitive advantage in national and international markets.

Two funding options are available based on a business’ stage of development:

  • Seed Grant: This option is designed for early-stage businesses to undertake a defined project that will help overcome initial challenges in getting their product or service in national and international markets. Grants from $50,000 to $100,000 available on a 2:1 matched funding basis.
  • Start Grant: This option is provided to an early-stage business to deliver a defined project that will accelerate the development and commercialisation of their product or service in national and international markets. Grants from $100,000 to $500,000 are available on a 1:1 matched funding basis.

Eligibility: To be eligible for the Seed-Start Program, companies must be based in, or willing to be based in South Australia before commencing their project. Applicants must also have an annual turnover of less than $1 million for each of the three financial years prior to lodging their the application. Read the full eligibility criteria here.

Applications close: Ongoing.

5. Tech Central Scale Up Accommodation Rebate NSW (closes 16 June 2023)

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Investment NSW will provide $11 million in rebates over 2 years to help high-growth technology scaleups to relocate to Tech Central. Scale ups looking to relocate to Tech Central can receive rebates of up to 40% on eligible rental costs and 30% on eligible fitout costs, with a maximum rebate amount of $1,940,000.

Eligibility: Applicants must be a scaleup technology business that is either establishing in, or expanding within the target area of Tech Central. For more details on what constitutes a scale-up business, visit the Investment NSW website.

Applications close: 16 June 2023.

Need support with your grant application, or with navigating the complex grants and incentives landscape? Reach out to us now to book in your free discovery call.

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