Programs and initiatives

• Agriculture and forestry

  • Agrifutures Australia RD&E Investment provides funding to organisations to deliver research and innovations that aim to strengthen and future-proof established and emerging rural industries.
  • Queensland Smart Farms supports AgTech providers, producers and supply chain businesses to trial technology and accelerate development, testing and adoption through use of available smart farms.
  • Primary Producer Disaster Assistance provides low interest loans and grants to eligible entities that have suffered direct damage as a result of an eligible disaster.
  • Drought grants and assistance provides information and support to prepare for and manage the effects of drought.
  • Farm Household Allowance Program provides farming families experiencing financial hardship with assistance through planning and training for long-term financial improvements as well as income support for up to 4 years.
  • Sustainability Loan provides loans for primary producers and commercial fishers to help them improve their productivity and sustainability.
  • First Start Loan provides finance of up to $2 million in the first years of establishing a primary production business.
  • Farm Management Deposits Scheme provides primary production businesses with tax deductions on farm management deposits to help manage inconsistent income from natural disasters, climate and market changes.
  • Renewable Energy Landholder Toolkit assists landholders reflect on the various potential benefits and risks associated with on-farm renewable development, as they respond to and negotiate with energy industry representatives about accessing land and developing renewable energy projects.
  • Energy savings ideas for agricultural businesses guide provides energy savings advice and tips to reduce energy use and save costs.
  • Accelerated Depreciation for Primary Producers provides a tax deduction for assets used in primary production.
  • Sowing the Seeds of Farming Innovation Fund - is a $30 million Queensland Government initiative designed to accelerate innovation, adoption and productivity across Queensland’s primary industries.
  • AGTECH26 - Central Highlands Development Corporation - premier agtech field day on 23 July 2026 in Emerald showcasing practical, in field technology solutions across grazing, cropping, irrigation and horticulture.

• Biofuels and biofutures

  • Biofutures industry information provides industry insights to support the development and manufacturing of innovative products from sustainable resources.

• Biomedical

  • Biomedical Translation Fund provides companies with venture capital through licensed private sector fund managers.
  • Biomedical industry information provides industry insights and outlines support available to help Queensland biomedical businesses.
  • Medical Device Partnering Program fosters collaborations between researchers, industry, end-users and government and develop medical technologies with global market potential.
  • Medical Research Future Fund provides support for medical research initiatives by the Australian Government.
  • Biomedical industry support and attraction incentives lists further support available.
  • MRFF 2022 Frontier Health and Medical Research Grant Opportunity is a grant program to support researchers to pursue big ideas to develop new products and interventions and implement these into clinical practice, benefiting patients, clinicians, and the health system.

• Business performance, growth and energy efficiency

  • Business Queensland provides information on starting, growing and operating a business in Queensland.
  • Business events calendar lists events (online and in-person) that provide advice and assistance to Queensland businesses.
  • Mentoring for Growth provides free mentoring sessions with experienced business mentors.
  • Female Founders Co-Investment Fund provides funding to female founded businesses to help them scale and build business capacity. Applications close 30 June 2027.
  • Workforce Evolve Program assists employers in developing a recruitment strategy to attract and retain a new segment of jobseekers.
  • Industry Workforce Advisors offer industry specialisation to help businesses plan their workforce, find solutions to employment challenges, and connect with programs, incentives and funding opportunities.
  • Free Apprenticeships for Under 25s provides fee-free apprenticeships to businesses when they employ an existing or new apprentice or trainee who is under 25. Program extended until 30 June 2027.
  • Back to Work Program provides businesses with support to employ eligible unemployed jobseekers.
  • Real Jobs Real Wages offers up to $15,000 for employers to hire an eligible employee into a permanent job on a part-time or full-time basis. The program gives tailored support to help businesses support people with greater challenges into secure work, open to small, medium and large employers across any industry.
  • Small Business Wellness Coaches help small business owners with unique and personal business challenges, needs and opportunities in a free one-on-one, supportive environment.
  • NewAccess for Small Business Owners provides free and confidential mental health coaching for small business owners. Closes 30 June 2027.
  • Business performance assessment tools provide interactive tools to analyse current business processes and find opportunities to improve business performance.
  • ecoBiz assists small to medium sized businesses develop an action plan to improve their resource efficiency and environmental sustainability and reduce operational costs.
  • Industry Capability Network (ICN) has launched a Net Zero Readiness Assessment online tool to support Australian manufacturers and small-to-medium enterprises (SMEs) climate efforts and readiness for the net zero economy.
  • Cheaper Home Batteries Program provides households and small businesses with a discount on the upfront cost of installing a small-scale solar battery.
  • Environmental, social and governance (ESG) practices provides information on what ESG is and how it can help attract customers and investors.
  • Climate Change Risk Management Tool for Small Businesses contains information on climate change, the related risks, and checklists to assess these risks.
  • Small-scale Renewable Energy Scheme provides benefits for households and small businesses to help with purchase costs of small-scale renewable energy system (solar, wind or hydro) or eligible hot water system.
  • Becoming an environmentally friendly business guide outlines the benefits and process for ensuring your business is environmentally friendly, including opportunities to reduce waste and tips for saving energy and lowering energy costs.
  • Fuel Tax Credits provide businesses who have purchased fuel for their business with a credit for the tax that is included in the price of fuel.
  • National Reconstruction Fund provides debt finance, equity finance and guarantees for businesses with compelling proposals in these priority areas.
  • Regional Business Gateways Program - provides up to $600,000 in funding for collaborative, community led projects that strengthen regional small business capability. Applications close 17 July 2026.
  • Regional Enablers Program– A network of funded organisations delivering tailored programs and support to help regional Queensland businesses and entrepreneurs innovate, start, and scale by building stronger local innovation ecosystems.
  • Industry Skills Solutions – Drones initiative offering up to $200,000 per project to support drone training and workforce development. Applications close 10 July 2026.
  • Private Sector Pathways Program provides funding of up to $200,000 to Queensland small to medium enterprises and startups to help them find solutions to corporate challenges. Applications close 23 July 2026.

• Construction, major projects and supply chains

  • Gateway by ICN - Brisbane 2032 Games Procurement Platform provides information for suppliers to register for procurement opportunities for the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
  • Brisbane 2032 Games industry opportunities provides information on infrastructure procurement opportunities related to the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
  • Major Project Status enables strategically significant projects facing complex regulatory challenges to get extra support and coordinated approvals.
  • Key Apprenticeship Program offers up to $10,000 in financial support to apprentices commencing or recommencing their careers in the clean energy or housing construction sectors.
  • Supply chain development workshops assist businesses within regional supply chains to be more competitive in positioning for work opportunities. Topics include preparing effective capability statements, tendering for business including responding to nonprice criteria, contract management, and major project briefing events.
  • The Industry Platform (formerly known as BenchOn) creates a digital industry eco-system to intelligently match requirements for People, Products and Services directly to the suppliers who are best suited to support.
  • Gateway by ICN online supply chain system allows suppliers to search for projects online and register interest directly.
  • Infrastructure Activation Fund | Economic Development Queensland - Queensland and Australian Government initiative led by Economic Development Queensland to fast track housing by investing nearly $2.4 billion over five years in critical infrastructure such as roads, water and sewer, with funding delivered through a mix of grants and interest free loans.

• Defence and aerospace

  • Defence Industry Development Grant (DIDG) grant-writing workshop designed for Queensland defence SMEs and supply‑chain businesses looking to develop strong, compliant and compelling grant applications, in Brisbane on 22 July 2026.
  • 2026 National Defence Strategy and 2026 Integrated Investment Program explains how Australian businesses can support a stronger defence industry.
  • Defence Industry Development Grants Program supported by the Australian Government will fund small to medium enterprises to build Australia’s sovereign capability, global competitiveness, technical superiority and national security. Four funding streams are available: Sovereign Industrial Priorities; Exports; Security; and Skilling.
  • Defence Jobs Queensland provides information on how Queensland businesses can become ‘defence-ready’, enabling them to access state, national and global defence supply chain opportunities.
  • Joint Strike Fighter Industry Support Program Sustainment Grants provides Australian businesses with funding to develop new or improved capabilities to win work in the sustainment phase of the Joint Strike Fighter Program closes 30 June 2028.
  • Space Concession helps companies wanting to develop high technology for the space sector; encouraging the transfer of technology and expertise by providing duty-free tariff on eligible imported goods.
  • The Industry Platform (formerly known as BenchOn) creates a digital industry eco-system to intelligently match requirements for People, Products and Services directly to the suppliers who are best suited to support.

• Digital and cyber security

  • Local Digital Priority Projects funding program invests in digital solutions to address specific local economic, business and social priorities across South East Queensland. Applications close 24 August 2026. Eligible applicants can apply for grants for:
    • digital infrastructure projects - Funding Stream 1 Improving Connectivity and Productivity provides grants of $1 million to $5 million
    • non‑infrastructure projects - Funding Stream 2: Building Digital Capability and Inclusion; and Funding Stream 3: Supporting the Growth of High-Skilled Industries and Jobs provide grants of $100,000 to $1 million
    • Larger grants may be considered for projects that demonstrate significant benefits for the broader South East Queensland region.
  • ARM Hub AI Adopt Centre’s online 5-minute AI Readiness Assessment helps businesses understand their current capabilities and the next steps to leverage AI safely and responsibly.
  • Small Business Technology Investment Boost allows small businesses to claim a 20% bonus deduction on technology expenditure to help digitise their business.
  • Cyber Wardens Cyber Security Training provides free online courses and learning for small business owners and employees funded by the Australian Government. Tailored webinars for Queensland small businesses.
  • Digital Solutions Program helps small businesses to adapt and flourish through the adoption of digital business tools that can improve productivity, effectiveness, and aid business growth. Regional Business HQ is the Queensland delivery partner.
  • Cyber security online resources are available addressing information security management and the new edition of ISO 27001, the internationally used system for keeping businesses cyber secure.

• Disaster relief

  • Delivering Financial Assistance for Rural and Regional Disaster Recovery Grants and low interest loans are now available for flooded primary producers and small businesses following this week’s wild weather. Grant and loan applications can be made via the above link, while information on freight subsidies is available through Queensland’s Department of Primary Industries on 13 25 23.
  • Queensland businesses impacted during disaster events may be eligible for low interest loans and grants to help them recover. Specific support is also available for non-profit organisations and primary producers.
  • Small business disaster hub provides information about managing a small business before, during and after a disaster.
  • Transport-related Drought Assistance provides transport-related drought assistance measures to primary producers whose property has been drought-declared.
  • Freight Subsidies for Disaster Affected Primary Producers provides primary producers with freight subsidies for moving materials, including emergency fodder.
  • Drought Relief from Electricity Charges Scheme provides relief from supply charges on electricity accounts that are used to pump water for farm or irrigation purposes.
  • Extraordinary Disaster Assistance Recovery Grants for Small Business have been doubled to $50,000 and are available in eligible local government areas to support clean up, repair, replacement and other costs to recover and reopen. A range of disaster recovery grants and concessional loans have also been activated for primary producers and non-profit organisations in other eligible local government areas. Applications close 6 January 2027 or until funding is fully committed.

• Energy projects and technologies

  • Net Zero Fund will be essential for delivering the Australian Government’s Net Zero Plan and enabling major investments by large industrial facilities in decarbonisation and energy efficiency, supporting manufacturing renewable and low emissions technologies. Summary consultation on the fund’s design is available.
  • Advancing Renewables Program provides businesses with funding or finance to develop renewable energy technologies.
  • Research and Development Tax Incentive helps companies innovate and grow by offsetting some of the costs of eligible research and development.
  • Product Stewardship for Oil Program provides financial benefit for businesses that recycle oil or use recycled oil in their operations.
  • Australian Carbon Credit Unit (ACCU) Scheme earns Australian carbon credit units for every tonne of carbon dioxide equivalent stored or avoided through adopting new practices and technologies.
  • Future Made in Australia (FMA) Innovation Fund will provide grant funding to support pre-commercial innovation, demonstration and deployment of renewable energy and low emission technologies, to support Australia’s transition to a net zero economy. 
    • FMA Innovation Fund Priority: Renewable Energy Technology Manufacturing (RETM) will fund innovative projects specific to the RETM Priority that benefit Australia’s transition to net zero by supporting manufacturing innovation and commercialisation of renewable energy technologies or that seek to develop Australian manufacturing capabilities and facilities to support the transition.
    • FMA Innovation Fund Priority: Low Carbon Liquid Fuels (LCLF) aims to fund innovative projects specific to the LCLF Priority that benefit Australia’s transition to net zero through the acceleration of commercial scale domestic production, pre-commercial technology demonstration and feedstock and supply chain enablement.
    • FMA Innovation Fund Priority: Green Metals will fund innovative projects that benefit Australia’s transition to net zero through the development of renewable energy and low emissions technologies. Specific to the Green Metals Priority, the Program will support first of a kind solution development and/or accelerate commercial scale production of green metals, including low and net zero emissions production of metals such as iron, steel, alumina and aluminium.
  • Clean Energy Innovation Fund a specialist climate technology venture capital investor, focused on emerging technologies and businesses with the potential for growth.
  • Powering the Regions Industrial Transformation Stream supports a range of industrial decarbonisation solutions, including but not limited to electrification, energy efficiency, low emissions processing and fuel switching. Round 3 is now open and will support focus areas: innovation in industrial decarbonisation, and advancing commercial deployment.
  • Accelerating Fuel Infrastructure Program - Queensland Government initiative inviting industry proposals through a staged Expression of Interest process (Stage 1 now open) to boost fuel refining and storage capacity, supporting long term fuel security.

• Export and trade

  • Landing Pads and Dealroom provide tailored advice to support technology scaleups to expand into new markets and find international investors.
  • Export Finance Australia provides small to medium businesses with loans to help with the finance needed to secure export contracts or purchase orders, and bonds as security for export contracts.
  • Australian Trusted Trader provides businesses involved in importing and exporting with an accreditation to streamline and simplify customs processes.

• Freight, transport and roads

  • DRIVEN Charger Grant Stream provides grant funding of up to $8 million for organisations to build new public fast electric vehicle charging stations at automotive dealerships or EV repairer sites. Applications close 28 August 2026.
  • Remote Communities Freight Assistance Scheme aims to reduce the amount of freight costs that are passed on to consumers of eligible goods in remote communities. Applications for Discount Assistance and Compliance Assistance streams close 30 June 2028 or until funding is exhausted.
  • Driving the Nation Program the Trucks, Charging and Innovation focus area is currently open, supporting demonstration and deployment of heavy vehicles, charging solutions and other innovation supporting uptake of battery electric vehicles.
  • Community Road Safety Grants provides funding to deliver road safety education initiatives.

• Indigenous-owned businesses

  • Start-Up Finance Package provides Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander start-ups with access to loans to help new businesses get off the ground.
  • Indigenous Business Australia provides free workshops to start or grow your business with topics including marketing, procurement, business planning, finance and budgeting.
  • Small Business Development Program is designed for operating Indigenous businesses ready to scale and create community impact. Includes the provision of tailored and structured expert business support for up to 3 years, and possible loans to support growth initiatives.
  • Invoice Finance provides Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander owned businesses with cash flow support to grow their business.
  • Business Loan Package provides loans to assist Aboriginal and Torres Strait owned businesses plan their business future.
  • One Business provides Queensland Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander entrepreneurs and business owners with access to training, support and advice to help them create pathways to participate in Queensland's innovation economy.
  • Indigenous Advancement Strategy provides funding for projects or activities which promote equal opportunities for Indigenous Australians.
  • Performance Bonds provide bonds as security to help Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander owned businesses fulfil contracts.
  • Start-Up Finance Package provides Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander start-ups with access to loans to help new businesses get off the ground.
  • First Nations Tourism Mentoring Program provides free mentoring support to eligible First Nations tourism businesses.
  • Our Country Advisory Service provides targeted support, advice, toolkits and voice to emerging and established Indigenous tourism operators, sectoral aligned businesses, and community owned organisations, helping businesses to establish and grow their tourism products and services.
  • The First Nations Clean Energy Advice Grants support First Nations organisations to build skills, knowledge and confidence to participate in clean energy projects by accessing technical and professional advice and making informed decisions in line with the principles of Free, Prior and Informed Consent. Applications close on 3 September 2026.

• Local government and community groups

  • Infrastructure for Multicultural Communities The Australian Government is inviting organisations to apply for the construction, upgrade or extension of infrastructure for multicultural communities. Applications close 12 November 2026.
  • Small Business Month opportunities to get involved for businesses and local councils – held in May 2026.
  • Snapshot Climate tool provides greenhouse gas emissions profiles for Australian councils (local government areas), regions, federal electorates, states and territories which are free to download.

• Manufacturing

  • The Additive Manufacturing CRC (AMCRC) is launching its new STARTER Project Funding Program designed to help Australian businesses, particularly manufacturing SMEs and start-ups, explore the potential of additive manufacturing through shorter-term, lower-risk R&D projects, providing matched funding from $20,000 to $75,000 for industry-led projects that investigate, test and advance additive manufacturing innovation in Australia. Join the free online webinar on 15 July 2026 to learn more about the program.
  • Manufacturing Sustainability Benchmark Program helps manufacturers understand their sustainability progress with an online benchmark assessment. The report provides detailed results and recommended actions for improvement.
  • Certain Inputs to Manufacture reduce importing costs for Australian manufacturers of eligible goods.
  • Manufacturing Skills Queensland - Leadership Excellence Series – Futuremap - is a structured, no‑cost capability diagnostic program that helps Queensland manufacturing business owners and senior leaders assess current maturity, identify capability gaps, and build future readiness across areas such as digitisation, sustainability, innovation, strategy and leadership in a rapidly evolving manufacturing environment. Dates and locations:
  • 22 July – Townsville
  • 23 July – Cairns
  • Economic Resilience Program - Australian Government’s $1 billion Economic Resilience Program offers zero interest loans to eligible logistics and manufacturing businesses impacted by global disruptions. Applications close 20 October 2026.
  • The national conference and exhibition of the Australasian Railway Association - Asia‑Pacific’s largest rail industry conference and exhibition to discuss innovation and network across the sector, held 23–25 November 2026 in Brisbane.

• Minerals and resources

  • Low Emissions Investment Partnerships will support the reduction of emissions from Safeguard Mechanism facilities in the metallurgical coal sector, which has a critical role in producing steel for the renewable technologies to decarbonise the state.
  • Queensland Critical Minerals and Battery Technology Fund supports businesses across the critical minerals supply chain, from mining stage to the development of processing facilities and/or infrastructure.
  • Collaborative exploration initiative the Collaborative Exploration Initiative (CEI) aims to encourage the discovery and development of Queensland's critical mineral deposits to help meet the growing demands of the world's technology and renewable energy sectors until June 2027.
  • Queensland's Critical Minerals Prospectus offers insights into investment ready critical minerals projects at various stages.
  • Australian Critical Minerals Prospectus showcases investment-ready, critical minerals projects in Australia.

• Research

  • Food and Beverage Accelerator Kickstarter Program provides up to $50,000 for small to medium enterprises and start-ups, to conduct research projects that advance the food and beverage industry in Australia.
  • Green Metals Innovation Network will connect researchers and industry to advance the development of green metal production in Australia.
  • CSIRO Kick-Start provides matched funding for start-ups and small to medium enterprises to support research of a new idea with commercial potential; development of a novel or improved product or process; testing for a novel product or material.

• Tourism

  • Destination event investment - Round 2 2026 event applications open August 2026 and close October 2026 for events held April 2027 to June 2028.
  • Pathways to Industry Excellence – Queensland Tourism Industry Council free online learning initiative designed to build a more sustainable, resilient, and world-leading visitor economy for Queensland.
  • Connecting Queensland Fund will help unlock new international and domestic air routes, more frequent services, better connections to the regions and thousands of new jobs. This fund will build on the Attracting Aviation Investment Fund .
  • Manage sustainability in tourism provides steps to guide tourism operators on how to be more sustainable.
  • Our Country Advisory Service provides targeted support, advice, toolkits and voice to emerging and established Indigenous tourism operators, sectoral aligned businesses, and community owned organisations, helping businesses to establish and grow their tourism products and services.

Frequently Asked Questions

• How can the State Development regional offices assist me?

  The State Development regional offices can:

  • be a main point of contact within government for regional opportunities
  • ensure regional stakeholders are kept informed on current government programs, policies and other initiatives
  • provide a mechanism to engage with the regions on key issues and coordinate potential whole of government support
  • facilitate communication between local stakeholders, agencies and all tiers of government
  • identify resources, policy changes and regulatory frameworks required to seize opportunities and manage risks
  • identify major projects and diversification opportunities and provide investment facilitation and local supply chain support

• How do I keep updated?

  This webpage is updated regularly as new information becomes available, providing details of current funding programs, government initiatives and case studies.  In addition the State Development regional office for your region can provide you with specific support to navigate the information available.