Government grants and support for small business | NSW Small Business Commissioner

5 August, 2025

With many small businesses facing high interest rates, inflation and flagging consumer demand, make sure your small business is taking advantage of all the government support available.

Grants, loans, rebates and subsidies are available across a range of industries, business types and purposes, including for startups and indigenous businesses.

The Federal Government’s grant finder tool currently lists 537 different grants and programs for businesses. You can also search for support via the NSW Government’s grant finder.

Here are some financial supports that many NSW businesses are eligible for right now:

Financial incentives for businesses to hire new staff

Wage subsidies ranging up to $10,000 may be available to businesses that hire eligible individuals into ongoing jobs.

Payroll tax rebate for employing apprentices and trainees

A payroll tax rebate is available for employers in NSW who employ apprentices and new entrant trainees. The rebate works as a payroll tax offset based on the wages you've paid to apprentices and new entrant trainees.

Fee-free traineeships NSW

NSW businesses can access to fee-free traineeships when they employ a new trainee. Save up to $1,000 per trainee. Traineeships must commence before 31 December 2025.

Free and confidential mental health coaching for small business owners

Developed by Beyond Blue to give small business owners support during challenging times. Coaches work side by side with business owners to overcome difficult issues and provide practical skills to help them manage stress.

Loans for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander-owned small businesses

Loans are available for Indigenous owned small businesses to help them start, grow or restructure.

Energy bill relief

Australian households and eligible small businesses with electricity bills may receive up to $150 in energy bill rebates from 1 July 2025 to the end of 2025. For most, the rebates will be automatically applied to your electricity bill in two $75 quarterly instalments. Small businesses in embedded networks, such as a shopping centre, may need to apply for the rebate

Rural Assistance Authority natural disaster relief loan

Small businesses in NSW directly impacted by a declared natural disaster may be eligible for a low-interest loan of up to $130,000 through the NSW Rural Assistance Authority. These loans offer a two-year interest and repayment-free period and can be used for essential working capital or to repair and replace damaged assets. To qualify, businesses must have sustained direct damage, be located in a declared disaster area, and meet specific eligibility criteria. Applications must be submitted within six months of the disaster declaration.

Special Disaster Relief Grant – NSW East Coast Severe Weather

Small businesses and non-profits affected by the NSW East Coast Storms (from 18 May 2025) or Tropical Cyclone Alfred (from 3 March 2025) can apply for a recovery grant of up to $25,000. The grant supports clean-up, repairs, and reopening costs, with an initial payment of up to $5,000 available for immediate recovery costs and up to a further $20,000 provided upon further evidence. Applications for the grant close on 11 December 2025.Read more at https://www.service.nsw.gov.au/transaction/small-business-recovery-grant-agrn-1198-1212

Primary producers and aquaculture businesses impacted by the East Coast Severe Weather event can apply for a separate Special Disaster Relief Grant of up to $75,000. This funding is intended to cover the immediate costs of restoring production and ensuring long-term viability. Eligible applicants can receive an initial $5,000 with photographic evidence of damage, with the remainder accessible upon submission of valid tax invoices and proof of payment. Applications are open until 4pm on 4 December 2025.

Natural disaster assistance programs

Additional support available includes $10,000 Rural Landholder Grants, and freight and donated fodder transport subsidies.

Ways to reduce your workers compensation premium

If you’re a small business with a workers compensation policy, there are a couple of ways you could lower your premium. You may be eligible for a 5 per cent discount if you pay your premium in full by the due date. A further 7.5 per cent discount is available under the Safe Employer Reward (SER) for businesses with a strong safety record. From 30 June 2026, businesses will also need to submit their actual wages declaration within four months of the policy period ending to receive the SER discount.