Grant funding can make technology investments possible that would otherwise be unaffordable. But navigating the landscape of available programs is confusing.

Here’s a practical overview of technology grants accessible to regional Victorian businesses in 2025.

Business Victoria Programs

The state government runs several programs relevant to technology adoption:

Business Growth Fund

Grants of $50,000 to $250,000 for established businesses investing in growth activities, including technology and innovation.

Eligibility: Businesses with $1M+ revenue, Victorian operations, growth potential. Use for: Significant technology investments, digital transformation projects, innovation initiatives. Process: Competitive application with business plan requirements.

Small Business Digital Adaptation Program

Smaller grants (typically $1,000-$5,000) for digital tools and skills development.

Eligibility: Small businesses across Victoria. Use for: Websites, e-commerce, digital marketing, cloud software. Process: Simpler application, higher success rates.

Regional Jobs and Infrastructure Fund

Supports significant investments in regional areas, including technology infrastructure.

Eligibility: Projects creating regional jobs or economic benefit. Use for: Major technology investments, facility upgrades, infrastructure. Process: Expression of interest followed by detailed application.

Check Business Victoria for current availability—programs open and close throughout the year.

Federal Government Programs

AusIndustry Grants

Multiple programs supporting business innovation and technology:

Entrepreneurs’ Programme: Advisory services and matched funding for technology improvements.

Export Market Development Grants: Rebates for export marketing costs, including digital marketing.

R&D Tax Incentive: Tax offset for eligible research and development activities.

These programs have varying eligibility criteria and application processes. The AusIndustry website details current opportunities.

Regional Growth Fund

Federal funding for regional economic development, sometimes including technology infrastructure.

Check with Regional Development Australia Grampians for current opportunities and guidance.

Industry-Specific Programs

Agricultural Technology

AgriFutures funds agricultural innovation, including technology trials and adoption.

Smart Farms Program supports on-farm technology implementation.

National Landcare Program includes some technology components for land management.

Manufacturing

Modern Manufacturing Initiative supports manufacturing technology investment.

AMGC Grants (Advanced Manufacturing Growth Centre) fund manufacturing innovation projects.

Tourism

Building Better Regions Fund sometimes supports tourism technology infrastructure.

Tourism industry associations occasionally run digital adoption programs.

Local Government Programs

Some local councils offer small technology grants or digital support programs:

• City of Greater Geelong
• City of Ballarat
• City of Greater Bendigo
• Various rural councils

Programs vary significantly. Check with your local council’s economic development team.

Private Sector Programs

Telstra Business Technology Grants

Telstra Business runs grant programs for small business technology adoption. Availability varies throughout the year.

Bank Programs

Major banks occasionally run small business support programs including technology grants. NAB, ANZ, Westpac, and Commonwealth Bank have all operated programs historically.

Industry Associations

Various industry bodies offer member grants for technology adoption. Check with associations relevant to your sector.

Application Tips

Having helped businesses with grant applications, common success factors include:

Match the program to your project. Don’t force-fit applications. If your project doesn’t genuinely align with program objectives, find a different program.

Be specific. Vague proposals fail. Detail exactly what you’ll do, what it costs, and what outcomes you expect.

Demonstrate capability. Show you can actually deliver the project. Team experience, supplier quotes, and realistic timelines matter.

Quantify benefits. “Improved efficiency” is weak. “Reduce processing time by 30%, saving 10 hours weekly” is strong.

Follow instructions precisely. Applications rejected for missing documents or wrong formats are common. Check requirements carefully.

Apply early. Many programs have limited funds. Applications submitted late in funding cycles face lower odds.

Get help if needed. Business Victoria offers free support for applications. Use it.

Timing Matters

Grant programs operate cyclically:

Budget cycles: Many programs refresh with annual budgets (state in October, federal around May).

Election timing: Program availability and focus can shift with government changes.

COVID-era programs: Special pandemic-response programs are winding down.

Industry events: Some grants align with industry planning cycles.

Monitor Business Victoria, AusIndustry, and regional development organisations for announcements.

Realistic Expectations

Grants aren’t free money—they’re competitive, conditional, and time-consuming.

Success rates vary. Some programs are highly competitive; many applications fail.

Compliance matters. Grants come with reporting requirements, milestones, and restrictions.

Timing isn’t certain. Application to approval to payment can take months.

Co-investment required. Most grants require matching funding from the business.

Grants should fund things you’d do anyway, making them more affordable. They shouldn’t drive decisions toward things you wouldn’t otherwise choose.

Getting Started

If you’re new to grant seeking:

1. Identify your project. What technology investment would benefit your business?
2. Research programs. Which grants might fund this type of project?
3. Check eligibility. Do you meet the criteria before investing application effort?
4. Talk to program managers. Most programs have staff who can clarify fit before you apply.
5. Prepare thoroughly. Strong applications take time. Don’t rush.
6. Have backup plans. Don’t depend on grant success for critical projects.

Grant funding is real and accessible to regional Victorian businesses. The opportunities are there for those willing to do the work to access them.

For ongoing updates on available grants, bookmark Business Victoria and follow SmartCompany for small business funding news.