When large telcos announce programs for small businesses, I’m usually skeptical. But Telstra’s recent regional business initiatives are worth attention—there’s real money and resources available for businesses willing to navigate the application process.

Here’s what’s on offer and how to make the most of it.

The Business Technology Fund

Telstra runs a Business Technology Fund that provides grants to small businesses for technology upgrades. This isn’t a loan—it’s money you don’t pay back.

What’s covered:

• Hardware (computers, POS systems, tablets)
• Software subscriptions
• Digital marketing
• Cybersecurity improvements
• E-commerce setup

Grant amounts: Typically $5,000-15,000 for standard applications. Some special programs offer more.

Eligibility: Australian small businesses with ABN. Some programs prioritise regional businesses, women-owned businesses, or specific industries.

How to Apply

The application process involves:

1. Online application form describing your business and proposed technology investment
2. Business plan element explaining how the technology will help your business
3. Quotes for the technology you want to purchase
4. Financial information about your business

Applications are competitive—not everyone gets funded. But regional businesses often have good success rates because there’s explicit priority for regional applicants in some rounds.

Tips for strong applications:

• Be specific about what you’ll buy and why
• Quantify the expected benefits where possible
• Show you’ve researched options and got competitive quotes
• Demonstrate genuine need—if your technology is outdated or limiting growth, explain that

Telstra Business Partners Program

Beyond grants, Telstra has a network of Business Technology Partners who provide services to small businesses, often at subsidised rates for Telstra customers.

Services include:

• IT support and managed services
• Business software setup
• Cybersecurity assessments
• Website and e-commerce development

The value here is access to vetted providers. Quality varies (as with any referral network), but it’s a starting point if you don’t have existing IT relationships.

To access: Visit the Telstra Business website or speak with a Telstra business account manager.

Digital Skills Training

Telstra partners with various organisations to offer digital skills training, often free or low-cost for small businesses.

Recent programs have covered:

• Social media for business
• E-commerce basics
• Digital marketing
• Cybersecurity awareness

These are typically webinar-based, so you can participate from anywhere with internet access.

Regional-Specific Initiatives

Telstra occasionally runs programs specifically for regional businesses. These vary by year but have included:

• Extra funding rounds for regional applicants
• Connectivity grants for businesses with poor internet
• Partnership programs with regional chambers of commerce
• Sponsorship of regional business events

The best way to stay informed is:

• Sign up for Telstra business newsletters
• Follow regional business organisations (often they announce partner programs)
• Ask your local Telstra business rep directly

My Assessment

Is this genuinely useful or marketing fluff?

Having spoken with several regional businesses who’ve accessed Telstra programs, I’d say: genuinely useful, but you need to put in effort.

The grants are real money. A Ballarat café received $8,000 toward a new POS system and online ordering setup. A Hamilton farm supplies store got $12,000 for inventory management software. These are meaningful amounts for small businesses.

The application process takes time. Budget several hours to prepare a strong application. Weak applications get rejected.

Not everyone wins. These programs are competitive. But if you’re not applying, you’re definitely not winning.

Other Telecommunications Provider Programs

Telstra isn’t alone. Other providers have business support programs worth investigating:

NBN Co occasionally offers connection grants for businesses in areas with poor infrastructure.

Optus Business has similar (though smaller) small business programs.

Aussie Broadband offers business-focused products with Australian-based support, valuable for regional businesses.

State government programs sometimes cover connectivity improvements too. Check Business Victoria for current offerings.

Taking Action

If you’re a regional business owner:

1. Visit the Telstra Business grants page and check current offerings
2. Identify a technology investment that would genuinely help your business
3. Prepare your application with specific details and quotes
4. Apply before deadlines

Even if you don’t win first time, the process of thinking through your technology needs is valuable. And subsequent applications often succeed where first attempts failed.

Free money is out there. Regional businesses just need to claim it.