Government grants for technology projects come and go. Keeping track of what’s currently available is a challenge for busy regional business owners.

Here’s my November 2025 update on the programs worth knowing about.

Currently Open Programs

Business Victoria Digital Adoption Program

What it is: Grants to help small and medium businesses adopt digital technologies.

Amount: Up to $10,000 (matched funding—you contribute 50%)

Eligible activities:

• E-commerce platform implementation
• Digital marketing systems
• Business management software
• Cybersecurity improvements
• Point of sale upgrades

Requirements:

• Victorian business with fewer than 200 employees
• Operating for at least 12 months
• Turnover under $10 million
• Regional businesses may receive priority

Status: Currently accepting applications. Competitive process.

Where to apply: Business Victoria website

Small Business Digital Adaptation Program

What it is: Rebates for digital tools and subscriptions.

Amount: Up to $1,500 rebate

Eligible expenses:

• Website development or upgrades
• E-commerce platforms
• Digital bookkeeping software
• Inventory management systems
• Cybersecurity tools

Requirements:

• Victorian small business
• Fewer than 20 employees
• Must have ABN and be GST registered

Status: Ongoing program with periodic assessment rounds.

Where to apply: Small Business Victoria portal

Regional Jobs and Infrastructure Fund - Technology Stream

What it is: Larger grants for significant technology investments creating regional jobs.

Amount: $50,000 to $500,000+

Eligible projects:

• Technology infrastructure investments
• Automation and efficiency improvements
• Digital transformation projects with job creation

Requirements:

• Located in regional Victoria
• Demonstrated job creation outcomes
• Matched funding typically required
• Detailed business case needed

Status: Expression of interest process. Larger commitments.

Where to apply: Regional Development Victoria

Federal Programs Available to Victorians

Export Market Development Grant (EMDG)

What it is: Reimbursement for export marketing expenses including digital.

Relevance: Regional businesses selling interstate or internationally can claim digital marketing costs.

Amount: Up to $150,000 over multiple years

Where to apply: Austrade

Entrepreneurs’ Programme

What it is: Advisory services and matching grants for established businesses.

Relevance: Includes technology advisory services and co-funded grants for growth projects.

Amount: Advisory services free; grants up to $100,000

Where to apply: Business.gov.au

Research and Development Tax Incentive

What it is: Tax offset for R&D activities.

Relevance: Technology development projects may qualify as R&D.

Amount: Varies based on company size and expenditure

Where to apply: Through your accountant/tax advisor

Local Council Programs

Many regional councils offer their own business support programs:

Greater Bendigo: Business support grants including technology components City of Ballarat: Small business grants periodically available Greater Geelong: Innovation and startup support programs Other councils: Check your local council economic development team

Programs and amounts vary. Contact your local council directly for current availability.

Industry-Specific Programs

Agriculture

Smart Farms Grant: Federal funding for agricultural technology adoption Victorian AgTech Adoption Program: State support for farm technology

Tourism

Tourism Victoria Business Support: Includes digital capability components Regional Tourism Digital Grants: Periodic programs for digital presence

Manufacturing

Manufacturing Modernisation Fund: Technology upgrades for manufacturers Victorian Made Manufacturing Grant: Includes automation components

Application Tips

What Makes Applications Successful

Clear problem definition: Explain the business problem technology will solve, not just the technology itself.

Quantified outcomes: Provide specific, measurable expected benefits (productivity gains, cost savings, revenue increase).

Implementation plan: Show you’ve thought through how you’ll actually implement and use the technology.

Matched funding evidence: Demonstrate you have your contribution available.

Regional benefit: For regional programs, articulate benefits to regional community.

Common Mistakes

Technology focus instead of business focus: Grants support business outcomes, not technology purchases.

Vague outcomes: “Improve efficiency” isn’t compelling. “Reduce processing time by 30%, saving $20,000 annually” is.

Missing documentation: Incomplete applications waste assessors’ time and reduce your chances.

Last-minute applications: Rush applications show. Apply early with time for refinement.

Getting Help

Business Victoria Hotline: Free advice on navigating programs Regional Development Victoria: Support for larger regional projects Your accountant: Often aware of programs and tax incentives Industry associations: Often share program updates with members

Cautions

Don’t spend first: Most grants require approval before spending Check eligibility carefully: Wasted effort applying for programs you don’t qualify for Understand obligations: Grants come with reporting and compliance requirements Be realistic: Most programs are competitive with limited funding

Government grants can significantly reduce technology investment costs for regional businesses. The programs exist because governments want regional businesses to succeed with technology.

But grants shouldn’t drive your technology decisions. Invest in technology that makes business sense; grants make it cheaper.

For the latest program updates, check Business Victoria and Regional Development Victoria regularly. SmartCompany also covers small business funding news.