Business Sense

22/09/2026

GRANT OPPORTUNITY: Innovate with nbn Grants Program 2026 now open

Regional business owners and not for profits, if you are using the internet to do something clever out here, there is $125,000 up for grabs and your idea could be worth $35,000.

nbn and the Regional Australia Institute have opened the seventh round of the Innovate with nbn Grants Program, backing digital businesses and organisations that are lifting their communities through technology.

What it funds
- 7 category grants of $15,000 each
- One entry also wins the Innovate with nbn Champion Award, an extra $20,000

Categories, pick one only
- AgTech and Environment
- Arts, Culture and Tourism
- Education
- First Nations Business
- Health and Wellbeing
- Innovation for Productivity
Women in Regional Business

Who can apply

Located in regional Australia
- Connected to the nbn network
- Active ABN, with an Australian bank account in that ABN's name

What they are looking for
Businesses using the nbn network to help regional people live, learn and work online, challenge traditional markets, grow digital participation and stimulate regional economies. Last year's Champion was RAISEducation, a not for profit delivering online literacy and numeracy support to remote families.

📅 Key dates (AEST)
Applications close 12 October 2026 at 10.59pm AEST. Winners announced 16 November 2026.

The application includes a short 60 to 90 second video, so give yourself time. If you would like a hand shaping your story into a strong application, get in touch.

Know a regional business doing great things online? Feel free to share this with them.

Guidelines and how to apply are in the comments below.

04/09/2026

The National Australia Day Council offers grant funding to community groups, government entities and councils to support Australia Day events that bring communities together and encourage participation in Australia Day activities.

GRANT OPPORTUNITY: Australia Day Funding
The National Australia Day Council provides funding of up to $15,000 through its Australia Day Community Events Grant Program to help communities reflect, respect and celebrate on Australia Day.

From community barbeques and concerts to citizenship ceremonies, flag raising ceremonies and parades, the community events grant program has helped deliver almost 4,000 community events across Australia since 2021.

Applications close 22 September 2026.

18/08/2026

Cabonne residents your chance to shape the future of your community 😊

COMMUNITY SURVEY | TELL US WHAT MATTERS MOST FOR THE FUTURE OF CABONNE.

We have had such a great response so far, thank you to everyone who has already taken the time to complete the survey.

Based on Council’s current financial position, together with ageing infrastructure, it has been determined that current service levels are unsustainable.

Together with the community, Council must make some difficult decisions and compromises to shape the future.

Council is asking for your help to guide this process by sharing your opinion.
👉 What Council should prioritise
👉 Which services are most important
👉 Where spending should increase, stay the same or decrease
👉 How we can best shape Cabonne's future

Some of the questions involve real trade-offs because resources are limited. Your feedback will help Council understand what the community values most.

Complete the survey and help shape the future of Cabonne https://micromex.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_2t6UzRi4aazrsmW?Q_CHL=qr&fbclid=IwY2xjawTOXvZleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETE4cHNteHp3ZjVieThvNFQ0c3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHm8wlG0wEUDBjpWQhfd7avQDq6YViJ0abgQqGx2i2hpXbpDYuAyhYgayz7BR_aem_b0SZwtN8_dZwyykxnqsjrw

18/08/2026

GRANT OPPORTUNITY: Cadia Cares Round 3 now open

Community groups and not for profits across Blayney, Cabonne and Orange, this one is close to home.

What it funds
Practical community projects, at two levels.
Minor funding up to $5,000 including GST for short projects, like a one off equipment purchase or a program delivered within the year.
Major funding from $5,001 to $20,000 for projects with clearer, longer term benefit.Think community facilities, education and environmental projects.

Who can apply
Community groups and organisations in the Blayney, Cabonne and Orange LGAs. That takes in recognised charities, not for profit organisations, community groups and educational projects.

What they are looking for
Projects that benefit a wide part of the community and leave lasting value. A committee of Cadia workers reviews every application, so a clear, well shaped project stands out.

Key dates (AEST)
📅 Applications close Monday 31 August 2026. Outcomes expected Friday 9 October 2026.

If you have a project ready to go and want a hand shaping a strong application before the deadline, get in touch.

Know a local group this suits? Feel free to share it with them.

Guidelines and the application link are in the first comment below.

11/08/2026

GRANT OPPORTUNITY: NSW Local Sport Grant Program 2026/27 now open

Grassroots sporting clubs across NSW, this one is for you. Between $2,000 and $20,000 is on the table to get more people playing and keep your club strong.

The NSW Office of Sport has $4.65 million in the pool, with $50,000 for every electorate, and the application is a manageable size.

What it funds
Coach and official accreditation, club websites and promotional material, come and try days, new equipment and uniforms, and facility upgrades like lighting, shelters, scoreboards and playing surfaces.

Who can apply
Incorporated not for profit clubs and associations affiliated with a State Sporting Organisation. Successful clubs declare Public Liability Insurance of at least $5 million. Councils, schools, for profit businesses, PCYCs and surf clubs are not eligible, though a council can contribute to a club's project.

Key dates (AEST) 📅
Applications close 1:00 pm on 24 August 2026. Projects must finish by 30 June 2028.

Know a local club that could use a hand? Feel free to tag them or share this.

If your club has a project in mind and wants a hand with a competitive application before the deadline, get in touch.

Full guidelines and the application link are in the first comment

04/08/2026

Have a heritage building in Mid Western Region? Get in quick as the Local Heritage grant is about to close on the 7 August.

Grants from $1500-$5k for minor repairs and maintenance. Need quotations to support your application…. Act now!

💲 Council's Local Heritage Grants closing soon

Grants between $1500 and $5000 are available to assist with small maintenance and conservation projects for heritage-listed, significant buildings located in heritage conservation areas.

📅 Applications close: Friday, 7 August 2026

More information and applications are available on Council's website 👇
midwestern.nsw.gov.au/heritage-grants

04/08/2026

Another great local funding initiative - this one from Oberon Council

📢 COMMUNITY DONATION AND EVENT SUPPORT FUNDING IS NOW OPEN!

Round two of Lachlan Shire Council’s Community Donation and Event Support Funding is now open until Tuesday 15 September 2026.

Guidelines, eligibility criteria and application forms can be found on Council's website 🔗 https://www.lachlan.nsw.gov.au/Community/Grants-and-Donations/Council-Donation-and-Event-Support-Program

📆 Submissions close at 4pm on Tuesday 15 September 2026.

☎ For further information, please contact our Finance & Governance Administration Officer, Marie Roussety on (02) 6895 1900.

04/08/2026

Great funding initiative from Blayney Council driving community prosperity and economic growth in the Shire.

✨Reminder ✨

Applications now open for Round 1 - 2026/27 Community Financial Assistance Program.

Guidelines and applications are available from Council's website or from Council's office. Applications close 21 August 2026!
https://www.blayney.nsw.gov.au/our-community/grants-scholarships-and-awards/community-financial-assistance-program

04/08/2026

AVAILABILITY

I have been working in and helping regional Councils and organisations across Australia turn good ideas into funded, finished projects since 1999.

I am available now for project work. Whether it is a feasibility study, a business case, stakeholder engagement, a financial impact assessment, a grant application or the reporting that comes after, I can prepare, advise or review.

Councils, not for profits, organisations and small businesses, this is the work I do best.

The projects that get funded and finished usually have one thing in common. The Projects are well planned, authentic and tick the Policy behind the grant funding.

If you have something you want to get off the ground, I would love to chat with you and see how I can provide value. Please send me DM or email me at [email protected]

03/08/2026

Looking for a small business Grant??

Check out the links below to access what your state has on offer 😊

ACT Business Grants: https://australiangrants.org/category/business-grants/business-grants-act/

NSW Business Grants: https://australiangrants.org/category/business-grants/business-grants-nsw/

NT Business Grants: https://australiangrants.org/category/business-grants/business-grants-nt/

QLD Business Grants: https://australiangrants.org/category/business-grants/business-grants-qld/

SA Business Grants: https://australiangrants.org/category/business-grants/business-grants-sa/

TAS Business Grants: https://australiangrants.org/category/business-grants/business-grants-tas/

VIC Business Grants: https://australiangrants.org/category/business-grants/business-grants-vic/

WA Business Grants: https://australiangrants.org/category/business-grants/business-grants-wa/

Welcome to the hub for WA small business grants. This section collates updates, guides, and announcements on funding programs available for Western Australian businesses.