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Tag: Government Funding for Business

Key Grants for Food and Beverage Companies in Australia

Posted on by Kate Downing

Last reviewed: July 17, 2026

 

Government funding plays a fundamental role in driving growth, innovation, and operational improvements within Australia’s Food & Beverage sector. With a broad range of grants available, businesses can struggle to identify the opportunities that best align with their unique needs.

 

In this article, we outline several key grants selected specifically for Food & Beverage companies, covering initiatives from safety enhancements to strategic investment. Each program is designed to help businesses elevate their operations, expand their capabilities, and invest in critical infrastructure.

 

  1. Distillery Door Programs – Hazardous Areas and Dangerous Goods Rebate
  2. Wine Exports China Re-Engagement Support Program
  3. Value Add Investment Grants Program (VAIG) – Feasibility Stream

 

 

Key takeaways 

 

  • Government grants can help Food & Beverage businesses improve safety, expand operations and invest in growth initiatives.
  • Funding opportunities are available across multiple areas, including workplace safety, export market development and value-add manufacturing projects.
  • Many grants are highly targeted, with specific eligibility criteria based on industry, location and business activities.
  • Co-contributions are often required, meaning businesses should be prepared to invest alongside government funding.
  • Export-focused programs can support market expansion, helping businesses strengthen their presence in international markets.
  • Planning ahead is essential, as grant programs have different funding limits, application requirements and closing dates.

 

 

1. Distillery Door Program – Hazardous Areas and Dangerous Goods Rebate

Enhancing safety in Victoria’s distilleries with essential rebates

 

Key Details

  • Closing by: 30 June 2025
  • Funding Available: Up to $50,000
  • Target Recipients: Distillers of alcoholic beverages in Victoria

 

Overview

This program assists Victorian distillers in investing in essential equipment and infrastructure to enhance safety in their facilities. It offers a rebate on eligible expenditure — up to 70% or 80% (GST exclusive), capped at $50,000 — while requiring a cash co-contribution of 20% or 30% depending on production volumes.

 

As part of a $20 million initiative to support Victoria’s distillery industry, the program funds activities such as hazardous area assessments, equipment installation, and specialist training, ensuring that all upgrades comply with Australian Standards and regulatory requirements.

 

Eligibility Criteria

Businesses must:

  • Hold a current Australian Business Number (ABN) and be registered as a legal entity in Victoria.
  • Own at least one still with a capacity of 50 litres or more.
  • Possess a valid ATO Manufacturer’s Licence and a current Victorian General or Producer’s Liquor Licence.
  • Have completed a hazardous area assessment, dangerous goods audit, OHS Essentials Program, or equivalent assessment undertaken from 1 April 2023 until closing date.
  • Meet the required cash co-contribution based on their production level.
  • Agree to participate in future program evaluation activities and comply with relevant workplace and employment obligations.

 

2. Wine Exporters China Re-Engagement Support Program

Supporting SA wine exporters to re-access China’s market

 

Key Details

  • Closing by: Program runs until June 2026
  • Funding Available: Approximately $1.9 million total funding pool
  • Target Recipients: South Australian wine exporters

 

Overview

This program is designed to help South Australian wine exporters re-enter the Chinese market following the lifting of tariffs on Australian wine. It delivers strategic support through market insights, export advisory services, coordinated trade missions, and targeted marketing campaigns.

 

Implemented by the South Australian Government in partnership with the South Australian Wine Industry Association (SAWIA), the program aims to revitalise international trade relationships and strengthen the region’s wine sector.

 

Eligibility Criteria

Businesses must:

  • Be a registered South Australian wine exporters with a valid ABN.
  • Demonstrate active engagement in exporting wine internationally.

 

 

3. Value Add Investment Grants Program (VAIG) – Feasibility Stream

Empowering WA food and beverage businesses with feasibility funding

 

Key Details

  • Closing by: 30 June 2025
  • Funding Available: Individual grants from $15,000 to $100,000 (up to $500,000 per project; total pool of $6 million)
  • Target Recipients: Agriculture, food, and beverage businesses in Western Australia

 

Overview

The VAIG – Feasibility Stream supports WA-based agriculture, food, and beverage businesses planning to expand, diversify, or relocate their value-add processing operations. This program funds planning and feasibility studies that underpin investments in new manufacturing capabilities, technology upgrades, or plant modernisation. By reducing WA’s reliance on imported products, the initiative fosters innovation, enhances sustainability, and drives job creation. Applicants are required to provide a minimum cash co-contribution of 30%, with some flexibility available for Aboriginal businesses.

 

Eligibility Criteria

Businesses must:

  • Be a private sector entity (including incorporated trustees, public companies, or cooperatives) with a valid ABN and GST registration.
  • Plan a project located in or relocating to Western Australia.
  • Demonstrate the financial capacity to meet the minimum cash co-contribution.
  • Have been in operation for at least 12 months (or possess a similar established track record).
  • Be capable of entering into a legally binding agreement with the WA Government.
  • Regional and Aboriginal businesses are encouraged to apply.

 

Reminder: Don’t Miss the R&D Tax Incentive (R&DTI)

 

The Research and Development Tax Incentive is a powerful mechanism that offers significant tax offsets and cash refunds for eligible R&D activities, easing the financial risks of innovation. Despite its benefits, many Food & Beverage companies are overlooking this opportunity. Leveraging the R&D Tax Incentive not only reduces R&D costs but also positions your business to drive technological advancements and compete globally.

 

Ensure you assess your eligibility and consider expert advice to fully integrate this incentive into your financial strategy for sustained growth and market leadership. Learn more about the R&DTI Program by visiting our dedicated page.

 

Food and Beverage Funding Opportunities for Australian Businesses

 

The grants listed above represent just a snapshot of the funding opportunities available to support the growth and innovation of Food and Beverage companies in Australia. If you’re looking to explore these options further and strengthen your market position, our team of experts is here to help.

 

With the complexities of the application process, partnering with experienced advisors is essential. That’s where FundFindrs comes in — we support you every step of the way. Book a FREE chat today for a tailored consultation.

 

 

What Government Will Be Funding in 2026

Posted on by Janine Owen

Last reviewed: July 03, 2026  


2026 is shaping up to be a big year for Australian businesses seeking funding support. Both federal and state governments have signalled strong investment in innovation, clean energy, digital capability, and regional development.

But with more money also comes more competition. The real advantage goes to businesses that understand where government priorities sit and prepare early.

Here’s what’s driving funding decisions in 2026 and how to get access to the grants that are on your radar. 

 

 

Key takeaways 

  • Six sectors dominate government funding in 2026: clean energy, R&D and commercialisation, digital capability, manufacturing and critical minerals, workforce development, and regional growth.
  • The R&DTI remains a key national funding mechanism and is expected to remain a stable source of support for eligible R&D activities.
  • Co-funding requirements are increasing. More programs are expected to require matched contributions from applicants.
  • Outcomes matter more than ever. Governments are increasingly prioritising projects that demonstrate jobs growth, economic impact, emissions reduction and export opportunities.
  • Competition is intensifying. Growing demand and capped budgets mean businesses need to be prepared to act quickly when opportunities arise.
  • Preparation is the real advantage. Businesses that align projects with government priorities and prepare early are better positioned for funding success.

 

 

 

Where the money goes: an industry breakdown 

1 – Clean energy and decarbonisation 

Achieving net zero remains a national priority. Expect strong funding for clean energy projects, emissions reduction, electrification, and circular economy solutions. This includes everything from battery manufacturing to energy-efficient infrastructure. 

 

2 – R&D and commercial innovation 

Innovation continues to be a core pillar of Australia’s productivity push. Programs that support R&D, commercialisation, prototypes and pilot trials will remain active. The R&DTax Incentive continues to anchor this space and is expected to stay stable. 

 
3 – Digital capability and cybersecurity 

Cyber threats and digital adoption gaps remain major risks for SMEs. Governments are likely to support initiatives that help businesses adopt new technologies, improve resilience, and lift digital productivity. 

 

4 – Manufacturing and critical minerals 

Federal and state governments want more value-adding done in Australia. High-tech manufacturing, critical minerals processing, and advanced materials are key areas where funding is expected to grow. 

 
5 – Workforce and skills development 

Skills shortages aren’t going away. Funding for apprentices, traineeships, workforce retraining and clean energy skills development will remain strong in 2026.

 

6 – Regional and export development 

Regional funding continues to help businesses expand, innovate and hire locally. 

 

 

 

Top 4 funding trends for 2026 

 1 – More co-funding requirements 

Expect more programs to require matched contributions. It ensures businesses share the risk and are invested in the project. 

 

2 – Stronger focus on outcomes 

Governments want measurable impact. Jobs, economic uplift, emissions reduction and export growth are high on the list. 

 

3 – Competition is increasing 

With more demand and capped budgets, programs are becoming more competitive and sometimes first-come, first-served. Preparing early is critical. 

 

4 – Integrated advisory support 

More grants now come with mentoring or capability-building components. This builds stronger businesses and increases project success. 

 

 

 

How to get grant ready for 2026 

Step 1 | Align your projects with priority areas 

Frame your work in a way that connects clearly to government priorities like net zero, digital transformation or advanced manufacturing. 

 

Step 2 | Organise your documents now 

Have your financials, business plan, project plan and budget ready. When a grant opens, you want to move fast. 

 

Step 3 | Track announcements and timelines 

Follow federal and state updates. Subscribe to business.gov.au, GrantConnect, your state’s business email updates, and FundFindrs newsletter. 

 

Step 4 | Build relationships and seek advice 

Connect with industry groups, funding bodies, accelerators and universities. A strong partner can elevate your application.

 

 

 

The bottom line 

2026 will offer some solid opportunities for businesses that prepare early. Governments are funding innovation, clean energy, digital capability and economic growth, but competition will be strong. 

If you know what you need, align with the right priorities, and stay ready, grants can help you move faster and with far less risk. 

Start planning now, build your funding roadmap, and you’ll be in a strong position to apply with confidence in 2026.  

 

 

About Grant’d 

Grant’d is Australia’s first intelligent, end-to-end funding ecosystem for startups, SMEs and purpose-led organisations. 

The platform helps you: 

  • find the right grants in under a minute
  • understand eligibility instantly
  • build a proactive funding roadmap
  • track deadlines and manage applications in one place

Grant’d takes the guesswork out of grants so you can focus on building, scaling and delivering impact. Learn more at grantd.com.au.