Innovate with nbn Grants Program: $15,000 Grants for Regional Australian Businesses
Regional Australian businesses using digital technology to innovate can now apply for the Innovate with nbn Grants Program. Designed to support regional small businesses, this grant initiative offers $15,000 in funding to help scale technology-driven solutions, improve business productivity, and unlock new markets.
The program recognizes regional and remote Australia businesses that harness technology to solve local challenges and create opportunities. Grants of $15,000 are available across seven specific categories:
- Agriculture
- Arts & Tourism
- Education
- Health
- Indigenous Business
- Sports & Recreation
- Women in Regional Business
One outstanding recipient will also receive the $20,000 Innovate with nbn Champion Award.
This program focuses on proven digital adoption rather than early-stage business ideas. Applicants must demonstrate how digital connectivity and technology are actively driving better outcomes for their business and community.
Applications for the 2026 Innovate with nbn Grants Program close on 12 October 2026.
Review the key eligibility requirements, grant categories, and application details in the FAQs below.
đź“ŚFrequently Asked Questions:Â
Q: What could make an application stand out?
The key is to clearly explain what you’re doing differently and why it matters.
Consider:
- What problem are you solving?
- What is innovative about your approach?
- How does technology enable what you do?
- What difference does it make to your customers or community?
- How would the grant help you take the next step?
Don’t just tell the judges what your business does. Show them the impact.
Q: How much funding is available?
There are seven $15,000 grants available, with one grant awarded in each category.  One outstanding applicant will also receive an additional $20,000 Innovate with nbn® Champion Award.
That makes $125,000 in total funding available.
Q: What types of businesses can apply?
The program is looking for digital businesses in regional and remote Australia that are using the nbn® network to:
- Help regional Australians live, learn and work in a digital society
- Challenge traditional markets
- Increase digital participation and stimulate regional economies
- Encourage digital adoption in regional and remote communities
.
Q: What are the grant categories?
There are seven categories:
- Agriculture
- Arts & Tourism
- Education
- Health
- Indigenous Business
- Sports & Recreation
- Women in Regional Business
Q: Does my business need to be connected to nbn?
Yes.
Being connected to the nbn® network is one of the eligibility requirements.
Q: What are the other eligibility requirements?
To be eligible, you must:
-
- Be connected to the nbn® network
- Be located in regional Australia
- Have an Australian Business Number (ABN)
- Have an Australian bank account corresponding to the ABN
- Apply for one category only
Q: Can I apply for more than one category?
No.
You can only apply for one category.
Choose the category that best matches your business and the innovation you are putting forward.
Q: Does my business need to be a technology company?
No.
The focus is on how your business is using digital technology and the nbn® network to innovate.
That could be through improving access to services, reaching new markets, improving productivity, creating new digital experiences or helping regional communities participate in the digital economy.
Wayne Wanders is an experienced Business Advisor and Outsourced CFO who can help to scale and grow your business profitably.Â
Contact Wayne on wayne@arealcfo.com.au or 0412 227 052.
Â
Click on the below buttons to access free Resources developed by Wayne Wanders, A Real CFO to help your business scale and grow profitably
And Wayne is always posting about new grants, funding options and other resources on LinkedIn that can help your business scale and grow profitably. Click on the below links and connect with Wayne or follow A Real CFO on LinkedIn.
Want a confidential discussion on your business situation, help with your grant application or to learn more about my Outsourced CFO Services, simply email me at wayne@aRealCFO.com.au or call me on 0412 227 052
