Australia’s manufacturing sector generates over $100 billion in economic output annually, and the Federal and State governments want to keep it growing. That’s why there are currently more than 40 active grant programs, tax incentives and assistance schemes specifically for Australian manufacturers, ranging from $5,000 rebates for small workshops to $2.5 million co-funding packages for advanced manufacturers scaling up production.
The problem? Most manufacturers never claim a cent of it. Industry data shows that fewer than 5% of eligible manufacturing businesses have accessed government grants in the past three years, not because they don’t qualify, but because finding and applying for the right programs takes time most business owners simply don’t have.
This guide covers the most significant manufacturing grants currently available across Australia, what each one offers, who qualifies, and how to find out if your business is eligible today.
Manufacturing Grants Available in Australia – 2026 Programs
The programs below represent the major active streams for Australian manufacturing businesses. Note that grant amounts, eligibility criteria and open/close dates change regularly, CALL 1300-005-999 to confirm current status and check for newer programs not yet listed here.
| Grant Program | Funding Amount | Who It’s For | Status |
| Modern Manufacturing Initiative (MMI) | Up to $2.5 million | Manufacturers in priority sectors: food & bev, medical, resources, defence, clean energy, recycling | Open |
| Energy Efficiency Grants for SMEs | Up to $120,000 | Small-to-medium manufacturers wanting to cut energy costs and improve output | Ongoing |
| Manufacturing Modernisation Fund | Up to $1 million | Manufacturers investing in automation, robotics or advanced production technology | Ongoing |
| State Manufacturing Growth Grants (VIC/NSW/QLD) | $15,000–$50,000 | SMEs with $300K–$20M turnover wanting to expand capacity or efficiency | Open |
| Entrepreneurs’ Programme – Business Growth | Up to $20,000 | Established manufacturers needing expert advisors to improve operations | Open |
| Export Market Development Grants (EMDG) | Up to $770,000 | Manufacturers with exportable products targeting international markets | Ongoing |
| R&D Tax Incentive | 43.5% cash refund on R&D spend | Any manufacturer investing in process innovation, product development or technology | Ongoing |
| NSW Advanced Manufacturing Fund | Up to $300,000 | NSW manufacturers adopting Industry 4.0 technologies | Open |
| QLD Business Growth Fund | $50,000–$75,000 | QLD manufacturers with $500K–$10M turnover scaling production | Open |
| Automotive Industry Structural Adjustment Program | $5,000–$50,000 | Former automotive sector businesses pivoting to new manufacturing | Ongoing |
Important: This table shows a snapshot of available programs. The full grants database contains 150+ programs for the manufacturing sector. Call 1300-005-999 to speak with an advisor for updated information.
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Find Out Which Manufacturing Grants Your Business Qualifies For Over 40 programs available in 2026, our advisors will be able to guide you. 📞 Call 1300-005-999 |
Federal Manufacturing Grants – The Major Programs
1. Modern Manufacturing Initiative (MMI)
The Modern Manufacturing Initiative is the Federal Government’s flagship program for Australian manufacturers. It provides co-funding of up to $2.5 million for projects that help manufacturers scale up, become more competitive, and integrate into domestic and global supply chains.
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MMI — Key Facts 💰 Funding: $1 million to $2.5 million (matches up to one-third of total project cost) 🏭 Priority sectors: Food & beverages, medical products, resources technology, defence, clean energy, recycling & clean packaging ✅ Eligibility: ABN holder, incorporated in Australia, minimum $1.5M in project costs, 199 or fewer FTE employees 📋 Use of funds: Advanced manufacturing technology, production upgrades, supply chain integration, workforce capability 📅 Status: Currently open — applications assessed on a rolling basis |
The MMI is designed for manufacturers who are ready to grow, not startups. If your business has a clear production expansion project in one of the priority sectors, this is one of the highest-value grants available in Australia.
2. R&D Tax Incentive – The Most Accessible Manufacturing Grant
Many manufacturers don’t realise that the R&D Tax Incentive applies to manufacturing processes, not just laboratory research. If your business is developing or improving production techniques, testing new materials, improving quality control systems, or solving technical manufacturing problems, you may qualify.
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R&D Tax Incentive — Key Facts 💰 Benefit: 43.5% refundable tax offset for businesses with turnover under $20M (38.5% for larger companies) ✅ Eligibility: Company (not sole trader/trust), incorporated in Australia, carrying out eligible R&D activities 📋 Eligible activities: Developing new manufacturing processes, experimenting with materials, automated production trials, quality improvement testing 🔁 Ongoing: No application deadline — claim annually through your tax return 💡 Example: A manufacturer spends $200,000 on developing a new production process → receives $87,000 back from the ATO |
The R&D Tax Incentive is one of the most generous government programs in Australia and is dramatically underutilised in the manufacturing sector. Speak to our advisors on 1300-005-999 to assess whether your current activities qualify.
3. Export Market Development Grants (EMDG)
If your manufacturing business has products with export potential, the EMDG program reimburses up to 50% of eligible export promotion expenses, with a maximum of $770,000 over 8 years. This covers trade shows, overseas market research, promotional materials, and international travel for business development.
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EMDG — Key Facts 💰 Funding: Up to $770,000 over 8 grant years (50% reimbursement of eligible costs) ✅ Eligibility: Australian business with exportable goods or services, turnover under $50M 📋 Eligible expenses: Trade shows, overseas visits, marketing materials, product registration in overseas markets 📅 Applications: Annual — current round open 🎯 Ideal for: Manufacturers wanting to enter or grow in Asia, US, EU, or Middle East markets |
State-Based Manufacturing Grants
New South Wales Manufacturing Grants
NSW manufacturers can access the Advanced Manufacturing Fund, which provides up to $300,000 for businesses adopting Industry 4.0 technologies including automation, digital manufacturing, robotics, and advanced data analytics. The program targets manufacturers with 5–200 employees and requires a minimum 50% co-contribution.
NSW also offers energy efficiency rebates of up to $120,000 for manufacturers installing energy-efficient equipment or undertaking energy audits, structured across three funding offers (process optimisation, equipment upgrades, and complex projects).
Queensland Manufacturing Grants
Queensland’s Business Growth Fund provides $50,000–$75,000 for high-growth manufacturers with turnover between $500K and $10M and fewer than 20 employees. The program is specifically designed for businesses that need capital to fulfil growing demand that would otherwise be unachievable.
Queensland manufacturers in regional areas may also access additional support through the Regional Economic Development Grants, which offer up to $500,000 for projects that create jobs and stimulate regional economies.
Victoria Manufacturing Grants
Victorian manufacturers can access the Manufacturing and Industry Development Fund, which provides grants of $15,000–$50,000 for SMEs with turnover between $300,000 and $20 million. Eligible businesses must be able to finance 50% of the project cost and must not be a consulting firm.
Victoria also offers dedicated support through the Future Industries Manufacturing Program for manufacturers in clean economy, medical technology, food and fibre, new energy technology, and digital and defence industries.
South Australia & Western Australia
SA’s Industry Participation Fund and WA’s New Industries Fund both offer grants in the $15,000–$100,000 range for manufacturers meeting state residency and employment criteria. WA specifically prioritises manufacturers with links to the resources and energy sectors.
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Do you know if your Manufacturing Business Qualifies for any assistance? Speak to an advisor to find out what type of assistance is available to your business. 📞 Call 1300-005-999 |
What Can Manufacturing Grants Be Used For?
Government grants for manufacturers are broader than most business owners realise. Eligible expenditure across the major programs includes:
| Commonly Funded | Often Overlooked But Eligible |
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• New production machinery and equipment • Factory upgrades and fit-out • Energy efficiency improvements • Automation and robotics installation • Export market development costs • New product development and testing |
• Staff training for new technology • Process improvement consulting fees • Energy audits and assessments • R&D activities related to production • Digital systems and ERP software • Quality certification costs (ISO, etc.) |
Frequently Asked Questions: Manufacturing Grants Australia
How much can a manufacturing business get in government grants?
Depending on your sector, size, and project, manufacturing grants in Australia range from $5,000 for small equipment rebates to $2.5 million for advanced manufacturing scale-up projects. Most SME manufacturers find they are eligible for multiple programs simultaneously, it’s common for a mid-sized manufacturer to access $50,000–$300,000 in total grant funding across two or three programs in a single year.
Do I need to repay manufacturing grants?
Government grants do not need to be repaid, they are non-repayable contributions to eligible project costs. This is what distinguishes them from loans. Some programs, such as the R&D Tax Incentive, operate as tax offsets or cash refunds rather than upfront payments, but the net effect is the same: money returned to your business that does not need to be paid back.
Can sole traders or small workshops apply for manufacturing grants?
Yes, many manufacturing grant programs are specifically designed for small operators. The Energy Efficiency Grants for SMEs, state-based equipment rebates, and several Entrepreneurs’ Programme streams are all accessible to sole traders and micro-manufacturers. The R&D Tax Incentive, however, requires a company structure. Our advisors can identify which programs are available to your specific business structure.
How competitive are manufacturing grants?
It depends on the program. Some grants, like the R&D Tax Incentive and EMDG, are entitlement-based: if you meet the criteria, you receive the benefit. Others, like the Modern Manufacturing Initiative, are competitive: applications are assessed against each other and merit criteria. For competitive programs, the quality of your application significantly affects your chances, which is why many manufacturers work with advisors to prepare submissions.
How long does the application process take?
From first call to lodging an application typically takes 2–6 weeks, depending on how readily available your financial documentation is. Assessment by the government then takes 4–12 weeks for most programs. The R&D Tax Incentive is claimed through your annual tax return, so timing depends on your financial year-end.
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Find Out What Your Manufacturing Business Qualifies For Programs may be closed once funding has been fully allocated. Avoid missing opportunities due to delays and speak to an advisor now. |
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Quick Facts: Manufacturing Grants Australia 2026 📊 150+ grant programs, rebates and tax incentives available to Australian manufacturers 💰 Funding ranges from $5,000 to $2.5 million per program 🔁 Many manufacturers qualify for multiple programs simultaneously ⚡ Fewer than 5% of eligible manufacturers have claimed available grants 📞 Free eligibility assessment: 1300-005-999 |
