Government Grants for Startups & Scaleups
Government support can be a real boost for startups – if you know how to navigate it. We’ll help you access the funding you’re eligible for while keeping you out of the paperwork weeds.
Unlock R&D and government grants for growth.
As a founder, cash is everything. The good news? You don’t always need to give up equity to access it. Australia’s R&D Tax Incentive and hundreds of other government grants can put serious money back into your startup – but with over 500 government business grants out there, you need to know where to look and how to claim them.
That’s where Standard Ledger comes in. We find the programs that fit, simplify the process and make sure your claims are compliant, so you can keep more of your runway for growth.
- Find the right grant
- Give it your best shot
- Outsource the stress
- Grants experts
- Transparent pricing options
Our grant services and pricing, made simple
EMDG
For startups looking to expand overseas via the Export Market Development Grant (EMDG).
- Check if your business qualifies
- Calculate eligible expenses
- Collate supporting documents
- Prepare and lodge your application with Austrade
Discovery
Not sure what you’re eligible for? Start here.
- Define your project scope and goals
- Learn how your business fits into grant programs
- Research and shortlist the best grants for you
- Deliver a clear report with next steps
Simpler
Perfect for smaller, state-based programs. Examples include:
- Innovation Connect (ACT)
- Ignite Ideas Fund (QLD)
- Female Founders Co-Investment Fund (QLD)
We’ll guide you through the process end-to-end, so you can focus on running your business.
Complex
Larger, competitive grants with detailed applications. Examples include:
- Boosting Female Founders Initiative (national)
- MVP Ventures (NSW)
- Seed-Start (SA)
- Industry Growth Program (national)
These grants require deep strategy, detailed budgets and compliance – we handle it all.
Prices exclude GST.
If the grant has an expression of interest fee, we’ll refund all of it for ‘complex grants’ and half of it for ‘simpler grants’ if you lodge a full grant application with us.
Startup founders ♥ Standard Ledger
Don’t just take our word for it. Here’s what our clients have to say about working with us.
“Closing our £2.5m round with Octopus Ventures was a huge milestone for HealsGood AI. Standard Ledger were instrumental throughout the process – helping us stay investor-ready, manage due diligence and present a clear financial story. They brought real structure and focus, which made a complex raise feel controlled and achievable. Having that level of financial leadership on our side gave us the confidence to move fast and negotiate from a position of strength.”
Jack Henderson
“The grant application for the Australian Government’s Boosting Female Founders Initiative is an absolute beast of a process. I’ve really enjoyed working with John to secure it.”
Jeanette Cheah
“Standard Ledger was incredibly helpful in reviewing and modelling our finances. Thanks to their support, we reshaped our strategy and identified areas for growth. We are now ready for expansion into new sports and markets.”
Iggy Jovanovic
“John and the team have really understood our R&D story from day one, and have always had a plan for it. We’re in the third year of working together now, and it’s been really great.”
Nadun Hennayaka
“We didn’t hesitate to outsource our Company set up to Standard Ledger. Knowing that they’ll let us know what’s needed, where to sign and what to do is a huge weight off our shoulders. Our bank even commented on how well set up our documentation was!”
Gemma Clancy
“Having Standard Ledger manage bookkeeping has freed up a lot of time. It means I spend less time worrying about money and more time thinking about the bigger picture.”
Jock Lawrence
What’s success-based pricing?
It’s an optional way to pay for our Complex Grants service. You reduce your upfront cost, which helps with cashflow, and then pay a success fee if your grant is approved. The overall cost is higher because we share the risk with you, but it’s entirely your choice – standard pricing or success-based.
Explore startup grants in more detail
Backed by the Queensland Government, the Female Founders Co-investment Fund helps eligible female-led startups secure new investment.
Key details:
- Helps eligible businesses leverage funding and secure new investment to build capacity
- Grants from $50,000 to $200,000, matched at a 3:1 ratio over 12 months, for either a single investment or a raise round led by an eligible investment entity
- Visit the grant page for more information
Our fee:
| Grant amount | Standard pricing |
|---|---|
| $50,000 | $3,500 |
| $75,000 | $4,000 |
| $100,000 | $5,000 |
| $200,000 | $7,000 |
The Boosting Female Founders Initiative, backed by the Australian Government, supports female founders of startups preparing to scale into domestic and global markets. Some successful applicants may also receive expert mentoring and advice.
Key details:
- Grant value: $25,000 to $480,000 (depending on the grant round)
- Matched funding: 50% (you must contribute the other half)
- Expression of Interest required
- Released via grant rounds – currently awaiting the next announcement
- Visit the last round’s page for more information
Our fee:
| Standard pricing | Success-based pricing |
|---|---|
| $10,000 for $100k grant | $8,400 upfront + $5,000 if successful |
| $13,000 for $200k grant | $10,900 upfront + $6,500 if successful |
| $16,000 for $300k grant | $13,400 upfront + $8,000 if successful |
| $19,000 for $400k grant | $15,900 upfront + $9,500 if successful |
| $22,000 for $500k grant | $18,400 upfront + $11,000 if successful |
The Export Market Development Grant (EMDG) helps Australian SMEs expand into international markets by reimbursing part of their marketing and promotional expenses overseas.
Key details:
- Administered by Austrade, which assesses applications and issues grant offers to eligible businesses
- Grant offers depend on the total funding pool and number of successful applicants
- Once accepted, you enter into an agreement with Austrade that sets out the amount and timeframe
- Covers up to 50% of eligible expenses (businesses must match this)
- Involves an upfront application and a milestone report to release funds
- Visit Austrade for more information
Our fee:
| Grant amount | Standard pricing (+GST) |
|---|---|
| $15,000 | $1,500 |
| $30,000 | $2,250 |
| $60,000 | $4,500 |
| $100,000 | $6,500 |
| $140,000 | $8,500 |
| $200,000 | $11,500 |
| $300,000 | $15,500 |
The Ignite Ideas Fund supports QLD-based companies with high-growth potential (up to 50 FTEs) to undertake commercialisation projects.
Key details:
- Tier 1: Grants up to $100,000 for projects up to 12 months
- Tier 2: Grants between $100,000–$200,000 for projects up to 24 months
- Funding covers up to 80% of eligible costs (Tier 1) or 50% (Tier 2)
- Expression of interest required (currently closed)
- Visit the grant page for more information
Our fee:
| Grant amount | Standard pricing (+GST) |
|---|---|
| $25,000 | $3,000 |
| $50,000 | $3,500 |
| $75,000 | $4,000 |
| $100,000 | $5,000 |
| $200,000 | $7,000 |
The Innovation Connect (ICON) Grant supports ACT-based early-stage startups (with less than $2 million turnover) that have an innovative idea requiring feasibility testing, prototype development, or other activities to become market-ready.
Key details:
- Grant value: $10,000–$30,000
- Grant percentage: 50% (matched in cash or time)
- Expression of interest required
- The 2024 funding round is now open and will close 16 April 2024
- Visit the grant page for more information
Our fee:
| Grant amount | Standard pricing (+GST) |
|---|---|
| $25,000 | $3,000 (guide only) |
The MVP Ventures Program supports NSW startups and innovative SMEs in the product lifecycle stage between early research and mature investment opportunities.
Key details:
- Grant value: $25,000–$50,000
- Grant percentage: 50% (matched funding required)
- Expression of interest required
- Applications close 30 April 2024
- Visit the grant page for more information
Our fee:
| Grant amount | Standard pricing (+GST) | Success-based pricing (+GST) |
|---|---|---|
| $25,000 | $4,000 | $3,400 upfront + $2,000 on success |
| $50,000 | $6,000 | $5,000 upfront + $3,000 on success |
The Seed-Start Program helps early stage South Australian businesses with high-growth potential to commercialise innovative products or services.
Key details:
- Seed Grants: $50,000–$100,000 (matched funding: 50%)
- Start Grants: $100,001–$500,000 (matched funding: 100%)
- Expression of interest required
- Ongoing program (no fixed closing date)
- Visit the grant page for more information
Our fee:
| Grant amount | Standard pricing (+GST) | Success-based pricing (+GST) |
|---|---|---|
| $25,000 | $4,000 | $3,400 upfront + $2,000 on success |
| $50,000 | $6,000 | $5,000 upfront + $3,000 on success |
| $100,000 | $10,000 | $8,400 upfront + $5,000 on success |
| $200,000 | $13,000 | $10,900 upfront + $6,500 on success |
| $300,000 | $16,000 | $13,400 upfront + $8,000 on success |
| $400,000 | $19,000 | $15,900 upfront + $9,500 on success |
| $500,000 | $22,000 | $18,400 upfront + $11,000 on success |
Who it’s for:
This program supports innovative SMEs undertaking commercialisation and/or growth projects that align with government priorities to build Australian manufacturing capabilities and within priority areas for the National Reconstruction Fund.
Key details:
- Grant value: $50,000-$250,000 for early-stage commercialisation projects
- Grant value: $100,000-$5,000,000 for commercialisation and growth projects
- Grant percentage: 50% (you must match this)
- Expression of interest required
- Ongoing (no closing date)
Visit the grant site for more info.
Our fee:
| Standard pricing | Success-based pricing |
|---|---|
| $6k for $50k grant | $5,000 upfront for a $50k grant + $3,000 if successful |
| $10k for $100k grant | $8,400 upfront for a $100k grant + $5,000 if successful |
| $13k for $200k grant | $10,900 upfront for a $200k grant + $6,500 if successful |
| $16k for $300k grant | $13,400 upfront for a $300k grant + $8,000 if successful |
| $19k for $400k grant | $15,900 upfront for a $400k grant + $9,00 if successful |
| $22k for $500k grant | $18,400 upfront for a $500k grant + $11,000 if successful |
| $25k for $600k grant | $20,900 upfront for a $600k grant + $12,500 if successful |
| $28k for $700k grant | $23,400 upfront for a $700k grant + $14,000 if successful |
| $31k for $800k grant | $25,900 upfront for a $800k grant + $15,500 if successful |
| $34k for $900k grant | $28,400 upfront for a $900k grant + $17,000 if successful |
| $37k for $1m grant | $30,900 upfront for a $1m grant + $18,500 if successful |
| $POA for $1m+ grants | $POA for $1m+ grants |
Ready to secure your grant funding?
Secure the funding you need to grow. With our standard or success-based pricing, we’ll help you navigate grants and boost your chances of success.
Frequently asked questions
How do I know which government grant is right for my startup?
It depends on your location, stage and what you’re trying to achieve. Standard Ledger offers a Discovery service where we’ll define your project scope, assess your eligibility and shortlist the best grants for you – starting from $1,750.
What's the difference between Standard Ledger's "Simpler" and "Complex" grant services?
Simpler grants are for smaller state-based programmes like Innovation Connect (ACT) or Ignite Ideas Fund (QLD), starting from $3,000. Complex grants are for larger, more competitive programmes like the Boosting Female Founders Initiative or Industry Growth Programme, which need detailed strategy and compliance work – starting from $4,000.
Can I pay for grant help only if I'm successful?
Yes, for Complex grants you can choose success-based pricing! You’ll pay a reduced upfront fee, then a success fee if your grant is approved. The total cost is higher because we’re sharing the risk with you, but it helps with cashflow.
What government grants can help my female-led startup get funding in Australia?
The Boosting Female Founders Initiative offers $25,000 to $480,000 nationally. In Queensland, the Female Founders Co-Investment Fund provides $50,000 to $200,000 matched at 3:1 over 12 months. Both require matched funding from your side.
Do I have to match government grant funding with my own money?
Most grants require matched funding, but the percentage varies. Some need 50/50 (like Boosting Female Founders), others like the Female Founders Co-Investment Fund in QLD work at 3:1 (you contribute $1 for every $3 of grant funding). The EMDG covers up to 50% of eligible export expenses. Check each programme’s requirements or book a free consultation with us to find out what works for your situation!