Australian Government Grants for Business Software (2026)

We researched every federal and state program that could help Australian small businesses pay for accounting, payroll, POS, and other software. Here’s what’s actually available — and what’s already closed.

Researched & verified March 2026·11 programs reviewed
1
Federal program open
2
State programs to watch
4
Programs now closed
$20K
Asset write-off threshold
Grant programs change frequently. Federal and state program rows on this page were checked in March 2026, except the Instant Asset Write-Off line, which follows ATO QC 72501 updated 27 August 2026. Software dollar examples follow product field checks of 8 September 2026. Always visit the official government link to confirm current status before making decisions.

The Honest Truth About Software Grants

If you’ve searched for “government grants for business software Australia,” you’ve probably found articles promising free money for your next Xero subscription. The reality is less exciting.

Most programs that covered software directly — like Victoria’s Digital Adaptation Program ($1,200 rebate) — have closed. The Technology Investment Boost ended June 2023. What is still available falls into three categories:

  • Instant Asset Write-Off for hardware (computers, terminals) — open until 30 June 2026
  • Free advisory services to help you choose software — reopens July 2026
  • State grants in periodic rounds with limited funding (QLD is the best)

Automation and technology grants in Australia

There is no single, ongoing “automation grant” or “technology grant” from the Commonwealth. The two programs that funded software and technology adoption directly — the Technology Investment Boost and the Entrepreneurs’ Programme — have both closed, and the ATO page for the boost is no longer live (checked 9 Oct 2026). What exists today sits in four places:

  • The Instant Asset Write-Off for hardware (computers, EFTPOS, printers, fitouts). Not a grant — a tax deduction — and does not cover SaaS, which is already deductible as an operating expense.
  • State and territory digital, business-growth and innovation rounds listed on this page. Most are seasonal; QLD and VIC tend to open the biggest rounds.
  • Export Market Development Grants (EMDG) for businesses using digital tools to find export customers.
  • Industry-specific programs administered by AusIndustry (Industry Growth Program) or the Department of Industry, Science and Resources. These change often; use the official finder.

The reliable way to find what is open right now is the Commonwealth’s Grants and programs finder on business.gov.au. Filter by state and industry, and search for “digital”, “technology” or “automation”. Save a link to your state’s program list from the table below and check it every quarter; grant rounds open and close without much notice.

Federal Programs

Technology Investment Boost

Closed
20% bonus tax deduction on tech spend up to $100K

accountingpayrollposcrmjob_managementhr

Eligibility: Businesses with aggregated turnover under $50M

Closed. The Technology Investment Boost covered eligible digital spend from 29 Mar 2022 to 30 Jun 2023 only. The ATO page for this measure is no longer live (404 on 9 Oct 2026).
Visit Technology Investment Boost website

Instant Asset Write-Off

Open
Instantly deduct assets costing under $20,000 each

accountingpayrollposcrmjob_managementhr

Eligibility: Businesses with aggregated turnover under $10M; applies per asset, not total spend

Visit Instant Asset Write-Off website

AusIndustry Entrepreneurs' Programme

Closed
Up to $20,000 matched funding for business advisory and digital adoption

accountingpayrollcrmhrjob_management

Eligibility: Australian businesses operating for 3+ years with turnover between $1.5M and $100M; must demonstrate growth potential

Closed on 9 May 2023 (business.gov.au, checked 9 Oct 2026). The Entrepreneurs' Programme is no longer accepting applications. For similar help now, search business.gov.au/grants-and-programs.
Visit AusIndustry Entrepreneurs' Programme website
What about the Technology Investment Boost? Ended 30 June 2023. If other sites list it as “available,” their data is outdated. The Entrepreneurs’ Programme also closed May 2023, replaced by the Industry Growth Program.

State & Territory Programs

State grants are where small businesses have the best shot at direct funding. Most operate in limited rounds — when the pool is exhausted, the round closes.

Small Business Digital Solutions

NSWOpen
Up to $1,500 rebate

accountingposcrm

Eligibility: Must be a small business with fewer than 20 employees operating in NSW for at least 6 months

Visit Small Business Digital Solutions website

Small Business Digital Adaptation Program

VICOpen
Up to $1,200

accountingposcrmpayroll

Eligibility: Businesses with annual turnover under $2M registered in Victoria

Visit Small Business Digital Adaptation Program website

QLD Business Growth Fund

QLDseasonal
Up to $5,000 matched funding for digital tools

accountingpayrollposcrmjob_management

Eligibility: QLD-based small businesses with fewer than 20 employees and turnover under $2M

Visit QLD Business Growth Fund website

WA Small Business Development Corporation Grants

WAseasonal
Up to $2,000 for digital capability building

accountingpayrollposcrm

Eligibility: WA-based small businesses; must demonstrate how digital tools will improve operations

Visit WA Small Business Development Corporation Grants website

SA Small Business Grant

SAseasonal
Up to $3,000 for digital transformation

accountingpayrollposcrmjob_management

Eligibility: SA-registered small businesses with turnover under $1.5M

Visit SA Small Business Grant website

TAS Business Growth Grants

TASseasonal
Up to $2,500 for adopting digital business tools

accountingpayrollposcrm

Eligibility: TAS-based businesses with turnover under $1.5M operating for at least 12 months

Visit TAS Business Growth Grants website

ACT Business Support Grants

ACTOpen
Up to $5,000 for small business digital adoption

accountingpayrollposcrmhr

Eligibility: ACT-based businesses with turnover under $5M

Visit ACT Business Support Grants website

NT Business Innovation Grants

NTseasonal
Up to $10,000 for business innovation and digital tools

accountingpayrollposcrmjob_management

Eligibility: NT-based small businesses; preference given to remote and regional businesses

Visit NT Business Innovation Grants website

What You Can Actually Do Right Now

  1. Claim the Instant Asset Write-Off

    Hardware (computers, tablets, EFTPOS terminals) under $20,000 per asset from 1 July 2026 (ATO: now permanent law for eligible small businesses). SaaS is already deductible separately.

  2. Register for Digital Solutions Advisory

    New client intake reopens 1 July 2026. Up to 4 hours of free one-on-one advice on choosing business software.

  3. Subscribe to Your State’s Newsletter

    Business Queensland Connect, Business Victoria, NSW Business Bureau — get notified when grant rounds open.

  4. Talk to Your Accountant

    They can stack incentives: write-off on hardware, deduct software, apply for grants, and claim training costs.

Real-World Examples

Sole Trader · Sydney

Freelance Designer Buying a Laptop

$585 back at tax time

$1,800 MacBook Air → full deduction under Instant Asset Write-Off (instead of depreciating over 4 years). Xero Ignite $37/mo from 1 July 2026 ($444/yr) separately deductible. No grant needed.

Cafe · 6 Staff · Brisbane

POS Upgrade + Software Stack

Software + terminal deductible

Zeller Terminal 1x $0 monthly (hardware $99 promo / $199 standard, write-off) + Xero Grow $78/mo incl GST + Deputy Lite $6.75/user billed annually excl GST (monthly min $30) + Employment Hero Payroll Premium from $10/employee with a $100 floor. If QLD Business Basics reopens, apply for $7,500 toward website. Prices from 8 September 2026 product checks.

Electrician · 3 Staff · Melbourne

Tradie Software Stack

Subscriptions deductible

ServiceM8 Growing $79/mo incl GST + Xero Grow $78/mo + KeyPay quote-only on the vendor pricing page. Software subscriptions are operating expenses. VIC’s Digital Adaptation Program is closed with no replacement. Prices from 8 September 2026 product checks; KeyPay has no printed AU dollar list.

Grants vs Tax Deductions

GrantTax Deduction
What is it?Cash from the government you don’t repayReduces your taxable income — you still pay, but less tax
AvailabilityLimited rounds, competitive, may be closedAlways available for legitimate business expenses
ApplicationFormal application, business case, documentationClaim on your tax return — keep invoices
Covers SaaS software?Rarely (QLD Business Basics is an exception)Yes — all subscriptions deductible as operating expenses
Taxable?Usually yes — grant income is assessableN/A — it reduces tax, not adds income
Our recommendationApply when rounds open, but don’t waitDo this now. Talk to your accountant.

How to Apply (When a Round Opens)

  1. Check Eligibility

    Each round has specific ABN age, turnover, employee count, location, and industry requirements.

  2. Register on the Portal Early

    State grants require portal registration — verification can take days. Do this before the round opens.

  3. Prepare Documentation

    ABN details, proof of registration, recent BAS or financials, and a description of what you want to buy and why.

  4. Get Quotes from Vendors

    Most grants require at least one quote. Download a pricing page or get a formal quote email from the software vendor.

  5. Write a Clear Business Case

    Explain why the software helps — efficiency, compliance, growth. Don’t just list features.

  6. Submit on Day One

    Many programs are first-come-first-served. Submitting early gives you the best chance before funding runs out.

  7. Keep Every Receipt

    You’ll need proof of purchase and payment. Some grants pay upfront, others reimburse.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a grant to pay for Xero or MYOB?
Not through any currently open federal program. Claim the subscription as a tax deduction instead. If QLD Business Basics reopens, the $7,500 could cover software-related expenses. The ASBAS program (reopening July 2026) provides free advice on choosing software, but doesn’t pay for it.
Is the $20,000 write-off still available?
Yes. ATO QC 72501 (updated 27 August 2026) says the $20,000 instant asset write-off is now permanent law from 1 July 2026 for small businesses with aggregated turnover under $10 million. It covers eligible depreciating assets under $20K each. SaaS subscriptions aren’t “assets” — they’re already deductible as operating expenses. The stored line that the threshold drops to $1,000 after June 2026 is stale.
What happened to the Technology Investment Boost?
Ended 30 June 2023. It was a temporary COVID-era measure (20% bonus deduction on tech spending up to $100K). Not renewed. Sites listing it as current have outdated data.
Any grants for software in Victoria?
Not currently. The Digital Adaptation Program ($1,200 rebate) closed 5 July 2022 with no replacement announced. Check Business Victoria for new programs.
I’m in Queensland. Best option?
Subscribe to Business Queensland Connect and wait for the next Business Basics round ($7,500, no co-contribution). Best state grant in AU for digital adoption. Meanwhile, claim software as tax deductions.
Can my accountant help find grants?
Yes. A good accountant can stack incentives: Instant Asset Write-Off on hardware + deduct software subscriptions + apply for state grants + claim training and setup fees.
Are grant payments taxable?
Generally yes — grants are assessable income. But the expense they cover is usually deductible, so the net tax impact is often minimal. Check with your accountant.
How often do state rounds open?
No fixed schedule. QLD Business Basics has run 6 rounds over several years. The best strategy: subscribe to your state’s newsletter and pre-register on grant portals so you’re ready.

All Programs at a Glance

Grant-program rows as of March 2026. Instant Asset Write-Off follows ATO QC 72501 (27 August 2026). Software examples follow 8 September 2026 product checks.

ProgramLevelAmountStatusCovers Software?
Instant Asset Write-OffFederal$20K /assetOpenHardware only. SaaS already deductible.
ASBAS Digital SolutionsFederalFreePausedAdvisory only. Reopens July 2026.
Tech Investment BoostFederalWas 20%EndedEnded June 2023.
Business BasicsQLD$7,500Between roundsYes. Best state grant when open.
Business Growth FundQLD$50–75KClosedEquipment, not SaaS.
Digital AdaptationVICWas $1,200ClosedClosed July 2022. No successor.
NSW Grants PortalNSWVariesCheck472+ programs. Filter by industry.
SBDC Growth GrantsWAWas $10KClosedServices, not software specifically.
SA Business ProgramsSAVariesCheckAI Pilot active. No software grant.

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