Applications open for Innovate with NBN Grants Program (Australia)

Businesses throughout regional and remote Australia often face numerous challenges. Whether it be related to their relative isolation, or simply finding ways of promoting themselves – finding a path to success can be hard.

It’s through these times of adversity that many of these businesses have found not only a deep resolve and determination, but a vast amount of innovation and creativity.

Grant Categories

• This year, the Innovate with nbn Grants Program offers seven specific categories and an overall Champion award.
  • Indigenous Business
    • They’re looking for Indigenous business owners who embrace innovation and have bold ideas on how to create digital solutions. If you’re an Indigenous-owned enterprise, or a tech company partnering with Indigenous remote communities, they’d like to hear from you.
  • Education
    • With education becoming more accessible online, and the pandemic years forcing a shift to digital and remote learning – the need for innovative educational solutions has never been more important. They’re looking for businesses who are harnessing technology to provide flexible online learning options that deliver innovative educational outcomes in regional areas.
  • Agriculture
    • Digital agriculture is the future of farming, with the potential to add $20.3 billion to the value of the Australian agriculture industry by the year 2030.
    • If you’re enabling farmers to save time, grow productivity and make more informed decisions using digital technology supported by the nbn network, then they want to hear from you.
  • Women in Regional Business
    • The Connecting Australia research shows a rise in Australian women bringing their ideas to the fore and starting their own businesses – and they want to help these savvy professionals to turn their dreams into reality.
    • If you’re an entrepreneurial businesswoman in a regional area who’s using digital innovation to drive community-led change and improve reach, they’d love to hear from you.
  • Health
    • When it comes to health care services, there’s new levels of innovation that are driving better health outcomes across Australia. They are looking for businesses working in this space with digital ideas that are not only innovative, but aim to improve access to health solutions for regional and remote Australians.
  • Tourism
    • Through initiatives like the Innovate with nbn Grants Program, tourism businesses can showcase their digital abilities and expand their online opportunities and reach.
    • They’re looking for established regional tourism specialists who embrace digital innovation to either help optimise their unique offering, or actively promote your region’s key attractions.
  • Arts
    • The arts and cultural communities throughout regional Australia are brimming with people from all walks of life. They’re looking for businesses run by artists who continue to deliver exciting content, and use technology to bring their passion to life – engaging with audiences both domestically and internationally.

Funding Information

• The program will award one grant of $15,000 to an organisation or business project aligned with each of the above categories.
• Additionally, one regional/remote business will be recognised and awarded with the ‘Innovate with nbn Champion award’ worth an additional $20,000.
• Keep in mind that you can only apply to one category and you’ll need an ABN to qualify.

Who can apply? 

• They ’re looking for digital businesses in regional and remote Australia who live and breathe technology and are:
  • Harnessing the benefits of the nbn network to enable regional Australians to live, learn and work in a digital society
  • Innovative digital businesses challenging the traditional markets in regional Australia
  • Businesses who are lifting digital participation and stimulating regional economies
  • Champions of digital adoption for regional and remote communities

Eligibility Criteria

• Applications will only be eligible if you:
  • are connected to the nbn network
  • are located in regional Australia
  • have an Australian Business Number (ABN)
  • have an Australian bank account (corresponding to the ABN)
  • apply for one category

For more information, visit nbn.