Funding for incubators to assist start-ups to succeed in international markets

Incubator Support – New and Existing Incubators gives incubators the help they need to assist start-ups, through: 

• delivering high quality services to start-ups to improve their chances of commercial success in international markets
• partnering with first-generation migrant and refugee support organisations to assist migrant and refugee founders to establish their business both nationally and internationally
• assisting start-ups with a regional focus to expand and scale their business

We also assist successful applicants to access public data through the DataStart program and will promote start-ups through case studies on the data.gov.au portal. 

Incubator Support Initiative is one of 4 elements that form the Entrepreneurs’ Programme.

What are the eligibility criteria?

To get a New and Existing Incubators grant, you must be either:

• operating an existing incubator
• establishing a new incubator

Your incubator must foster and facilitate the development of innovative start-ups focused on international trade.

You must have an Australian business number (ABN) and be one of the following:

• an entity incorporated in Australia
• an incorporated trustee on behalf of a trust
• an incorporated not for profit organisation
• a publicly funded research organisation (PFRO)
• a local government agency or body

You must provide:

• an Approval letter from your board or chief executive officer
• an Accountant’s declaration for grants over $50,000 to show you can fund your share of the project costs

Your project must:

• include eligible activities and expenditure
• have an eligible project value of at least $26,000 for projects in major cities
• have an eligible project value of at least $20,000 for projects in regional areas

Read the Grant opportunity guidelines for more information on the eligibility criteria.

The New and Existing Incubators grant is highly competitive.

We encourage you to read the grant opportunity guidelines, sample EOI, sample application form and sample grant agreement before you apply.

How do you apply?

To apply, you must submit your EOI and application through the online portal.

You will need to set up an account when you first log into the portal. The portal allows you to apply for and manage a grant or service in a secure online environment.

After you submit your EOI and it is considered eligible you will be sent a notification email on how to apply. A RIF will be assigned to give feedback and assist you in drafting your application.

We’re proud of the funding we’ve provided to support Australian businesses. Learn about some of our previous customers and how the Entrepreneurs' Programme has helped them.

The Incubator Support Initiative is part of the Entrepreneurs’ Programme. It aims to help businesses to:

• improve their growth capabilities and networks
• engage with researchers
• foster innovation
• encourage commercialisation of novel products, processes or services