The Federal election was called on 28 March 2025. As this website is hosted by the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications and the Arts, the site will only be updated with material in line with the Caretaker Conventions. Please note that the content of this site relates to the Australian Government’s existing policy.

Northern Australia Grants

The Australian Government provided nearly $80 million (GST exclusive) in grant funding through the Northern Australia Development Program (NADP) and the Business and Community Growth Program (BCGP). The programs are no longer accepting applications.

The grants provided through these programs are funding up to 50 per cent of the total cost of individual projects that support businesses, community groups and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander organisations in the north to diversify, scale up operations and thrive.

Northern Australia Development Program

The Industry Transformation Stream of the Northern Australia Development Program (NADP) provided grants to large businesses (199+ employees) for projects based in the north, that will contribute to transformational change in their local region.

The Business Development Stream of the NADP provided grants to assist small to medium businesses (1–199 employees) to expand and diversify their operations.

The NADP was supported by the Strengthening Northern Australia Business (SNAB) Advisory Service. SNAB was delivered through locally-based experts, independent facilitators and digital specialists based in Northern Australia. NADP worked with eligible grant applicants and recipients to help build long-term resilience and business strength.

Business and Community Growth Program

The Northern Australia Business and Community Growth Program is supporting community organisations based in the north to expand and diversify their operations. Grants are funding up to 50 per cent of the total eligible project expenditure, with the minimum grant amount $50,000 and the maximum $2 million.