There are many organisations and services that provide information and support specifically for small businesses.
Government bodies, organisations and initiatives
AusIndustry
Provides information on Federal Government assistance programs and services.
Website: business.gov.au/ausindustry
Austrade Go Global Toolkit
Information, tools and support to grow your business globally.
Website: export.business.gov.au
Australia’s Economic Accelerator
Grants for universities to drive commercial outcomes and translate their research with an industry partner.
Website: aea.gov.au
Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS)
Provides statistics on a wide range of economic and social matters, serving government, business and the general population.
Website: abs.gov.au
Australian Business Register (ABR)
Apply for and update your details.
Website: abr.gov.au
Australian Competition & Consumer Commission (ACCC)
Understand your rights and responsibilities under the Trade Practices Act.
Website: accc.gov.au
Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA)
ARENA provides financial assistance knowledge sharing to support improvements in renewable energy and enabling technologies.
Website: arena.gov.au
Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC)
An independent advocate for small business owners. Its duties include conducting inquiries and research, working with government, and promoting good business practice.
Website: asic.gov.au
Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman
Climate Active have a register of consultants with technical expertise in decarbonisation.
Website: asbfeo.gov.au
Australian Tax Office (ATO)
Provides tax information for starting a business, individuals, companies and organisations, from the Tax Department of the Australian Federal Government.
Website: ato.gov.au
Australian Trade Commission (Austrade)
The Australian Government agency that helps and assists Australian companies to export products and services.
Website: austrade.gov.au
Breakthrough Victoria
Supports breakthrough ideas and technologies to help solve globally significant problems, create industries of the future, improve health and wellbeing, and deliver prosperity and sustainable returns for Victoria over the next decade and beyond.
Website: breakthroughvictoria.com
Business Victoria
A key Victorian Government organisation that can help you with a range of things, including:
- starting a new business
- buying or selling an existing business
- marketing your business
- making your business more sustainable
- embracing digital technology
- raising capital
- managing suppliers and staff
- resolving disputes
Website: business.vic.gov.au
Buying for Victoria Tenders Portal
The central place for all suppliers to register interest in supplying to Victorian Government.
Website: tenders.vic.gov.au
Carbon Trading
Incentives to reduce emissions or store carbon and create carbon credits. Australians have access to a range of domestic and international carbon markets.
Website: cer.gov.au/markets
Consumer Affairs Victoria
Information about fair trading, business licensing, registration and conduct.
Website: consumer.vic.gov.au
Creative Victoria
Supports and develops Victoria’s artists and creative industries.
Website: creative.vic.gov.au
CSIRO Kick-Start
CSIRO Kick-Start provides matched funding for start-ups and small to medium enterprises to help access CSIRO’s research expertise and capabilities.
Website: business.gov.au/grants-and-programs/CSIRO-KickStart
Department of Employment and Workplace Relationships
The Department of Employment and Workplace Relationships is the lead government agency providing national leadership in education and workplace training, transition to work and conditions and values in the workplace.
Website: dewr.gov.au
Department of Job, Skills, Industry and Regions
Grows Victoria’s prosperity, builds the productive capacity of our economy and increases participation – by creating more opportunities for people through skills and jobs; helping businesses and industries to thrive; and building vibrant communities and regions.
Website: djsir.vic.gov.au
Digital Solutions
Make the most of digital tools to save your business time and money. Learn of the digital tools available to sell, strategise and streamline your operations.
Website: digitalsolutions.melbourneinnovation.com.au
Engage Victoria
The place to discover and access Victorian government consultations, share ideas and have your say about what matters to you.
Website: engage.vic.gov.au
Export Finance Australia
Provides finance for export trade and overseas infrastructure development.
Website: exportfinance.gov.au
Fair Work Commission
Provides information and advice about Australia's workplace rights and rules, including awards and national employment standards.
Website: fairwork.gov.au
Global Victoria
The State Government trade facilitation agency helping Victorian businesses who want to access international markets.
Website: global.vic.gov.au
Industry Growth Program
Supporting small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and startups commercialise their ideas and grow their business.
Website: business.gov.au/grants-and-programs/industry-growth-program
Invest Victoria
Responsible for leading new entrant Foreign Direct Investment and investment opportunities of significance as well as enhancing the business investment environment, developing and providing whole-of-government levers and strengthening the governance of investment attraction activities.
Website: invest.vic.gov.au
IP Australia
Administers Australia’s IP rights system, specifically patents, trademarks, designs and plant breeder’s rights.
Website: ipaustralia.gov.au
LaunchVic
A Victorian Government-funded agency that helps to develop and support entrepreneurs and startup ventures. They can help you to grow a sustainable business and create great economic and cultural benefits.
Website: launchvic.org
LaunchVic
A Victorian Government-funded agency that helps to develop and support entrepreneurs and startup ventures. They can help you to grow a sustainable business and create great economic and cultural benefits.
Website: launchvic.org
National Australian Built Environment Rating System
Helps building owners to measure, improve and communicate the environmental performance of buildings.
Website: nabers.gov.au
National Reconstruction Fund (NRF)
$15 billion of capital to transform and strengthen priority industries, supporting employment growth, regional development, and a future made in Australia.
Website: nrf.gov.au
Net Zero Economy Agency
Helping Australians engage with net zero transformation opportunities.
Website: pmc.gov.au/domestic-policy/net-zero-economy-authority
Research and Development Tax Incentive
Tax offset to encourage investment in research and development activities. For businesses in all industries and sectors.
Website: business.gov.au/grants-and-programs/research-and-development-tax-incentive
Self-Employment assistance program
Helps you turn your business idea or existing small business into a viable business. The program allows you to choose the level of support that meets your needs and the needs of your small business.
Website: dewr.gov.au/self-employment-assistance
Small-scale Renewable Energy Scheme
A financial incentive for small businesses to install eligible small-scale renewable energy systems.
Website: sustainability.vic.gov.au
Venture Capital
Access information for venture capital seekers including how to prepare and pitch, and learn about available partnerships and funds.
Website: business.gov.au/grants-and-programs/venture-capital
Victorian Business Growth Fund
Provides equity investment for Victorian businesses with revenue of $5 to $100 million and max assets of $250 million.
Website: dtf.vic.gov.au/victorian-business-growth-fund
Victorian Equal Opportunity and Human Rights Commission
Provides guidance to businesses on creating inclusive workplaces free of discrimination and harassment.
Website: humanrights.vic.gov.au
Victorian Small Business Commission
Promotes fairness and competition for small business through advocacy, dispute resolution, monitoring and engagement.
Website: vsbc.vic.gov.au
Visit Victoria
Provides tourism and industry news, research, advice and resources.
Website: visitvictoria.com
Work Safe Victoria
Information on a safe and healthy workplace for your workers and contractors.
Website: worksafe.vic.gov.au
