State Budget 2025-26: What’s in it for small businesses?

A new $20 million Powering Business Grant will soon open to assist South Australian small and medium-sized businesses and not-for-profits reduce energy use and cut costs.

Businesses will be able to apply for grants ranging from $2,500 to $75,000 to invest in energy efficient equipment or site improvements.

The Powering Business Grant is funded through the $154.2 million Business Growth Fund (formerly known as the Economic Recovery Fund).

Applications open in July 2025.

Up to $3.2 million has been invested in initiatives within the Small Business Strategy, offering more targeted support to help businesses adapt and grow.

This includes a new profitability and growth program to help business owners adapt to challenges, accelerate their growth and profitability and access new markets.

There’s also funding for a feasibility study towards building a ‘Business to Government’ online portal - a single-entry point to do business with government agencies.

A new South Australian early-stage Venture Capital Fund will be established to grow the state’s innovation ecosystem.

The new $50 million fund will specifically support early-stage startups and businesses that need equity capital to commercialise their products and expand into national and global markets.

The fund will also seek additional contributions from potential investors to grow its reach and impact.

A new $1.8 million Growth Accelerator Program will help businesses with high growth potential.

Delivered by the South Australian Business Chamber, the program will offer expert advice, facilitated workshops and access to new networks to help SMEs improve their business practices and grow sustainably.

There’ll be $5 million in new support for South Australian industries and businesses impacted by the current global trade environment and tariffs.

This will support case management services and capability development programs, including market intelligence, targeted business missions and facilitate importer visits to South Australia to support exporters to diversify and access new markets.

New funding will be allocated to upgrade South Australian-based research facilities under the National Collaborative Research Infrastructure Strategy (NCRIS).

NCRIS research facilities are available to all South Australian small and medium-sized enterprises involved in developing and testing new products.

The $30 million investment will ensure SA researchers and industry have continued access to the tools and infrastructure needed to remain globally competitive.

Small businesses in drought-affected towns and regions will receive additional support under the $73.4 million Drought Support Package.

This includes access to financial counselling and business support to help business owners navigate drought conditions and build resilience.

The State Government has committed up to $7 million over two years to support small businesses in Whyalla impacted by the steelworks administration.

Up to $18 million for Creditor Assistance Payments is available until 30 June to support eligible South Australian and Whyalla-based businesses and includes:

• $10,000 grants for eligible small businesses operating in Whyalla experiencing a 20 per cent or greater reduction in turnover compared to the previous year
• Dedicated small business support team
• Access to financial advisory services and legal support
• Deferral of 2024-25 state taxes and government business charges for up to 12 months
• Creation of the Whyalla Special Economic Zone to incentivise greater involvement of local suppliers in state-funded procurements in the region.