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Powering Business Grant Guidelines

Overview

The South Australian Government has committed $154.2 million to the Business Growth Fund (the ‘BGF’) (formerly the Economic Recovery Fund) to assist business and industry to grow secure, well-paid jobs, improve productivity, deliver efficiencies, increase exports, and support innovative, value-adding technologies in South Australia.

A total of $20 million is available under Round 3 of the Business Growth Fund, offering grants under the Powering Business Grants program (the ‘Program’).

The objective of the Program is to support eligible small and medium sized businesses (or ‘SMEs’) (including not-for-profit organisations) to invest in energy efficient equipment or improvements to reduce and manage energy use and costs.

Investing in energy efficient equipment or improvements may also assist eligible businesses to:

  • adopt more energy efficient practices
  • provide environmentally friendly products and services
  • avoid and reduce waste, and adopt new technologies and processes.

The Program is administered by the Office for Small and Family Business (the ‘OSFB’) within the Department of State Development (the ‘Department’), on behalf of the Treasurer of South Australia (the ‘Treasurer’). The Treasurer and any delegate (if appointed) has full discretion to vary eligibility for the Program and any other terms and conditions of the Program.

To access approved funding, successful applicants will be required to sign a grant agreement stipulating obligations of the applicant and the conditions under which any assistance is given, including, where relevant, clawback and reporting requirements.

These guidelines should be read in conjunction with its appendices and the overarching Business Growth Fund guidelines available on the Department of Treasury and Finance (‘DTF’) website and the Program FAQs.

Bolded terms in these Guidelines are defined in Appendix 2: Definitions

Available assistance

A total of $20 million is available in 2025-26 to support eligible South Australian small and medium businesses and not-for-profit organisations, with grants ranging from $2,500 to a maximum of $75,000 per eligible business.Note that all grant amounts exclude GST.

The government will provide assistance under the following two funding streams.

Grants for battery or battery and solar projects based on the size and capacity of the system.

Battery and solar products must be listed on the Clean Energy Council (CEC) approved product list, be provided by eligible providers and installed by an appropriately accredited installer.

Solar panels and inverters are only eligible when purchased with accompanying battery storage.

This stream is designed to complement the Commonwealth Small-scale Renewable Energy Scheme.

Grants of up to 50% are available for equipment or infrastructure upgrades that reduce business energy usage or costs. This could include, new refrigeration equipment, building insulation and lighting upgrades. A full list of eligible activities is provided at Appendix 1: Stream 2 Eligible Project Activities and Equipment List.

Only one application can be submitted per Australian Business Number (‘ABN’), but one or more eligible items/improvements can be applied for within the same application. The maximum grant value ($75,000) will apply to the combined value of items/improvements.

If you are applying under one ABN for projects or activities at multiple sites/properties, information must be provided for each property and each project or activity.

Grants will be available until the grant funding has been fully allocated, or by 31 October 2025, whichever occurs sooner.

Applications will not be considered to the extent retrospective funding is sought for expenditure incurred or committed (i.e. deposit paid or order placed) prior to the application being approved and the grant offer accepted.

Eligibility criteria

Applicants will need to meet overarching eligibility criteria (detailed in this section) as well and any additional eligibility criteria relevant to the funding stream(s) applied for (see relevant stream details later in document).

It is the responsibility of the applicant to demonstrate eligibility against the criteria and to ensure all accurate, relevant evidence and information is provided while the round is open. If eligibility cannot be determined by the information provided, the application may be deemed ineligible.

  1. Hold a valid and active Australian Business Number (ABN)
  2. Be a current electricity customer that is connected to the network
  3. Be a small or medium South Australian Entity (including both businesses and not-for-profit organisations)
  4. Have an Australia-wide grouped payroll not greater than $18 million in the financial year 2024-25 [note the information you provide with your application will be verified against information held by Revenue SA]
  5. Have annual business turnover of $75,000 or more in the financial year 2024-25
  6. Be registered for Goods and Services Tax (GST) at the time this funding round commenced [note: not-for-profit organisations with annual business turnover between $75,000 and $149,999.99 are able to apply if not registered for GST].
  7. Not be a home-based business (i.e. operating primarily from the owner’s, or an employee’s residence); unless a separately metered bill can be provided for the business entity (i.e. must have a separate NMI to the residential property);
  8. Not be an excluded entity;
  9. Own or lease the business premises where any work or goods will be installed or used; and
  10. Be able to provide matched funding of at least 50 per cent of eligible out-of-pocket costs.

If your business received a grant offer under Round 2 of the Business Growth Fund, you can apply for assistance under Round 3 for new projects or activities, or extensions of projects approved under Round 2.

Consideration will be given to applicants falling under the following categories:

Embedded electricity networks

  • If your business is part of an embedded network and does not receive an electricity bill directly from an energy retailer, you may still be eligible to apply if you are able to provide evidence that you are paying electricity costs to the building owner.
  • Business applicants on embedded networks would need to seek their landlord’s permission should they wish to undertake any additions or improvements to the premises. As part of the application, you will be required to declare that you have obtained permission from your landlord.

Projects at new commercial premises

  • If your business is moving to, or constructing a new commercial premises, you may still be eligible to apply if:

    (a) the new premises is owned or leased by the applicant for the purpose of carrying on the existing business
    (b) the project expenditure was not incurred or committed (i.e. deposit paid, contract signed, or order placed) prior to an application being approved and the grant offer accepted
    (c) the existing business is moving from an existing business premises (i.e. not a home-based business premises)
    (d) you are able to provide evidence of previous energy usage for six months for the existing business
    (e) you can provide evidence that the new business premises is in the name of the applicant (e.g. rates notice, utility bill, lease agreement, certificate of title, building contract)
    (f) you are able to complete the project and submit your claim for reimbursement, within six (6) months of signing the grant agreement.


Stream 1 – Solar and Battery Projects

Solar and battery systems reduce energy costs to businesses and increase energy independence. By generating and storing your own electricity, you can lower or abolish electricity expenses, especially during peak hours. Solar and battery systems may reduce dependence on the grid and improve business reliability.

To qualify for assistance under this stream, your purchase(s) must be from the following list:

  • Install battery storage systems for renewable energy (includes inverter and battery management service); or
  • Install solar panels with accompanying battery storage (i.e. solar panels and inverters are only eligible when purchased with accompanying battery storage)

Grant value that is the lesser of:

(a) Amount per kilowatt (kW) (solar system capacity) and kilowatt-hour (kWh) (battery nominal capacity), as set out below, noting minimum grant value of $2,500, and up to $75,000 (combined):

  • Battery - $300 per kWh (including inverter and battery management system)
  • Solar - $250 per kW (including inverter)

OR

(b) 50 per cent of eligible out-of-pocket business expenditure from $5,000 up to $150,000 (excluding GST, excluding third party contributions or rebates and inclusive of the business’ financial contribution).

Grant calculation represents maximum agreed grant value which may be adjusted at the time of reimbursement to the lesser of a) or b) above.

  • Eligible battery and solar systems will need to meet your current business energy requirements and be proportionate to your businesses energy needs – as evidenced by six months prior energy bills / electricity usage [note: grants can be used to replace existing and less efficient solar panels and/or battery storage that are at the end of their useful life and to the extent new systems will meaningfully reduce energy bills and grid electricity usage].
  • Battery and solar products must be listed on the Clean Energy Council (CEC) approved product lists (battery list/solar list).
  • Battery and solar systems must be supplied by eligible providers and installed by an appropriately accredited installer.
  • Applicant should confirm with the supplier if additional SA Power Networks fees or other fees and charges apply, that are not part of the project but may impact project success.

Stream 2 – Energy Efficiency Projects

An energy efficiency project aims to reduce energy consumption, reduce your energy costs and minimise environmental impact resulting from your business activities.

To qualify for assistance under this stream, your purchase(s) must be from the list contained in Appendix 1: Stream 2 Eligible Project Activities and Equipment List

For Energy Efficiency projects (excluding solar/battery – refer Stream 1) the government will provide up to 50 per cent matched funding through reimbursement of eligible out-of-pocket business expenditure from $5,000 up to $150,000 (excluding GST, excluding third party contributions or rebates and inclusive on of the business’ financial contribution).

Project expenditure that exceeds the first $150,000 (excluding GST) will not be eligible for grant funding. The maximum grant value is $75,000, which must be matched with the same contribution from the eligible applicant.

For example:

  • If you spend $5,000, you may be eligible for a grant of $2,500.
  • If you spend $150,000 or more, you may be eligible for a grant up to $75,000.

Nil

Eligible project expenditure considered for funding must be:

A direct cost of the project. This can include costs relating to:

(a) delivery
(b) installation and commissioning costs
(c) decommissioning
(e) removal and disposal of old equipment
(f) professional service providers such as designers, engineers and technical consultants.

Assistance will not be provided for costs incurred for any of the following:

  • Work completed by the applicant, an employee of the applicant, or a Related Entity.
  • Equipment purchases that are:
    (a) not related to or used for the current operations of the business (including obsolete equipment)
    (b) not related to improving the energy efficiency of the business (e.g. equipment for domestic use or that is primarily for another type of activity at your site)
    (c) televisions, entertainment systems, laptops, computers and associated equipment
    (d) used or second-hand equipment
    (e) vehicles (new or used) including electric vehicle chargers
    (f) equipment with an energy efficiency rating of less than 4 of 6 stars, where energy ratings are applied
    (g) unrelated to energy efficiency improvements.
  • Solar panels installed without battery storage
  • Solar and/or battery projects where the primary objective is to sell energy back to the grid i.e. large-scale solar energy generation and solar farms
  • Project development costs such as early-stage feasibility studies, business case development, due diligence, proofs of concept or quotations
  • Ongoing operating and overhead costs including, but not limited to, wages and salaries, recruitment, training and mentoring, procurement fees, rent or other property costs, maintenance and repair costs, utilities, vehicles, furniture
  • Costs associated with switching from electricity to gas
  • Financing, interest and insurance
  • Costs of preparing an application (including obtaining required evidence) under this Program
  • Costs incurred or committed (i.e. deposit paid or order placed) prior to the application being approved and the grant offer accepted. Expenditure should not be incurred or committed until after an application has been approved and a grant agreement has been formally executed.

Applicants must provide the following as part of their application:

  • their ABN
  • a Certificate of Currency for any business insurance policy [if the business does not have an insurance policy, the form will give the applicant the option to provide their most recent Business Activity Statement issued by the ATO]
  • evidence of 2024-25 annual business turnover greater than $75,000, being any of the following:
    (a) business tax return for 2024-25; or
    (b) business activity statements covering the full financial year 2024-25; or
    (c) financial reports/statements (including profit and loss) certified by a registered tax agent
  • if you are registered for payroll tax (including not-for-profit organisations), evidence of grouped payroll of less than $18 million [Note the information you provide with your application will be verified against information held by Revenue SA]
  • copies of energy bills covering the previous six months demonstrating a consistent charge for energy usage at the business operating premises
  • a copy of the business’ bank statement where the reimbursement will be paid. This must show the bank name and logo, business’ bank account name(s), BSB and account number
  • if applying as a trustee for a trust, a business bank statement displaying the account name of the trust and trustee, or a copy of the trust deed including the signature page and annexure that outlines the relationship between the trust and trustee, or a declaration from a registered tax agent that demonstrates a connection between the trust and the trustee
  • if your project relates to a new business premises, evidence that the new business premises is in the name of the applicant (e.g. rates notice, utility bill, lease agreement, certificate of title)
  • at least one quote from a third-party provider for each of the proposed goods to be purchased or work(s) to be undertaken at the applicant’s approved business premises (including pricing and evidence of energy efficiency rating, where applicable)
  • for unique projects submitted under Category 9 of Appendix 1, additional information will be sought as outlined in the application form, including (but not limited to) energy source, usage rates, power rating and details of equipment being replaced/upgraded
  • if an Australian Company Number (ACN) is involved in the business structure, details for the ACN must be provided; and
  • for businesses on an embedded network applying together - all of the above evidence requirements must be met by all businesses.

You may be required to provide additional evidence at the request of the Department to determine your eligibility. Applications may also be subject to third-party review / assessment.

While applicants may express a preference for a particular provider (including retailer, supplier or installer) in their application, the Treasurer and their delegate(s) may direct an applicant to purchase goods or services with a different provider as a condition of any grant at their discretion or on the recommendation of the Office of the Technical Regulator or other parties engaged for assurance purposes.

Eligible equipment requiring installation must be installed by a licensed contractor qualified under relevant South Australian laws and holding a current South Australian Trade Licence.

For installations relation to Stream 1 applications (Solar & Battery Projects) systems must be installed by an appropriately accredited installer.

After an electrical, gas or plumbing tradesperson completes work on your property, by law they must issue you with an electronic Certificate of Compliance (eCoC). As part of your reimbursement claim, you are required to provide an eCOC: https://www.energymining.sa.gov.au/industry/regulatory-services/office-of-the-technical-regulator/electronic-certificates-of-compliance-ecoc

The certificate must confirm that the eligible items have been installed, connected and are operational at the approved business premises.

Failure to provide a valid certificate may result in the claim being declined.

For all new solar / battery installations (where a solar system is not already connected) you will need approval to connect to the SA Power Networks (SAPN) distribution network.

eCOC’s may be verified by the Office of the Technical Regulator and must match the records lodged by the contractor.

The installation address must match the approved business premises address in the application form to be eligible to claim the reimbursement.

Summary of key dates



Applications close*

Friday 31 October 2025

Purchase and installation

Six (6) months to complete purchases and installation and apply for reimbursement, after the date of the grant offer as specified in the grant agreement.

Reimbursements paid

Once reimbursement payment is formally approved, payment is processed within fifteen (15) days.


*Or until funding has been fully allocated (whichever occurs sooner)

Application process

Only one application can be submitted per ABN, but one or more eligible items/improvements can be applied for within the same application.

*Note: Applications are processed in the order in which they are submitted and received.

  • On receipt of a completed application, the Department will seek to verify that you have met the relevant eligibility criteria, including with relevant agencies and third parties. You may be contacted for further information, if required, and may be directed to obtain an additional quote from a different supplier/provider).
  • Upon verification that your application is successful, you will be sent an offer to enter into a grant agreement, which outlines the terms and conditions on which any grant funding will be provided.
  • You must execute the grant agreement, which will specify an upper limit to the grant amount, before purchasing any good or services.

*Note: should you incur costs beyond the agreed grant value or in addition to the approved items, the additional expenditure or items will not be eligible for reimbursement; and

  • If the grant offer is not accepted within ten (10) business days of an offer being made to you, your application may be withdrawn without further notice to you.

Applications that are incomplete and/or unsubmitted will not be considered or approved (either before or after the application close date).

Applications cannot be submitted on behalf of applicants by providers, industry or consultants. Applications must be submitted by the business owner(s)/director(s), or an authorised person of the organisation. When submitting an application, or accepting a grant agreement, you will need to make a declaration that you are the applicant / authorised by the applicant / have complied with these requirements.

  • Following execution of a grant agreement, you can proceed to purchase the approved goods or services from an eligible provider.

You must complete all purchases of goods and services, including installation, testing and commissioning (where applicable), prior to submitting your claim for reimbursement.

  • To claim reimbursement, you must complete and submit a reimbursement form, which will be provided to you.
  • Reimbursement will be provided following the provision of:
    (a) valid supplier tax invoice(s) – these must include the business name, purchase date, purchase price and description of goods/services purchased to the satisfaction of the Treasurer or their delegate
    (b) proof of payment (e.g. remittance advice, supplier invoice with zero balance, bank transfer payment receipt)
    (c) an electronic Certificate of Compliance for installations, where required
    (d) for all new solar / battery installations, where a solar system is not already connected, a copy of the approval from SAPN to connect to its distribution network.
  • On receipt and acceptance of the above information, you will be sent confirmation by email of the verified reimbursement claim amount (up to the maximum grant value) and a request to invoice the Department for payment of that amount. The grant will be paid into the nominated business bank account within 15 days.
  • Claims for reimbursement must be made within 6 months from the date the Grant Agreement and Acceptance Form is sent to you.

The Program grant offer is based on information and evidence you provided in your application.

We understand that over the course of the assessment and 6-month reimbursement periods, the products or services may no longer be available exactly according to the application you submitted; or you may have identified a more cost effective or suitable item before committing the expenditure.

While the product or item can be changed for a ‘like-for-like’ item (i.e. the same item but a different brand/model through the same or an alternate supplier), the item must be equivalent to the approved activity.

We encourage you to seek advice from the Department prior to purchasing an alternate product/item, to confirm reimbursement eligibility.

For more expensive or larger projects, the grant amount stipulated in the grant agreement will not be increased. For solar and/or battery projects, the grant will only be paid up to the agreed system kW and/or kWh as outlined in the grant offer.

For less expensive or smaller projects, the grant value will be adjusted accordingly using the rates/methodology set out in these guidelines.

Terms and conditions

All grants are conditional upon eligible applicants agreeing and adhering to detailed terms and conditions as part of the application process, and if approved entering into a grant agreement on terms and conditions determined by the South Australian Government.

The Treasurer, or their delegate, reserves the right to:

  • administer the Program and conduct the process for the assessment and approval of applications to the Program in such manner as they think fit
  • change the structure, procedures, nature, scope or timing of, or alter the terms of participation in the process or overall Program (including but not limited to eligibility, timeframes, terms and conditions, submission and compliance of applications), where in such circumstances notice may be provided to applicants on the Department’s website
  • consider or accept, or refuse to consider or accept, any application:
    (a) which is lodged other than in accordance with these guidelines
    (b) which is lodged after the relevant closing date
    (c) which is otherwise non-conforming in any respect
    (d) at the discretion of the Treasurer or their delegate.
  • where approval of an application has been communicated to an applicant, withdraw such approval or rescind a grant offer in the event facts or information come to the attention of the Department or DTF (whether known at the time of the application or not) which in their reasonable opinion: (a) are material to their assessment of the application or (b) mean the application is made other than in accordance with these guidelines or non-confirming in any respect
  • abandon or close the Program as they think fit.

Further information

If you require further information regarding the Program, please refer to the FAQs or contact PoweringBusinessGrants@sa.gov.au.

Additional information

Freedom of information

Applicants should be aware that all documents in the possession of the government, including those about this grant opportunity, are subject to the Freedom of Information Act 1991 (SA) (‘FOI Act’). Information submitted in applications and all related correspondence, attachments and other documents may be made publicly available under the FOI Act. The FOI Act gives members of the public a legally enforceable right to apply to access documents – subject to certain exemptions – held by the South Australian Government, its government agencies, local government authorities, statutory and regulatory bodies and South Australian universities.

Privacy and information policy

The Department and broader South Australian Government comply with the Government of South Australia’s Information Privacy Principles Instruction. The Department collects information (including personal information) as reasonably necessary for the purposes and functions of:

  • administering our grants and funding programs, including the Program
  • keeping you informed about the Program, relevant upcoming events, grant funding initiatives and outcomes, our services, special events or client feedback surveys, as well as our activities in general
  • improving our websites and other services.

The collection and use of information extends to use of such information by the Treasurer or Department for the purposes as outlined above. By participating in the Program, you acknowledge and agree to the collection and use of information for the purposes outlined below and that the provision of such information (particularly within the South Australian Government or relevant third parties) is essential to the proper administration of the Program.

Any information contained in or relating to an application, including information identified by an applicant as confidential information for the purposes of applying for funding under this Program, may be disclosed by the Department, or used by the Department:

  • to its employees, advisers or third parties in order to manage the Program, including but not limited to, for the purposes of verifying information in, evaluating and assessing the application
  • for the purpose of verifying applications, income or approved purchases – the Department may provide information to other agencies nominated in your application, including (but not limited to) Revenue SA or the Office of the Technical Regulator or any third parties engaged on their behalf
  • for due diligence, monitoring, reporting and audit purposes
  • within the South Australian Government where this serves the legitimate interests of the Department
  • in response to a request by a House or Committee of the Parliament of the Commonwealth of Australia or South Australia
  • for training, systems testing and process improvement, including compiling statistics and reports
  • if an application is successful, for promotion of project activities and outcomes
  • where information is authorised or required by law to be disclosed
  • where the information is already in the public domain.

It is the intent of the government to be transparent with regards to financial assistance provided to industry. The government intends to publicly disclose details of all financial assistance provided by the government for this Program (which will include, but is not limited to, the name of the successful applicant, details of the Project activity, and amount of grant funding).

Disclaimer

No responsibility for any loss or damage caused by reliance on any of the information or advice provided by or on behalf of the South Australian Government, or for any loss or damage arising from acts or omissions made, is accepted by the South Australian Government, its officers, servants or agents.

The Treasurer may vary these guidelines at any time and without notice.

Variation

The Treasurer reserves the right to amend these guidelines and application terms as required.

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