21 February 2024

 

THE additional grant funding takes the Government's investment to support small businesses through these grants to $62 million.

 

​The grants between $10,000 and $25,000 can be used to upgrade to more efficient equipment. This includes replacing air conditioners with high efficiency units or gas heating boilers with heat pumps, helping SMEs lower power bills and emissions.

 

​These grants are part of the Albanese Government’s commitment to ease pressures on Australian businesses by putting downward pressure on energy bills.

 

​The first round of grants awarded $15.5 million to 674 businesses for energy savings from upgrades to pool covers, heat pumps, air conditioners, as well as more efficient hot water pumps and compressed air improvements.

 

​Minister for Small Business the Hon Julie Collins said, the "Albanese Labor Government is delivering for small business, helping to improve their long-term resilience.

 

​“These grants are another example of our government providing targeted support to small businesses.

 

​“I encourage small businesses to read the Grant Opportunity Guidelines to check if they are eligible for this new support."

 

​Assistant Minister for Climate Change and Energy Jenny McAllister said the grants would improve the bottom line of small businesses and lower emissions.

 

​“Investing in energy efficiency can save on energy costs, taking the pressure off small businesses and allowing them to reinvest savings to their business," Ms McAllister said.

 

​“We want to help small businesses make every watt count. That’s why the Albanese Government is investing in energy performance projects.

 

​“Upgrades to appliances like freezers or air conditioners not only saves on bills, but also contributes to Australia’s emissions reduction targets.”

 

Federal Member for Robertson, Dr Gordon Reid said that the last round of grants saw six businesses in Robertson receive funding for up to $25,000 for energy efficiency upgrades.

 

“In Robertson, six local businesses were able to receive funding from the Energy Efficiency Grants following round 1," Dr Reid said.

 

“This represented an investment of $132,600 into energy efficiency upgrades for local businesses.

 

“I encourage small and medium sized businesses across the region to review the grant guidelines and apply, if they are eligible."

 

Round two is a $41.2 million investment from the $62 million program that will help businesses use less energy and improve competitiveness, while reducing their carbon footprint.

 

The $41.2 million will be allocated to states and territories in proportion to the national distribution of SMEs.

 

Grants will be awarded on a first come, first-served basis until each jurisdiction’s allocation is exhausted.

 

​Applications for the grants will open in NSW on Monday February 26, 2024.

 

For more information about the Energy Efficiency Grants for SMEs program and how to apply, visit Energy Efficient Grants.