Energy Efficiency Grants Empowering SMEs Open Soon

• Round 2 of Efficiency Grants for Small and Medium Enterprises open from the 22nd of February
• $10,000 – $25,000 available for energy efficiency upgrades
• Eligible for businesses smaller than 199 employees

Round 2 of the highly anticipated Energy Efficiency Grants for Small and Medium Enterprises is open from the 22nd of February. With a substantial funding pool of $41 million, this round offers grants ranging from $10,000 to $25,000.

Eligibility is straightforward

ABN holders, incorporated entities, or trusts with an employee headcount ranging from 1 to 199 are eligible.

Businesses should have a minimum operational history of 24 months.

Notably, applicants should not have received funding from the Energy Efficiency Grants for Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises Round 1 program.

Grant Details

The grants, covering up to 100% of eligible expenditure, range from $10,000 to $25,000. It’s important to note that this round excludes funding for solar and batteries, emphasising a targeted approach towards hot water, lighting, and air conditioning upgrades.

Funds will be distributed across different states:

• • Victoria: $10 million – Applications closed
  • New South Wales: $15 million
  • South Australia: $2 million – Applications closed
  • Queensland: $8 million – Applications closed
  • Western Australia: $3 million – Applications closed
  • Tasmania: $700,000 – Applications closed
  • ACT: $600,000
  • Northern Territory: $200,000 – Applications closed

Application Process

Businesses interested in improving their energy efficiency can apply as soon as the application window opens in their state. The application period spans from 22 February 2024 to 8 April 2024, however they may close early if all allocated funds for Round 2 are exhausted.

Applications for the grants will open across the country on the following dates:

• • Thursday 22 February 2024: VIC
  • Friday 23 February 2024: SA & NT
  • Monday 26 February 2024: NSW
  • Tuesday 27 February 2024: WA, TAS & ACT
  • Wednesday 28 February 2024: QLD

Applications involve signing up to the Business Grants Hub portal and completing the grant application questions, including information of the project and costs involved. 

Ecovantage are here to help with scoping, quoting and delivering a whole range of energy upgrade projects, and will provide the project information needed to support your grant application.

Program Objectives and Outcomes:

The Energy Efficiency Grants for SMEs seeks to achieve several key objectives:

• • Encourage the adoption of energy-efficient technologies to improve overall energy efficiency practices.
  • Support SMEs in effectively managing their energy consumption and costs.
  • Contribute to Australia’s ambitious target of a 43% reduction in emissions from 2005 levels by 2030.

Intended outcomes encompass heightened awareness of energy efficiency opportunities, reduced power bills for businesses, and significant emissions abatement.

As businesses eagerly await the opening dates across various jurisdictions, Round 2 of the Energy Efficiency Grants for SMEs presents a great opportunity to embrace sustainability, cut costs, and contribute to Australia’s broader environmental goals. 

Grants will be awarded to eligible applicants on a first come, first serve basis until the funding is exhausted. Now is the time to consider upgrading technologies in order to improve energy efficiency and lower overheads. 

Get in touch with Ecovantage to discuss your businesses energy efficiency upgrades and how we can help you claim these grants.