If you’re an SME, entrepreneur or startup founder in New South Wales with a game-changing product in development, the MVP Ventures Program 2025–2026 could be your launchpad to success.
Backed by Investment NSW, this competitive grant initiative is designed to help small businesses commercialise innovative products and retain commercialisation activities within NSW. Whether you’re prototyping, piloting, or preparing for market entry, this program offers the financial boost you need to move forward.
💡 What’s New This Year?
The 2025–2026 round introduces several updates to make the program more accessible and impactful:
- Streamlined funding streams with tailored co-contribution requirements
- Round-based application process for better planning
- Updated eligibility criteria to support truly early-stage ventures
- Milestone-based payments to support cash flow
📅 Key Dates – Round 1 Opens Soon!
Mark your calendars! The first round of applications opens 1 September 2025 at 9:00am and closes 28 September 2025 at 5:00pm.
Additional rounds:
- Round 2: Opens 24 November 2025, Closes 21 December 2025
- Round 3: Opens 9 March 2026, Closes 5 April 2026
⚠️ Note: Rounds may close early to ensure fair distribution of funds.
💰 Funding Streams & Grant Amounts
There are two funding streams available:
Stream 1 – General Eligibility
- Grant covers up to 50% of eligible project costs
- Minimum grant: $20,000
- Maximum grant: $50,000
- Requires 50% co-contribution
Stream 2 – Priority Groups
For businesses that are:
- Women-owned and managed
- Regionally headquartered and operated
- Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander majority-owned and managed
- Grant covers up to 75% of eligible project costs
- Minimum grant: $20,000
- Maximum grant: $75,000
- Requires 25% co-contribution
✅ Who’s Eligible?
To apply, your business must:
- Be headquartered in NSW
- Have 10 or fewer FTE employees (including founders)
- Have aggregated turnover ≤ $400,000 per year for the past 3 years
- Be incorporated in Australia or registered as an Aboriginal/Torres Strait Islander Corporation
- Hold IP or rights to commercialise the product
- Not be receiving funding from other government programs for the same project
🧪 What Projects Qualify?
Eligible projects must:
- Be related to pre-market development and commercialisation
- Fall within Technology Readiness Levels (TRL) 3–9
- Be completed within 3–12 months
- Include only eligible expenses (e.g., wages, consultant fees, prototyping materials)
📝 How to Apply
Applications must be submitted via the SmartyGrants platform and include:
- Accountant declaration
- Financial statements
- Letters of intent from customers/distributors
- Evidence of co-contribution
- ASIC company extract and registration documents (for Stream 2)
🧠 Assessment Criteriaa
Your application will be judged on:
- Innovation: Is your product solving a real problem in a new way?
- Commercialisation: Is there a viable market and strategy?
- Deliverability: Can your team execute the project successfully?
📊 Payment Structure
Grants are paid in three milestones:
- 40% on signing the Funding Agreement
- 30% after progress report and acquittal
- 30% after final report and financial evidence
🌐 Stay Informed
Visit the MVP Ventures Program page for templates, FAQs, and updates.
✨ Final Thoughts
This is more than just funding—it’s a chance to validate your innovation, attract investors, and scale your impact. If you’re ready to take your product to the next level, don’t miss Round 1 of the MVP Ventures Program.
📅 Ready to Apply? Let Fullstack Advisory Help You Win
Navigating grant applications can be complex—but you don’t have to do it alone. Fullstack Advisory specialises in helping startups and entrepreneurs secure funding and scale impact. To start your MVP Ventures Program application journey with Fullstack Advisory please complete the MVP Ventures Program Checklist.
