Federal Government support for tourism businesses

GOVERNMENT GATEWAY TO INFORMATION & SUPPORT FOR BUSINESS

The Australian Government’s Business portal provides a gateway to comprehensive information, grants, services and support from across government to help your business succeed.

Guide to operating a tourism business

For information about legislation, licences and permits; and business requirements relevant to operating your tourism business visit the 101 Guide.

ADVICE FOR ENTREPRENEURS 

The Entrepreneurs' Programme’s national network of business and advisers and facilitators offer independent and objective advice to help you innovate and grow your business.  

DIGITAL SUPPORT FOR BUSINESSES 

The Digital Solutions program pairs you with a dedicated business mentor and gives you access to one-to-one advice, workshops and online webinars on everything from social media and marketing to bookkeeping and business planning.

SUPPORT FOR ADDRESSING LABOUR SHORTAGES 

The Seasonal Workers program offers employers in selected locations in the agriculture and accommodation sectors access workers when there is not enough local Australian labour to meet seasonal demand. For further information visit: https://www.dese.gov.au/seasonal-worker-programme

ADVICE & FINANCE FOR INDIGENOUS BUSINESSES

Indigenous Business Australia (IBA) provides assistance to Indigenous Australians to acquire, establish and grow their business. It offers a range of support services including free workshops to help you reach your business goals and also access to business loans for working capital and equipment.

Indigenous Tourism Mentoring 

The National Indigenous Tourism Mentoring Program is an individualised  mentoring  program to help tourism businesses gain practical advice from industry experts. Through the program, mentors will help you develop a business plan, refine your strategies and help implement the plan. The program is yet to start but more information is coming soon from the National Indigenous Australians Agency.

GRANTS TO DEVELOP YOUR EXPORT MARKET 

Austrade’s Export Market Development Grants (EMDG) program offers financial support to help you grow your businesses in overseas markets. Find out more about eligibility and how to apply here.

FINANCE TO GROW YOUR INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS

Export Finance Australia is the Australian Government’s export credit agency and provides loans and guarantees to Australian export-related businesses when their bank may be unable to help. If you're a business that provides tourism services directly, or through the supply chain, to international tourists and you need finance to help you grow the international side of your business, Export Finance Australia can help.

Additional assistance may be found here:

• www.business.gov.au
• www.grants.gov.au
• www.rda.gov.au/
• https://www.business.nsw.gov.au/support-for-business/assistance-and-support
• www.business.qld.gov.au/business/support-tools-grants/grants
• www.grantassist.sa.gov.au/
• www.grants.act.gov.au/
• www.smallbusiness.wa.gov.au/business-advice/grants-and-tenders
• https://nt.gov.au/industry/start-run-and-grow-a-business/grow-your-business/business-grants-and-funding
• www.business.tas.gov.au/finances-tax-and-insurance/seeking-finance-and-funding/applying-for-grants
• https://www.austrade.gov.au/Australian/How-Austrade-can-help/other-assistance
• https://business.gov.au/grants-and-programs/Wine-Tourism-and-Cellar-Door-Grant