SME grants available for solving environmental issues

Jacqueline Blondell | August 2020

This article was current at the time of publication.

Do you have small business clients with an interest in solving pressing environmental problems?

The federal government is making $12 million available through the latest round of the Business Research and Innovation Initiative across five challenges.

"It's more usual for the big end of town to be the target of government climate and environmental policy. It's gratifying that this round of grants links SME's input to real climate change and environmental solutions," says John Purcell, CPA Australia's policy adviser, environmental, social and corporate governance.

The challenges include turning farm crops into a renewable hydrogen source, counting fish using advanced technologies and turning office rubbish into energy treasure.

Eligible businesses must have an annual turnover of less than $20 million for each of the last three years. Successful applicants will receive up to $100,000 to conduct a feasibility study. Those that make the grade will then be awarded $1 million to develop a proof of concept.

Applications close on 10 September. For more information go to www.business.gov.au/BRII