Grants up to $25,000 help eligible NSW businesses assess climate risks, develop emissions inventories, set reduction targets and prepare practical business plans for net zero.
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What is the Net Zero Planning Grant?
The Net Zero Planning Grant is a $2 million NSW Government program supporting businesses to plan their transition towards net zero. It forms part of the $22 million Business Decarbonisation Program.
Funding supports specialist consultants to assess a business’s current net zero readiness, identify gaps and develop practical plans using the Net Zero Business Guide.
Net Zero Planning Grant level of support
Funding amount
- Minimum grant amount: not specified.
- Maximum grant: $25,000 per eligible business, covering up to 50% of eligible costs.
- Milestone 1 – net zero planning: up to $2,000 for a readiness assessment and priority actions.
- Milestone 2 – net zero implementation planning: up to $23,000 for detailed planning work and deliverables.
- Total funding pool: $2 million
Co-contribution requirements
- Applicants must contribute at least 50% of eligible project costs.
- Funding is paid after successful review of each milestone’s deliverables and consultant invoices.
Net Zero Planning Grant objectives
- Support long-term net zero planning by businesses.
- Improve understanding of climate-related risks and opportunities, resilience and emissions reduction.
- Help businesses identify practical actions to progress towards net zero.
- Strengthen business competitiveness during the transition to net zero.
Projects and expenditure eligible for Net Zero Planning Grant support
Projects and activities
The grant funds external specialist consultancy services across two milestones, drawing on the nine elements of the Net Zero Business Guide.
- Milestone 1: assess net zero readiness, consult relevant staff and prepare a report identifying detailed actions for Milestone 2.
- Milestone 2: develop agreed plans and deliverables, such as climate risk assessments, greenhouse gas emissions inventories, emissions reduction targets and net zero action plans.
- Other eligible planning areas include governance, people and capability, finance, stakeholder engagement and reporting.
- Milestone 2 actions must relate to NSW operations, follow the Guide and align with recognised frameworks where available.
Ineligible projects and expenditure
- Internal project management and labour, and consultant costs above prevailing market rates.
- Costs incurred before the funding deed is executed for Milestone 1, or before successful completion of Milestone 1 is notified for Milestone 2.
- Carbon offsets, capital expenditure, and equipment or technology assessments.
- Mandatory National Greenhouse and Energy Reporting activities; external training or certification fees, auditing, verification and validation fees.
- Existing ongoing activities and substantially similar consultancy work contracted or commenced before the grant application date.
Other Net Zero Planning Grant important details that you will need to know
Organisations eligible for Net Zero Planning Grant support
Applicants must:
- Have an ABN and be registered for GST.
- Operate a business with a NSW site address and business operations in NSW.
- Spend at least $200,000 annually on energy at one NSW site, or $500,000 annually across multiple NSW sites and operations, including purchased fuels.
- Provide evidence of eligible energy spending using recent energy bills no more than two years old.
Organisations are ineligible if they or relevant related entities have received or will receive this grant in any round, or if they receive NSW Government funding for the same activities. Commonwealth, state and local government entities, Safeguard Mechanism facilities, and certain Group 1 sustainability-reporting entities are also excluded.
Register your interest with GrantHelper to explore your alignment with this grant and how we can assist you to increase your chances of success.
Net Zero Planning Grant assessment criteria
Applications are assessed against three pass/fail criteria. There are no percentage weightings.
- Objectives – show alignment with the grant objectives and commitment to work towards net zero.
- Quality – provide accurate, current and legible information.
- Risks – avoid unacceptable reputational or delivery risks, including pending legal action, media controversy or insufficient financial capacity.
How do I get Net Zero Planning Grant support?
Applicants should be prepared to demonstrate:
- Eligibility through NSW business operations, ABN, GST registration and required annual energy expenditure.
- How proposed planning work advances the business towards net zero.
- The organisation’s ability to fund at least half of eligible consultancy costs.
- Capacity to engage appropriate specialist consultants and deliver both milestones on time.
- A credible commitment to implementing and using the planning outcomes.
Information to prepare for the Net Zero Planning Grant application
Prepare the following information and documents, as relevant to the application:
- ABN, GST registration details and NSW business site information.
- Recent energy bills demonstrating annual expenditure at the required threshold.
- Details of proposed net zero planning activities and expected outcomes.
- Any identified specialist consultant details, plus proposed consultancy scope and costs.
- Information about the business’s financial capacity, relevant risks and existing related funding.
- For trusts, evidence of authority to apply and enter into the funding deed, where applicable.
Applying for Net Zero Planning Grant support
Submit the online application using the Apply now button on the official NSW Government Net Zero Planning Grant webpage. Applications are lodged through the government grant management system.
Register your interest with GrantHelper to explore your alignment with this grant and how we can assist you to increase your chances of success.
Net Zero Planning Grant resources
Is Your Business Eligible for This Government Grant?
GrantHelper can assist with your organisation’s grant application, no matter what stage of the funding journey you’re at.
Four Ways GrantHelper Helps Businesses Secure Government Funding
- Grant Funding Readiness
Assess your business’s current position, identify gaps, and ensure your project is properly aligned to pursue competitive government grant funding — so you can pursue funding with confidence. - Grant Strategy Session
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A tailored program where we prepare the key components of a compelling grant application — so you can stay focused on running your business while we build your submission step-by-step. - Grant Application Writing
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