Grants of up to $75,000 to support small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and not-for-profits (NFPs) cut energy costs, boost efficiency, and transition to renewable energy.
On this page you will find
What is the Powering Business Grant (PBG)?
Delivered under the broader Business Growth Fund (BGF) program and administered by the Department for Energy and Mining (DEM), the Round 3: Powering Business Grant (PBG) specifically supports projects that install solar and battery systems or implement energy efficiency upgrades that deliver measurable savings and long-term benefits for South Australian businesses.
Through this grant, eligible organisations can access matched funding to cut their energy bills, strengthen operational resilience, and contribute to South Australia’s growing clean energy economy.
Powering Business Grant level of support
- Minimum grant: $2,500
- Maximum grant: $75,000
- Total pool: $20 million in 2025–26
- Each ABN may submit one application but can include multiple eligible items or premises within the funding limit.
Co-contribution: Applicants must co-contribute at least 50% of total eligible project costs.
For the Solar and Battery stream, funding is calculated as the lesser of:
- $300 per kWh (battery, including inverter and BMS) plus $250 per kW (solar, including inverter), or
- 50% of eligible out-of-pocket expenditure.
For the Energy Efficiency stream, funding covers 50% of eligible costs on approved upgrades.
Powering Business Grant important dates
- Applications close: Friday, 31 October 2025, or earlier if funding is exhausted
- Project completion deadline: Within 6 months of accepting the grant offer
- Payment: Reimbursement made within 15 business days of claim approval
- Register your interest with GrantHelper
Powering Business Grant objectives
The Business Growth Fund – Round 3: Powering Business Grant (SA) aims to help South Australian small and medium businesses and not-for-profits:
- Reduce energy costs by investing in solar, battery, and energy efficiency technologies that deliver measurable savings.
- Improve energy resilience and reliability, ensuring operations remain stable during peak demand or power outages.
- Enhance competitiveness through improved productivity, cost efficiency, and sustainability credentials.
- Support South Australia’s clean energy transition, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and accelerating the shift toward renewable energy.
- Drive local investment and job creation by encouraging the uptake of advanced technologies and supporting accredited local suppliers and installers.
Projects and expenditure eligible for Powering Business Grant support
Stream 1: Solar and Battery
Funding supports the purchase and installation of eligible battery systems (including inverter and BMS) and solar systems (including inverter).
- Solar panels and inverters are only eligible when installed with a battery.
- All systems must use Clean Energy Council (CEC)-approved products and be installed by CEC-accredited installers.
- Solar systems must be appropriately sized for the business’s load, evidenced by at least six months of energy bills.
Stream 2: Energy Efficiency
Funding supports upgrades that improve energy performance, such as:
- High-efficiency HVAC and refrigeration systems
- LED lighting and controls
- Variable speed drives (VSDs) for motors, pumps, and fans
- Heat pumps for water or pool heating
- Insulation, double glazing, and building sealing
- Energy monitoring, IoT devices, or Building Energy Management Systems (BEMS)
- Other unique or innovative energy-saving projects valued above $20,000.
Ineligible Expenditures
- Labour or work performed by the applicant or related entities
- Second-hand or refurbished equipment
- Vehicles, EV chargers, televisions, or IT equipment
- Solar-only installations (without batteries)
- Projects primarily designed to export electricity to the grid
- Feasibility studies, business cases, or operating costs (e.g. wages, rent, maintenance)
- Expenditure incurred or committed before signing the grant agreement.
Other Powering Business Grant important details that you will need to know
Organisations eligible for Powering Business Grant support
To qualify, applicants must:
- Be a South Australian-based SME or NFP with an active ABN
- Have a grouped payroll ≤ $18 million for FY2024–25
- Have a turnover ≥ $75,000 (NFPs with $75k–$149,999.99 turnover are eligible even if not GST-registered)
- Be a current electricity customer and own or lease their premises
- Provide at least 50% co-contribution towards the total project cost
- Have valid insurance coverage and supply proof as required
- Home-based businesses are only eligible if separately metered with a distinct National Metering Identifier (NMI).
See the guidelines for full details of organisational requirements.
Powering Business Grant assessment criteria
Applications are assessed competitively. Key assessment factors include:
- Energy Savings Impact: Demonstrated reduction in ongoing energy use or emissions intensity
- Value for Money: Reasonable and cost-effective investment with sound payback potential
- Project Readiness: Clear implementation plan with realistic delivery timeframes and licensed/accredited installers
- Business Benefit: Strengthening long-term operational sustainability and resilience
- Compliance: Evidence that the project meets all eligibility, installation, and product standards
Although specific weighting percentages are not published, the strongest applications will:
- Provide robust supporting documentation and quotes
- Clearly quantify anticipated savings and benefits
- Show the capacity to meet co-contribution and deliver within six months
How do I get the Powering Business Grant?
Applicants should demonstrate:
- The project’s ability to reduce energy use or increase renewable uptake
- Financial capacity to co-fund 50% of the project
- Evidence that products and installers meet CEC and industry standards
- Quotes and documentation proving readiness to begin upon approval
- A clear understanding of installation timelines, certification, and compliance requirements
Approved applicants will:
- Apply online for purchase approval.
- If successful, sign and return the grant agreement within 10 business days.
- Complete installation using licensed/accredited providers.
- Submit a claim for reimbursement with invoices, proof of payment, Certificates of Compliance (eCoC), and SAPN approval if required.
Information to prepare for the Powering Business Grant application
Applicants should have ready:
- ABN and proof of business registration
- FY2024–25 financials (tax return, full-year BAS, or accountant’s letter)
- Payroll evidence if registered for payroll tax
- Six months of recent electricity bills
- Insurance Certificate of Currency or most recent BAS
- Business bank statement (showing name, BSB, account number)
- Quotes for each proposed upgrade or system
- Trust deed (if applicable)
- Ownership or lease documents for premises
- SAPN approval and eCoC for solar/battery installations
- Technical details for custom projects above $20,000
See the guidelines for full details of information requirements.
Applying for the Powering Business Grant
Applications must be submitted online via the official South Australian Government Grant Portal.
Register your interest with GrantHelper to explore your alignment with this grant and how we can assist you to increase your chances of success.
Powering Business Grant resources
Is Your Business Eligible for This Government Grant?
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