A GRANT program backed by the nation’s broadband internet authority has opened for applications.
Known as Innovate with nbn, and run by the Regional Australia Institute, the scheme is looking to give away $125,000 to regional and remote enterprises as a way of kickstarting the next big digital idea.
“Running a business in regional or remote Australia isn’t easy, but challenge often breeds creativity; and this program is about backing that creativity,” said RAI CEO Liz Ritchie.
“The Innovate program helps to prove that with the right tools and services, it doesn’t matter if you’re in Warialda, Winton or Wodonga, you can develop meaningful solutions that can help grow your business.”
The scheme has been running for seven years and the 2025 overall recipient used the money to improve learning outcomes for remote students.
As part of this year’s program, there’s grants of $15,000 available in seven categories including ag-tech and environment, arts, culture and tourism, education, First Nations business, health and wellbeing, innovation for productivity, and women in regional business.
There’s also a further $20,000 on offer for the Innovate with nbn champion.
“We’ve refreshed the categories, and introduced the new innovation for productivity category, to better reflect the many ways regional and remote businesses are shaping the digital economy,” said NBN chief development officer Gavin Williams.
“Our advice to entrants is simple. Show us what you’re doing that’s innovative, why it matters and who it helps. We want to shine a light on regional businesses who have taken a clever idea and found innovative ways to grow, adapt and deliver well beyond their postcode.”
To be eligible to enter, businesses must be connected to the national broadband network and be located in regional Australia.
For more information head to the NBN website.