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Government Support for Small Business: Free Help You Can Use Now
Free government support for small business is easy to miss. Here's what's available now: debt and mental health help, cyber security support, mentoring, the grants finder and the permanent $20,000 instant asset write-off.
Running a small business can feel lonely when cash is tight or a problem lands on your desk. However, there’s a lot of free government support for small business in Australia, and many owners never use it. This guide rounds up help you can use right now, from free financial counselling to mentoring and a permanent tax break on equipment.
Everything below was checked on official government websites in early November 2026. Programs change, so always confirm the details on the linked page before you apply.
Where to start: the government grants and programs finder
First, try the free grants and programs finder on business.gov.au. You answer a few questions about your location, industry and what you need help with. Then it lists grants, funding and support programs from across government.
It takes less than five minutes. Also, new programs are added often, so it’s worth checking again every few months. Whether you run a cafe, a salon, a trade business or an online store, the results are matched to you.
Free government support for small business owners under pressure
Some of the most useful help isn’t a grant at all. Instead, it’s free, confidential advice from people who understand small business.
Small Business Debt Helpline
The Small Business Debt Helpline is a free phone service run by qualified financial counsellors. For example, they can help you understand business debts and personal guarantees. They can also talk through payment arrangements with the ATO, suppliers and creditors, and whether the business is still viable. Call 1800 413 828.
NewAccess for Small Business Owners
Beyond Blue’s NewAccess for Small Business Owners offers free, confidential mental health coaching. You can have six sessions plus two follow-ups, and you don’t need a GP referral. It’s open to owners aged 18 and over in any industry, including sole traders.
In February 2026, the federal government announced funding to extend both services for another 12 months from 1 July 2026. As a result, business.gov.au currently shows NewAccess open until 30 June 2027.
Free cyber security help
Cyber security is another area where government support for small business is free. For example, the Small Business Cyber Resilience Service, delivered by IDCARE, gives free one-on-one support. An adviser works with you on a tailored plan, and they also help you recover if something goes wrong.
It’s for businesses with 19 or fewer full-time equivalent employees, including sole traders. The helpline is 1800 595 170, Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm AEST. For a practical starting point, read our cyber security plan for the accounts desk.
Government support for small business in the tax system
Tax breaks are another form of support, and one big change is now permanent. According to the ATO, the $20,000 instant asset write-off is now law as a permanent measure from 1 July 2026.
Under the rules, small businesses with aggregated turnover under $10 million can immediately deduct the full cost of eligible assets costing less than $20,000. The limit applies per asset, so you can write off several purchases in one year. Meanwhile, assets of $20,000 or more can still go into the small business depreciation pool.
That could cover a new coffee machine, salon chairs, a laptop or tools for the ute. However, the asset must be first used or installed ready for use in the year you claim it. So, talk to a registered tax agent at BN Tax before you buy, especially near 30 June.
Mentoring, coaching and advice
Sometimes you just need an experienced person to talk an idea through. Fortunately, mentoring is some of the most practical government support for small business, and much of it is free.
- Self-Employment Assistance: the federal Self-Employment Assistance program offers workshops, business plan help, free accredited small business training, business health checks and coaching through local providers.
- Queensland: the Mentoring for Growth program matches Queensland businesses with volunteer business experts in free sessions, mostly online. Topics include cash flow, marketing, finance, HR and cyber security.
- New South Wales: Service NSW’s Small Business Advisory program gives eligible businesses up to four hours of free, independent advice each financial year.
Also, check your own state government’s business pages. In Queensland, for instance, the Queensland Small Business Commissioner keeps a list of current grants and support services.
Help when there’s a dispute
If you’re stuck in a dispute with a supplier, landlord or bigger business, you don’t have to go straight to a lawyer. The Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman offers dispute support, along with links to mental health and financial wellbeing help.
How to make the most of government support for small business
Free programs work best when your numbers are ready. For example, a financial counsellor or mentor can help far more when your books are up to date. Likewise, most grant applications ask for financial details.
- Keep your bookkeeping current, so you can show income, expenses and cash flow quickly.
- Check the eligibility rules and closing dates on the official page before you apply.
- Keep records of any grant you receive, and ask your tax agent how it’s treated for tax.
- Plan purchases around the instant asset write-off with your tax agent, rather than buying just for the deduction.
If cash is tight heading into the holidays, our Christmas cash flow checklist is a good next step.
How Business Ninjas can help
Business Ninjas works with small businesses Australia-wide, 100% online. That includes owners in Aspley and Brisbane’s northside, as well as cafes, retailers, salons, health practitioners, consultants, online sellers, landlords and tradies everywhere else. BN Books keeps your bookkeeping and payroll ready for any application. Meanwhile, BN Tax handles your tax returns, BAS and claims such as the instant asset write-off.
Explore our small business services, or get in touch online. You can also call us on 1300 790 113.
This article is general information only, not financial or tax advice. Program details and eligibility can change, so check the official source before acting.
