South Australian businesses will be able to access up to $75,000 in matched funding for energy upgrades.
The SA Government has opened Round 3 of its $154 million Business Growth Fund.
The $20 million Powering Business Grant, which opened on 18 August, targets small and medium-sized enterprises and not-for-profits with a grouped payroll of under $18 million.
Grants range from $2,500 to $75,000 and are designed to lower energy bills through solar, battery and energy efficiency investments.
Two funding streams are available.
Stream 1 supports solar and battery systems, with equipment required to be listed on the Clean Energy Council’s approved product list and installed by accredited providers. Solar panels and inverters will only be funded if purchased with battery storage, aligning the scheme with the Commonwealth’s Small-scale Renewable Energy Scheme.
Stream 2 supports energy efficiency projects, including refrigeration, insulation, and lighting upgrades. Applicants may bundle multiple improvements under one application, but total funding is capped at $75,000 per ABN.
Applications close on 31 October 2025 or when funds are fully allocated. Successful applicants must sign a grant agreement with clawback and reporting obligations. Projects must be completed within six months of acceptance, with reimbursements processed within 15 days of approval.
The government has highlighted Kytons Bakery in Edwardstown, which secured $36,834 in Round 2 to install a 60kW solar and battery system. The bakery expects annual savings of up to $29,000.
“Bakeries use a lot of electricity, especially for ovens and refrigeration,” said Sharon Sutton, owner of Kytons Bakery.
“Electricity was a big cost to the business. The 60kw of solar panels and battery we purchased with the Energy Efficiency Grant has meant a saving of 30 to 60 per cent on our monthly power bill – freeing up money for us to spend in other parts of the business.”
Minister for Small and Family Business Andrea Michaels said: “We know that power bills are a particular pain point for South Australian businesses and this grant is providing real relief where it is needed with businesses like Kyton’s saving tens of thousands of dollars off their power bill each year as a result.”
“In Round 3, we are extending these grants to medium sized businesses, helping even more SA business owners to take control of their energy costs, invest in upgrades and new technology to reduce costs.”
Full guidelines are available on the Business SA website, with eligibility extending to businesses in embedded networks and new commercial premises under specific conditions.