Championing Australia's regional and remote businesses
Running a business in regional or remote Australia isn’t easy. Isolation, limited reach and tough conditions can all stand in the way.
Yet, out here, challenge breeds creativity. And in the face of adversity, innovation thrives. That’s why we created the Innovate with nbn® Grants Program with the Regional Australia Institute.
Now in its sixth year, our grants program champions the ideas, resilience and brilliance of regional digital businesses. There’s also $125,000 in grants up for grabs.
Who can apply?
- making the most of the nbn® network to help enable regional Australians to live, learn and work in a digital society
- challenging the traditional markets in regional Australia
- lifting digital participation and stimulating regional economies
- championing digital adoption for regional and remote communities
Eligibility criteria
Your application will only be eligible if you:
- are connected to the nbn network
- are located in regional Australia
- have an Australian Business Number (ABN)
- have an Australian bank account (corresponding to the ABN)
- apply for one category
Winner of the 2024 Innovate with nbn® Grants Program
Discover how Grief Connect provides bereaved Aussies with online support services, no matter where they live.
Play the ‘Women in Regional Business and 2024 Innovate with nbn Champion: Grief Connect’ video (duration 2:40) to learn more.
What you could win
We’ll award $15,000 to one standout business or organisation in each category.
Plus, one exceptional entry will take home the Innovate with nbn® Champion Award and an additional $20,000.
Just remember: you can only apply for one category and need an ABN to be eligible.
7 × $15,000 grants
We’ll award $15,000 to the deserving winners of each of these categories:
- Agriculture
- Arts & Tourism
- Education
- Health
- Indigenous Business
- Sports & Recreation
- Women in Regional Business
1 x $20,000 grant
We’ll also award $20,000 to the 2025 Innovate with nbn® Champion.
Grant categories
Digital agriculture is the future – and it could add $20.3 billion1 to Australia’s agriculture industry by the year 2030.
If you’re using tech to help farmers save time, work smarter and grow more with the support of the nbn network, we want to hear from you.
Creative arts and tourism are a powerful combination – and digital tech is helping bring them to life in new ways.
If you’re using the nbn network to deliver unique digital experiences that encourage community engagement, enrich local economies and showcase your region, don’t hesitate to apply.
With education becoming more accessible online, there’s never been a greater need for smart, flexible learning solutions.
We’re looking for businesses using technology to provide flexible online learning options that deliver innovative education options to regional and remote communities.
Healthcare is evolving fast, with digital innovation improving outcomes across Australia.
We’re looking for businesses using smart solutions to boost access to care for regional and remote communities.
We’re looking for Indigenous business owners who embrace innovation and are boldly creating digital solutions.
If you’re an Indigenous-owned enterprise, or a tech company partnering with Indigenous remote communities, we’d like to hear from you.
From virtual coaching to competitive gaming platforms, digital tech is changing the sports and recreation game.
If you’re using digital technology to boost participation, support wellbeing, or bring remote or regional communities together, apply now.
More Australian women are turning their ideas into thriving businesses – and we’re here to back them.
We’re seeking regional entrepreneurs using digital innovation to drive community-led change and improve reach.
Key dates
Applications close on 12 October 2025.
Successful grant recipients will be announced on 11 November 2025.
Program partners
nbn
We’re committed to elevating Australia by connecting people and powering progress. That's why, in 2019, we created nbn Regional and Remote.
This dedicated business unit is designed to help customers across Australia to access a fast, reliable broadband network.
Regional Australia Institute
The Regional Australia Institute (RAI) is the nation’s only independent organisation dedicated to the success of regional Australia.
Through research, community engagement and partnerships across government, business and local organisations, RAI delivers strong policy solutions and tangible outcomes. RAI’s purpose is simple: to empower regions to thrive.
1. 'Accelerating precision agriculture to decision agriculture – analysis of the economic benefit and strategies for delivery of digital agriculture in Australia', Australian Farm Institute