When searching for government grants to support your business, it’s important to be cautious — especially online. The Australian government never charges for grant information. If you come across services or websites asking for payment to access government grants, be very wary. These could be scams designed to take advantage of you.
Here’s what you need to know:
- Government grant information is always available for free. You can access all state, territory, and federal government grants directly through official government sources at no cost.
- Beware of websites or services charging subscription fees or upfront payments to provide grant information. These are not legitimate.
- Grants are awarded based on merit. There’s no way to “buy” special access or guaranteed success.
- It’s perfectly okay to hire a reputable third-party provider to help with writing your grant applications. For example, AFA Member Tender Plus offers trusted assistance in this area.
- Always check the website’s URL. Official government websites will have a ‘.gov.au’ domain extension.
How to spot fake government websites:
Fraudulent sites may try to appear official by:
- Using government logos or images
- Having misleading web addresses like www.officialgovtgrants.com.au
- Mimicking the look and feel of government sites
The safest way to ensure you’re using a genuine source is to look for the ‘.gov.au’ in the web address.
Where to find official government grant information:
A great starting point is the Grants Finder on business.gov.au. It provides a comprehensive, free directory of grants, funding, and support programs from all levels of government across Australia.
If you suspect you’ve encountered a scam or misleading service, please report it to the Australian Furniture Association at care@theafa.asn.au.
Stay informed and protect your business by accessing government grant information only from trusted, official sources.