The Australian Government invites sheep producers to apply for Round 2 of the open, competitive Farm Business Transition Program (the program).

Grant funding may be used for a range of activities, including planning, professional and technical advice, application of research and development innovations, extension activities, and investment in on-farm infrastructure and improvements. These activities are intended to support the adoption of alternative farming systems and practices.

Grant funding of up to $75,000 (GST exclusive) over both rounds, per eligible applicant, is available.

Costs incurred before a grant agreement is executed or the agreed-upon activity start date are ineligible.

Applicants are required to provide a 1:1 cash co-contribution, matching the dollar value of the grant funding approved. In-kind contributions will not be accepted as matched funding.

You must demonstrate a connection to the live sheep export by sea trade since 1 July 2020.

 

Applicants from Round 1:

• Applicants awarded the maximum grant of $75,000 (GST exclusive) in Round 1 are not eligible to apply for further funding under Round 2.
• Applicants awarded less than the maximum grant of $75,000 (GST exclusive) under Round 1 may apply under Round 2 for up to the remaining balance of the grant funding for different grant activities.
• Applicants who were unsuccessful in Round 1 may apply in Round 2 for the same project or a different project.
• Funding for this program is provided under the Phase Out of Live Sheep Exports by Sea - transition assistance initiative.

 

Eligibility:

To be eligible, you must be one of the following entity types:

• Company
• Cooperative
• Incorporated Association
• Indigenous Corporation
• Partnership. Individuals who are not GST-registered may apply on behalf of a GST-registered partnership. The Partnership agreement must be provided.
• Person
• Sole Trader

If you are applying as a Trustee on behalf of a Trust, the Trustee must be one of the eligible entity types as listed above.

Further information on entity types is available on the Community Grants Hub webpage.

For additional eligibility requirements, please refer to section 4 of the Grant Opportunity Guidelines.

 

Grant Activity Timeframe:

• Assessment of applications - August 2026
• Approval of outcomes of selection process - September 2026
• Notification to applicants - September 2026
• Negotiations and award of grant agreements - November 2026
• Earliest start date of grant activity - December 2026
• End date of grant activity - 31 May 2028.

 

Instructions for Application Submission:

To apply, you must:

• Complete the online application form on GrantConnect 
• Provide all the information requested
• Address all eligibility criteria and assessment criteria
• Include all necessary attachments
• Submit your application to the Community Grants Hub by 7:00 pm AWST/9:00 pm AEST on 15 July 2026.

 

Click here for more information.

Smith Thornton subscribes to a grant search provider and can help you prepare your grant application. If you have any questions, our Business Services Advisor Jenna van Nierop will be happy to assist. You can email her at jennav@smiththornton.com.au or call her on 9842 5155.