Do You Need an ABN for Government Grants? (Australia)

Do You Need an ABN to Apply for Government Grants in Australia?

TL;DR: Yes. You need an ABN for both government grants and tenders in Australia. Read on for the details and exceptions.

This is one of the most commonly asked questions by individuals and new businesses exploring government funding. The answer is: it depends on the grant, but for most business grants, yes, you need an ABN.

Let us break down which grants require an ABN, which do not, and how to sort it out quickly if you need one.

The Short Answer

For the majority of government grants aimed at businesses, an ABN is a mandatory eligibility requirement. This includes virtually all grants listed on GrantConnect (grants.gov.au), the Australian Government’s central grants portal, as well as most state and territory business grant programs.

The reasoning is straightforward. An ABN is the primary identifier for businesses in Australia. It is how the government confirms you are a legitimate business entity, issues payments, and tracks compliance. Without an ABN, the government has no standardised way to verify your business or pay you.

When You Definitely Need an ABN

You will need an ABN for:

Commonwealth Business Grants

All grants administered by Australian Government departments and agencies that are directed at businesses require an ABN. This includes major programs like:

Entrepreneurs’ Programme grants
Export Market Development Grants (EMDG)
Regional development grants
Industry-specific grant programs (manufacturing, agriculture, technology)
Small business grants administered through the Department of Industry

State and Territory Business Grants

State grant programs mirror the Commonwealth approach. Whether you are applying through Business NSW, Business Victoria, the Queensland Government, or any other state program, business grants require an ABN. Examples include:

Small business grants and vouchers
Innovation and technology grants
Regional development grants
Export assistance programs
Sustainability and energy efficiency grants

Local Government Business Grants

Council-administered business grants and economic development grants typically require an ABN, though some may accept applications from businesses in the process of establishing.

When You Might Not Need an ABN

There are categories of government grants where an ABN is not required:

Community and Not-for-Profit Grants

Grants directed at unincorporated community groups, volunteer organisations, or informal community bodies may not require an ABN. Instead, they may accept an incorporation number, an association registration number, or simply the details of the auspicing organisation.

However, even in this category, having an ABN simplifies the process. Many not-for-profit organisations have ABNs regardless of whether they are required.

Individual Grants

Some government grants are available to individuals rather than businesses. Arts grants, research fellowships, and some training-related grants may be open to individuals without an ABN. Payment is made to the individual and may be subject to different tax treatment.

Emergency and Disaster Relief Grants

During declared emergencies (bushfires, floods, cyclones), governments often provide relief grants with reduced eligibility requirements. Some disaster relief payments are available to individuals and households without an ABN.

Educational and Training Grants

Scholarships, study grants, and some training subsidies are directed at individuals and typically do not require an ABN.

How to Get an ABN

If you need an ABN and do not have one, the process is simple and free:

Go to abr.gov.au — The Australian Business Register website
Click “Apply for an ABN” — You will be directed to the application form
Confirm your eligibility — You need to be carrying on or starting a business in Australia
Provide your details — Personal identification (tax file number, date of birth, address) and business details
Submit the application — Most ABN applications are processed immediately, and you receive your ABN on the spot

The entire process takes 10 to 15 minutes. There is no cost. Your ABN is active immediately upon issue in most cases.

What If You Are Not Sure You Are Eligible?

To obtain an ABN, you need to be carrying on an enterprise in Australia, or intending to do so. The ATO defines “enterprise” broadly. It includes businesses, sole traders, partnerships, companies, trusts, and even some hobby activities if they are conducted in a business-like manner.

If you are genuinely planning to start a business and are applying for a grant to support that, you are likely eligible for an ABN. If in doubt, the ABN application process itself will tell you whether you qualify.

ABN vs Company Registration

An ABN is not the same as registering a company. You can have an ABN as a sole trader without incorporating. Company registration (through ASIC) is a separate process that creates a legal entity. For most grant applications, an ABN is sufficient. You do not need to be a registered company unless the specific grant guidelines say so.

While sorting out your ABN, you may wonder about GST registration. GST registration is separate from your ABN but linked to it. You must register for GST if your annual turnover is $75,000 or more (or $150,000 for not-for-profits). Below that threshold, GST registration is optional.

Most business grants do not require GST registration as an eligibility criterion, but receiving a grant may push your turnover above the threshold, triggering a GST registration obligation. Consult your accountant if you are unsure.

Grants vs Tenders: An Important Distinction

If you are searching for an ABN in connection with government opportunities, make sure you understand the difference between grants and tenders:

Grants give you funding for your project. You apply, and if successful, you receive money to carry out agreed activities.
Tenders are paid work contracts. You bid to supply goods or services to government, and if selected, you deliver the work and invoice for payment.

Both require an ABN. But the opportunity, application process, and obligations are entirely different. Many businesses searching for grants would actually benefit more from pursuing tenders, where the government pays them for work delivered.

The Bottom Line on ABNs and Grants

For business grants: yes, you almost certainly need an ABN. The good news is that getting one is free, fast, and straightforward. Do not let the lack of an ABN stop you from exploring government grant opportunities. Register today, and you can be applying for grants (and tenders) this week.

For community, individual, or emergency grants: check the specific program guidelines. An ABN may not be required, but having one never hurts.

Finding Grant and Tender Opportunities

Once you have your ABN sorted, the next step is finding relevant opportunities. For grants, GrantConnect (grants.gov.au) is your starting point for Commonwealth programs. For tenders, which represent a far larger pool of government spending, services like Australia Tender Alerts monitor all major government tender sources and deliver relevant opportunities matched to your business.

For a comprehensive overview of all government tender sources in Australia, read our guide to finding government tenders.

Get your ABN today. It takes 15 minutes and opens the door to billions of dollars in government grants and contracts.