Australia hubs

Oliver

Social Media Manager

AustraliaEnglish (English)$ AUD

Oliver is a freelance social media manager navigating the gig economy in Australia. He balances client deadlines with tax obligations and the occasional need for public health support, always looking for ways to streamline his admin.

Keeping the ATO happy

Managing freelance income and deductions is the biggest stressor for a solo operator.

myGov / ATO Online Services

national · Australian Taxation Office

Who qualifies
All Australian tax residents with a TFN.
What you get
Centralized portal for tax returns, BAS, and superannuation tracking.
What it actually costs you
Requires a myGov account linked to ATO; takes 15 mins to set up.
Common gotcha
Forgetting to link your ATO account to myGov via a linking code or identity strength check.

Business Tax Deductions

national · Australian Taxation Office

Who qualifies
Sole traders running a business.
What you get
Ability to deduct home office expenses, internet, and equipment.
What it actually costs you
Requires meticulous record-keeping and receipts.
Common gotcha
Mixing personal and business expenses; keep a separate bank account.

Goods and Services Tax (GST) Registration

national · Australian Taxation Office

Who qualifies
Businesses with a turnover of $75,000 or more.
What you get
Legal requirement to collect 10% GST on services.
What it actually costs you
Quarterly reporting and remittance to the ATO.
Common gotcha
Not registering once you hit the $75k threshold.

PAYG Instalments

national · Australian Taxation Office

Who qualifies
Sole traders with tax liabilities.
What you get
Pay tax in smaller chunks throughout the year rather than a big bill.
What it actually costs you
Quarterly payments based on ATO estimates.
Common gotcha
Underestimating income can lead to a surprise bill at year-end.

Superannuation for Sole Traders

national · ATO / Super Funds

Who qualifies
Self-employed individuals.
What you get
Tax-deductible personal contributions to your retirement fund.
What it actually costs you
Voluntary contributions from your own pocket.
Common gotcha
Forgetting to claim the deduction in your tax return.

Australian Business Number (ABN)

national · Australian Business Register

Who qualifies
Anyone carrying on an enterprise in Australia.
What you get
A unique 11-digit identifier for your business.
What it actually costs you
Free to apply online; takes about 10 minutes.
Common gotcha
Not updating your details if your business address changes.

Staying healthy on the go

Freelancers don't get sick leave, so navigating public health is a safety net.

Medicare

national · Services Australia

Who qualifies
Australian citizens and permanent residents.
What you get
Subsidized medical services and free public hospital care.
What it actually costs you
Medicare levy paid via tax; card needed for bulk billing.
Common gotcha
Assuming all doctors bulk bill; many now charge a gap fee.

Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS)

national · Department of Health

Who qualifies
All Medicare card holders.
What you get
Subsidized prescription medication costs.
What it actually costs you
Co-payment fee per prescription.
Common gotcha
Not all medications are on the PBS list.

Mental Health Treatment Plan

national · Medicare

Who qualifies
People with a diagnosed mental health condition.
What you get
Rebates for up to 10 individual psychological sessions per year.
What it actually costs you
Requires a GP referral.
Common gotcha
The rebate doesn't always cover the full cost of the psychologist.

My Health Record

national · Australian Digital Health Agency

Who qualifies
All Australians with Medicare.
What you get
Centralized digital summary of your medical history.
What it actually costs you
Set up via myGov; requires privacy settings review.
Common gotcha
Doctors not always uploading records promptly.

Medicare Safety Net

national · Services Australia

Who qualifies
Those with high out-of-pocket medical costs.
What you get
Higher rebates once you hit a certain threshold of costs.
What it actually costs you
Automatic tracking once registered.
Common gotcha
You must register as a family if you want to combine thresholds.

Private Health Insurance Rebate

national · ATO

Who qualifies
Those with private hospital cover.
What you get
Income-tested rebate on insurance premiums.
What it actually costs you
Claimed via tax return or reduced premiums.
Common gotcha
Failing to update your income estimate with your insurer.

Upskilling and professional support

Staying competitive in the social media space requires constant learning.

Workforce Australia

national · Department of Employment

Who qualifies
Job seekers and those looking for career support.
What you get
Access to training modules and job boards.
What it actually costs you
Requires registration and profile setup.
Common gotcha
Often seen as only for unemployed, but has useful training tools.

Export Market Development Grant (EMDG)

national · Austrade

Who qualifies
Small businesses looking to expand into international markets.
What you get
Reimbursement for marketing expenses abroad.
What it actually costs you
Rigorous application process and documentation.
Common gotcha
Very competitive; requires a clear export strategy.

ASBAS Digital Solutions

national · Department of Industry

Who qualifies
Small business owners.
What you get
Low-cost digital advisory services.
What it actually costs you
Small fee for workshops or consultations.
Common gotcha
Availability varies by region/provider.

Fair Work Ombudsman Advice

national · Fair Work Ombudsman

Who qualifies
All workers and business owners.
What you get
Free advice on workplace rights, contracts, and awards.
What it actually costs you
Free; accessible via phone or web.
Common gotcha
People assume it only applies to employees, not contractors.

business.gov.au

national · Department of Industry

Who qualifies
All business owners.
What you get
Templates, guides, and compliance checklists.
What it actually costs you
Free.
Common gotcha
Overwhelming amount of info; use the search bar.

Fee-Free TAFE Short Courses

national · Department of Education

Who qualifies
Australian residents.
What you get
Free short courses in digital skills.
What it actually costs you
Enrolment time.
Common gotcha
Courses fill up very quickly.

Everyday essentials

Identity and basic legal requirements for living in Australia.

Australian Passport Renewal

national · DFAT

Who qualifies
Australian citizens.
What you get
Travel document.
What it actually costs you
Standard fee ~$346; requires photo and form.
Common gotcha
Allow 6-8 weeks for processing.

Digital ID

national · Australia Post

Who qualifies
Anyone with valid identity documents.
What you get
Secure way to prove identity online.
What it actually costs you
Free.
Common gotcha
Not accepted by every single government agency yet.

Electoral Roll Registration

national · Australian Electoral Commission

Who qualifies
Australian citizens 18+.
What you get
Right to vote.
What it actually costs you
Mandatory; fine if you don't vote.
Common gotcha
Updating your address after moving house.

Low Income Health Care Card

national · Centrelink

Who qualifies
Low-income earners.
What you get
Cheaper prescription medicines and some medical services.
What it actually costs you
Means-tested application.
Common gotcha
Income threshold is quite low.

National Relay Service

national · Department of Infrastructure

Who qualifies
People with hearing or speech impairments.
What you get
Assistance with phone calls.
What it actually costs you
Free.
Common gotcha
Requires specific app or portal use.

Citizenship Portal

national · Department of Home Affairs

Who qualifies
Permanent residents.
What you get
Australian citizenship.
What it actually costs you
Application fee and residency requirements.
Common gotcha
Long processing times.

State-level schemes

8states & territories — open one to see what it offers.

Australian Capital Territory

Canberra offers unique cost-of-living support and digital infrastructure benefits for young professionals navigating the city's high-rent environment.

Keeping my head above water in Canberra

ACT Utilities Concession

state · ACT Revenue Office

Who qualifies
Holders of a Centrelink Pensioner Concession Card or Low Income Health Care Card.
What you get
Annual rebate of up to $850 towards electricity, gas, and water bills.
What it actually costs you
Application via the ACT Revenue portal; requires your CRN and utility account numbers.
Common gotcha
You must re-apply if you move house, even if you stay within the ACT.

ACT Taxi Subsidy Scheme

state · Transport Canberra

Who qualifies
ACT residents with a permanent disability that prevents use of public transport.
What you get
Subsidy of 50% of the taxi fare, capped at $25 per trip.
What it actually costs you
Requires medical assessment forms and proof of residency.
Common gotcha
Does not apply to rideshare apps like Uber, only registered taxis.

ACT Rental Bond Help

state · Housing ACT

Who qualifies
Low-income earners struggling to pay the initial bond for a private rental.
What you get
Interest-free loan to cover up to 100% of the rental bond.
What it actually costs you
Must provide proof of income and a signed lease agreement.
Common gotcha
This is a loan that must be repaid, not a grant.

Rates Deferral Scheme

state · ACT Revenue Office

Who qualifies
Homeowners experiencing genuine financial hardship.
What you get
Ability to defer payment of general rates until the property is sold or transferred.
What it actually costs you
Requires a comprehensive financial hardship application and evidence of income.
Common gotcha
Interest may still accrue on the deferred amount depending on the specific arrangement.

Staying healthy in the capital

ACT Ambulance Service Fee Exemption

state · ACT Ambulance Service

Who qualifies
ACT residents who hold a valid Health Care Card or Pensioner Concession Card.
What you get
Free emergency ambulance transport within the ACT.
What it actually costs you
Automatic if your concession card is registered with the service.
Common gotcha
Does not cover interstate transport; you still need private insurance if you travel often.

ACT Mental Health Community Support Services

state · ACT Health

Who qualifies
Any ACT resident experiencing mental health challenges.
What you get
Access to free community-based counseling and peer support programs.
What it actually costs you
Self-referral or GP referral; no out-of-pocket cost.
Common gotcha
Wait times can be long; utilize the 24/7 crisis line if urgent.

ACT Public Dental Program

state · Canberra Health Services

Who qualifies
Low-income earners and concession card holders.
What you get
Subsidized emergency and general dental care.
What it actually costs you
Small co-payment per visit; requires proof of concession status.
Common gotcha
The waiting list for non-emergency work can be significant.
New South Wales

New South Wales offers a high cost-of-living environment where digital professionals rely on state-backed transport concessions, energy rebates, and small business support to manage Sydney's premium lifestyle.

Keeping my head above water in Sydney

Low Income Household Rebate

state · Service NSW

Who qualifies
Low-income earners holding a valid Pensioner Concession Card or Health Care Card.
What you get
Up to $285 per year credited to your electricity bill.
What it actually costs you
Free; requires your electricity account number and concession card details.
Common gotcha
You must re-apply if you change your energy retailer.

Toll Relief Scheme

state · Transport for NSW

Who qualifies
NSW motorists who spend more than $402 on tolls in a financial year.
What you get
40% rebate on toll spend above the threshold.
What it actually costs you
Free; requires linking your toll account to your Service NSW account.
Common gotcha
It only applies to personal vehicles, not business-registered ones.

Active Kids Program

state · Office of Sport

Who qualifies
Parents of school-enrolled children.
What you get
$50 voucher per child per year for sports registration.
What it actually costs you
Free; requires a MyServiceNSW account.
Common gotcha
Vouchers expire at the end of the calendar year.

Creative Kids Voucher

state · Service NSW

Who qualifies
Parents of school-aged children for creative activities.
What you get
$50 voucher for music, art, or coding lessons.
What it actually costs you
Free; processed online via Service NSW.
Common gotcha
Must be used with an approved registered provider.

Freelancing and side-hustle tools

Business Connect

state · Investment NSW

Who qualifies
NSW small business owners and freelancers.
What you get
Access to free, independent business advice and workshops.
What it actually costs you
Free; requires registration and booking a session.
Common gotcha
The advice is general; you need to bring specific questions about your business plan.

SafeWork NSW Small Business Rebate

state · SafeWork NSW

Who qualifies
Small businesses and sole traders in NSW.
What you get
Up to $500 rebate for purchasing safety equipment.
What it actually costs you
Requires attending a free safety workshop first.
Common gotcha
You must buy the equipment AFTER attending the workshop.

First Home Buyers Assistance Scheme

state · Revenue NSW

Who qualifies
First-time home buyers purchasing property under a specific price cap.
What you get
Full or partial exemption from transfer duty (stamp duty).
What it actually costs you
Legal fees for conveyancing; significant paperwork.
Common gotcha
Price caps change frequently based on market conditions.
Northern Territory

The Northern Territory offers unique lifestyle incentives and small business support schemes specifically designed to attract and retain talent in the Top End.

Growing my freelance business

Small Business Champion Grant

state · Department of Industry, Tourism and Trade

Who qualifies
NT-based small businesses with fewer than 20 employees.
What you get
Up to $2,000 for business improvement or marketing projects.
What it actually costs you
Requires a 50% co-contribution and a clear project proposal.
Common gotcha
Funds are competitive and often exhausted quickly after the round opens.

Digital Development Grant

state · Department of Industry, Tourism and Trade

Who qualifies
NT businesses looking to upgrade digital infrastructure or online presence.
What you get
Reimbursement for digital tools, software, or website upgrades.
What it actually costs you
Must provide tax invoices and proof of payment.
Common gotcha
Must be applied for before the digital work commences.

Business Innovation Program

state · Department of Industry, Tourism and Trade

Who qualifies
NT businesses testing new products or services.
What you get
Funding support for research and development costs.
What it actually costs you
Requires detailed business plan and financial projections.
Common gotcha
Strict reporting requirements on project milestones.

NT Business Events Support

state · Northern Territory Convention Bureau

Who qualifies
Organizers of professional events in the NT.
What you get
Financial assistance to host conferences or workshops.
What it actually costs you
Requires evidence of delegate numbers and economic impact.
Common gotcha
Must meet minimum delegate thresholds.

Making life in Darwin easier

NT Concession Scheme

state · Territory Families, Housing and Communities

Who qualifies
NT residents on specific low-income or pension cards.
What you get
Discounts on electricity, water, and public transport.
What it actually costs you
Annual renewal and proof of residency.
Common gotcha
Does not cover all utility providers, check the list first.

First Home Owner Discount

state · Department of Treasury and Finance

Who qualifies
First-time buyers of established homes in the NT.
What you get
Stamp duty discount of up to $18,601.
What it actually costs you
Must occupy the home for at least six months.
Common gotcha
Only applies to established homes, not new builds.

Sport Voucher Scheme

state · Department of Territory Families, Housing and Communities

Who qualifies
Parents of school-aged children in the NT.
What you get
$200 per child per semester for sports fees.
What it actually costs you
Online registration via the student portal.
Common gotcha
Vouchers expire at the end of the semester; they do not roll over.

Pensioner and Carer Concession Scheme

state · Territory Families, Housing and Communities

Who qualifies
NT residents receiving Centrelink pension or carer payments.
What you get
Subsidized vehicle registration and driver's license fees.
What it actually costs you
Annual application process.
Common gotcha
Must be a permanent resident of the NT.
Queensland

Queensland offers a unique mix of cost-of-living rebates and digital infrastructure support that helps a freelance social media manager navigate the Sunshine State's economy.

Keeping the lights on and bills down

Queensland Cost of Living Rebate

state · Queensland Government

Who qualifies
All Queensland households with an electricity account.
What you get
A $1,000 credit applied directly to your electricity bill.
What it actually costs you
Automatic application; no form required if you are the account holder.
Common gotcha
If you are a renter with the electricity bill in your landlord's name, you may not receive it directly.

Vehicle Registration Concession

state · Department of Transport and Main Roads

Who qualifies
Holders of a Queensland Pensioner Concession Card or Health Care Card.
What you get
Up to 50% discount on annual vehicle registration fees.
What it actually costs you
Must provide your CRN and concession card details during renewal.
Common gotcha
Does not apply to heavy vehicles or certain business-registered commercial vans.

FairPlay Vouchers

state · Department of Tourism, Innovation and Sport

Who qualifies
Parents of children aged 5-17 who hold a Health Care Card.
What you get
$150 voucher per child to cover sport and active recreation membership fees.
What it actually costs you
Requires an online application during specific funding rounds.
Common gotcha
Vouchers expire quickly; check the 'round' dates on the portal.

Rental Bond Loan

state · Department of Housing

Who qualifies
Low-income earners meeting specific asset and income tests.
What you get
Interest-free loan to cover the rental bond for a new private rental property.
What it actually costs you
Requires proof of income and a signed tenancy application.
Common gotcha
You must repay the loan in full when you vacate the property.

Leveling up my freelance game

Mentoring for Growth

state · Department of State Development and Infrastructure

Who qualifies
Queensland-based small businesses looking to scale.
What you get
Access to a panel of experts for strategic advice on marketing and digital growth.
What it actually costs you
Application process involves a business health check.
Common gotcha
It is not a grant for money; it is purely advisory.

Small Business Digital Grants

state · Business Queensland

Who qualifies
Small businesses with fewer than 20 employees.
What you get
Matching funding up to $5,000 for digital equipment or software.
What it actually costs you
Requires a detailed project plan and 50% co-contribution.
Common gotcha
Highly competitive; funds run out within hours of opening.

Brisbane City Council Business Support

municipal · Brisbane City Council

Who qualifies
Businesses operating within the Brisbane City Council area.
What you get
Free workshops on social media marketing, SEO, and business compliance.
What it actually costs you
Registration for events via the council website.
Common gotcha
Workshops often fill up weeks in advance.
South Australia

South Australia offers specific cost-of-living concessions and digital infrastructure grants that help creative professionals manage the high costs of urban living in Adelaide.

Keeping my bills down in Adelaide

Cost of Living Concession

state · Department of Human Services

Who qualifies
Low-income earners or those on specific Centrelink benefits who own or rent their home.
What you get
An annual payment of up to $255.60 to help with household expenses.
What it actually costs you
Free to apply; requires your Centrelink CRN and bank details.
Common gotcha
You must re-apply if your living circumstances change, even if you received it last year.

Energy Bill Concession

state · Department of Human Services

Who qualifies
Pensioners and low-income card holders responsible for electricity bills.
What you get
A direct credit on your energy bill of up to $233.19 per year.
What it actually costs you
Requires a copy of your electricity bill and health care card.
Common gotcha
It is not automatic; you must link your energy account to the concession portal.

Water and Sewerage Concession

state · SA Water

Who qualifies
Eligible concession card holders who are the account holder for SA Water.
What you get
A reduction of up to $350 per year on water and sewerage rates.
What it actually costs you
Zero cost; processed via the SA Concessions portal.
Common gotcha
If you are a tenant, ensure your landlord has provided the correct account details.

Metrocard Concession

state · Adelaide Metro

Who qualifies
Full-time students and health care card holders.
What you get
Half-price fares on all Adelaide Metro buses, trains, and trams.
What it actually costs you
Requires a valid concession ID card and a $5 initial card fee.
Common gotcha
You must carry your physical concession card at all times when travelling.

Growing my freelance career

Arts South Australia Project Grants

state · Department of the Premier and Cabinet

Who qualifies
Individual artists and creative practitioners based in SA.
What you get
Funding for creative projects ranging from $5,000 to $20,000.
What it actually costs you
Requires a detailed project budget and portfolio; competitive application process.
Common gotcha
Applications are strictly time-bound; missing the window means waiting for the next cycle.

Small Business Digital Transformation Grant

state · Business SA

Who qualifies
Small businesses in SA looking to upgrade digital infrastructure or marketing tools.
What you get
Matching grants up to $5,000 for digital software or hardware upgrades.
What it actually costs you
Requires a business plan and proof of matching funds.
Common gotcha
You must spend the money first and get reimbursed, which can impact cash flow.

Lot Fourteen Creative Hub Access

state · Renewal SA

Who qualifies
Freelancers and creative startups in the tech/media space.
What you get
Access to subsidized co-working spaces and networking events in Adelaide CBD.
What it actually costs you
Application fee for membership; requires a business pitch.
Common gotcha
High demand means waiting lists for desk space are common.
Tasmania

Tasmania offers unique lifestyle incentives and small-business support for creative professionals looking to balance remote work with the island's unique regional lifestyle.

Growing my freelance business

Small Business Advice and Financial Guidance Program

state · Business Tasmania

Who qualifies
Tasmanian small business owners and sole traders.
What you get
Up to $1,500 in vouchers for professional advice on marketing, finance, or business strategy.
What it actually costs you
Free to apply; requires ABN and proof of business activity.
Common gotcha
You must use a pre-approved service provider from their directory.

Arts Tasmania Grants Program

state · Arts Tasmania

Who qualifies
Tasmanian-based creative practitioners and digital content creators.
What you get
Project funding ranging from $5,000 to $20,000 for creative development.
What it actually costs you
Detailed project proposal and budget; competitive selection process.
Common gotcha
Deadlines are strict and funding cycles are specific to the calendar year.

Digital Ready Program

state · Business Tasmania

Who qualifies
Small businesses needing to improve their digital footprint.
What you get
Free one-on-one coaching and workshops on social media strategy and e-commerce.
What it actually costs you
Time commitment for coaching sessions.
Common gotcha
Often fully booked; check the portal regularly for new workshop intakes.

Regional Relocation Grant

state · Department of State Growth

Who qualifies
Individuals moving to Tasmania for work or business establishment.
What you get
One-off payment of up to $2,000 to assist with moving costs.
What it actually costs you
Proof of residency and employment/business registration in Tasmania.
Common gotcha
Must apply within 3 months of moving to the state.

Living and getting around

Tasmanian Student Travel Concession

state · Department of State Growth

Who qualifies
Full-time students using public bus services.
What you get
Discounted fares on all Metro Tasmania bus services.
What it actually costs you
Student ID card and Greencard application.
Common gotcha
You must carry your student ID at all times when using the concession fare.

Tasmanian Energy Concession

state · Department of Treasury and Finance

Who qualifies
Holders of a Centrelink Pensioner Concession Card or Health Care Card.
What you get
Daily discount on electricity bills (approx $1.50/day).
What it actually costs you
Application via your electricity retailer.
Common gotcha
It is not automatic; you must contact your energy provider to link your card.

Tasmanian Parks Pass

state · Tasmania Parks and Wildlife Service

Who qualifies
Tasmanian residents.
What you get
Discounted annual access to all national parks for recreation.
What it actually costs you
Annual fee based on vehicle type.
Common gotcha
Digital passes are easier to manage than physical stickers.

Private Rental Assistance Program

state · Homes Tasmania

Who qualifies
Low-income earners struggling with bond or rent in the private market.
What you get
Interest-free bond loans or short-term rent assistance.
What it actually costs you
Income assessment and rental property evidence.
Common gotcha
Funds are limited and subject to strict eligibility criteria.
Victoria

Victoria offers a unique blend of creative industry grants and cost-of-living support that directly impacts a Melbourne-based digital professional's freelance or agency lifestyle.

Boosting my freelance career

Creative Victoria Grants

state · Creative Victoria

Who qualifies
Victorian creative practitioners and small businesses working in digital media.
What you get
Project funding ranging from $5,000 to $50,000 for creative development.
What it actually costs you
Detailed project proposal, budget breakdown, and ABN registration.
Common gotcha
The application process is highly competitive and requires a strong portfolio of previous work.

Small Business Digital Adaptation Program

state · Business Victoria

Who qualifies
Victorian sole traders and small businesses.
What you get
Rebates of up to $1,200 to cover the cost of digital tools and software subscriptions.
What it actually costs you
Proof of purchase for eligible software and valid ABN.
Common gotcha
Only specific software vendors approved by the program are eligible for the rebate.

Startup Capital Incentive

state · LaunchVic

Who qualifies
Early-stage Victorian startups with high growth potential.
What you get
Access to mentorship, networking events, and potential seed funding opportunities.
What it actually costs you
Pitch deck and business plan; no direct application fee.
Common gotcha
Focuses heavily on tech-enabled scalability rather than service-based agencies.

Managing the Melbourne grind

Victorian Energy Compare Bonus

state · Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action

Who qualifies
Any Victorian residential energy account holder.
What you get
A one-off $250 payment for comparing energy offers on the portal.
What it actually costs you
A recent electricity bill and 10 minutes of time.
Common gotcha
The bonus is only available during specific promotional windows announced by the government.

Commuter Club

state · Public Transport Victoria

Who qualifies
Employees whose workplaces participate in the corporate scheme.
What you get
Discounts on annual Myki passes for train, tram, and bus travel.
What it actually costs you
Coordination with your employer's HR department.
Common gotcha
Requires your employer to register for the program first.

Rent Relief Grant

state · Homes Victoria

Who qualifies
Victorian renters experiencing financial hardship due to unexpected life events.
What you get
Up to $3,000 to help cover rent arrears.
What it actually costs you
Evidence of income, bank statements, and a letter from the landlord.
Common gotcha
You must show that the hardship is temporary and that you can sustain rent payments in the future.
Western Australia

Western Australia offers unique cost-of-living support and industry-specific grants that help a freelance or agency-based social media manager navigate the high costs of the Perth market.

Keeping my head above water

WA Household Electricity Credit

state · Government of Western Australia

Who qualifies
All residential electricity account holders in WA.
What you get
A direct credit of $400 applied to your electricity bill.
What it actually costs you
Automatic application; no paperwork required if you have an active account.
Common gotcha
It is applied in two installments, not as a single lump sum.

SmartRider Concession

state · Transperth

Who qualifies
Full-time students or eligible concession card holders.
What you get
Up to 45% discount on standard Transperth fares.
What it actually costs you
$10 for the card; requires proof of enrollment or concession status.
Common gotcha
You must tap on and tap off to ensure the correct fare is calculated.

Secondary Assistance Scheme

state · Department of Education

Who qualifies
Parents of students in years 7-12 holding a valid Health Care or Pensioner Concession Card.
What you get
$235 for clothing and $115 for school expenses.
What it actually costs you
Application form submitted to the school office by the end of Term 1.
Common gotcha
Must be applied for annually; it does not roll over.

Energy Concession Extension Scheme

state · Department of Communities

Who qualifies
Holders of a WA Seniors Card or Commonwealth Seniors Health Card.
What you get
Annual rebate on electricity and gas bills.
What it actually costs you
Application form via the Department of Communities website.
Common gotcha
Only applies to the primary place of residence.

Growing my freelance business

SBDC Business Advisory Service

state · Small Business Development Corporation

Who qualifies
Any small business owner operating in WA.
What you get
Free one-on-one business advisory sessions.
What it actually costs you
Time for the appointment; requires ABN registration.
Common gotcha
These are advisory sessions, not direct cash grants.

Arts Impact WA

state · Department of Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries

Who qualifies
WA-based creative professionals and small businesses.
What you get
Project funding for creative initiatives.
What it actually costs you
Detailed project proposal and budget breakdown.
Common gotcha
Highly competitive; requires a strong track record of previous work.

Digital Business Solutions

state · Small Business Development Corporation

Who qualifies
Small businesses looking to improve their digital footprint.
What you get
Subsidized access to digital marketing and strategy workshops.
What it actually costs you
Small co-contribution fee for specialized courses.
Common gotcha
Limited spots per financial year.

Export Assistance Grant

state · Invest and Trade WA

Who qualifies
WA businesses looking to expand into international markets.
What you get
Reimbursement for marketing and travel expenses related to export.
What it actually costs you
Extensive documentation of international business activity.
Common gotcha
You must spend the money first and claim it back later.