Cyber Invest Business Program NT

Purpose and Program Overview

The Cyber Invest Business Program (CIBP) is a Northern Territory Government initiative designed to help small and medium Territory businesses strengthen their cybersecurity posture and resilience. The program supports eligible businesses to engage approved service providers to develop and implement a Cyber Invest Plan (CIP), addressing common cyber threats and reducing the risk of business disruption, data compromise, and reputational damage.

The program forms part of the Northern Territory Government’s broader commitment to building a more secure and resilient business environment across the Territory. By subsidising professional cybersecurity services, the program aims to lift the baseline cyber maturity of NT small and medium enterprises, many of which may otherwise lack the resources to invest in dedicated cybersecurity support.

Funding is capped at $10,000 per business, reimbursing 50% of the cost of eligible services delivered by an NT-approved ICT or cybersecurity service provider. The program is administered by the Northern Territory Government (Department of Trade, Business and Asian Relations, in conjunction with the Department of Corporate and Digital Development) via the CyberNT platform.

Key Grant Details

• Grant amount: Up to $10,000 per business, reimbursing 50% of the cost of eligible cybersecurity services
• Program status: Round 1 is closed to business applicants and service providers; Round 2 is expected to open in September–October 2026 (exact date to be confirmed by the department)
• Eligible businesses: Small to medium Territory enterprises
• Co-contribution: Yes — businesses must fund the remaining 50% of eligible service costs
• Location/applicability: Northern Territory, Australia only

Priority Sectors

The Cyber Invest Business Program does not specify priority industries or sectors in its published guidelines. The grant is open to eligible small and medium businesses across a broad range of industries operating in the Northern Territory, provided they meet the standard eligibility criteria.

Funding Scope

• Funding cap: Up to $10,000 per business per financial year, whether claimed through a single application or multiple applications
• Reimbursement rate: 50% of the cost of eligible services provided by an approved service provider
• Funding structure: The program operates as a single funding stream (no separate feasibility, capital works, or technology-specific streams have been published)
• Rounds: The number of funding rounds depends on the funding allocated in each period and is subject to change without notice; once a round’s funding is exhausted, the program closes until the next round opens
• Project scope and duration: Funding covers the implementation of a Cyber Invest Plan developed with an approved service provider; specific project timelines are set out in the program’s terms and conditions

Eligibility Criteria

To apply, a business must meet all of the following:

• Be a small to medium-sized business with fewer than 200 full-time equivalent employees, including owners and directors
• Be a Territory Enterprise (based and operating in the Northern Territory)
• Hold a valid Australian Business Number (ABN) that has been active for at least three months prior to applying
• Have an annual turnover of more than $75,000 but less than $10 million
• Engage an approved NT ICT or cybersecurity service provider to deliver the eligible services

Eligible Activities and Expenses

Funding supports professional services delivered under a Cyber Invest Plan, including:

• Implementation of cybersecurity controls uplift, along with related business policy and process improvements, including software as a service (SaaS) implementation and cyber assurance activities.
• Transition to managed service provider (MSP) or cloud-based services
• Development or review of business continuity plans to incorporate cybersecurity incidents.
• Development of a cybersecurity incident response plan
• Cybersecurity incident exercises and evaluations

All eligible services must be delivered by a service provider approved under the program and listed on the Northern Territory Government’s service provider directory.

Assessment Process

Applicants must work with an approved service provider to develop a Cyber Invest Plan proposal, which forms the basis of the funding application. Businesses are encouraged to complete a cybersecurity threat or risk assessment of their current digital environment before applying, using free resources such as Cyber Wardens, the Australian Government’s cyber security checklist, IDCARE’s Small Business Cyber Resilience Service Assessment, and the Australian Signals Directorate’s small business guidance. The program’s detailed assessment criteria and scoring methodology are set out in the official Applicant Terms and Conditions, which applicants should review in full before submitting a proposal.

Recent Program Updates

• Round 1 of the Cyber Invest Business Program has closed to both business applicants and service providers
• Round 2 is anticipated to open in September or October 2026, subject to confirmation by the department
• The number and timing of future funding rounds depends on the level of funding allocated and may change without notice

Application Tips

• Confirm eligibility against all four criteria — business size, Territory enterprise status, ABN activity period, and turnover — before starting an application
• Complete a free cybersecurity risk or threat assessment early, as this will help inform a stronger Cyber Invest Plan
• Identify and engage an approved service provider through the official service provider directory, and conduct independent due diligence on their suitability
• Review the Applicant Terms and Conditions and the Cyber Invest Plan template in full before drafting a proposal
• Prepare supporting documents — including ABN details, turnover records, and employee numbers — in advance of the round opening
• Clearly demonstrate how the proposed cybersecurity uplift will reduce risk and support business continuity

Where to Get Help

Consider consulting a grant specialist like Pattens Group for a personalised eligibility assessment and expert assistance in preparing a strong, compliant and competitive application. Contact us today and get connected with Australia’s best grant specialist, boasting over 35 years of experience in the industry and a 100% success rate. For official guidelines, application details, templates, and further information, visit the official website of the Cyber Invest Business Program NT and other associated Australian government websites.