The Small Business Growth Fund

Purpose and Program Overview

The Small Business Growth Fund is a partnership between Sendle and ReadyToShip. It aims to support one standout small business in Australia. The fund provides resources to help a business with its shipping and logistics needs.

The program’s objective is to help a small business grow. It gives the business tools, services, and expert advice. The fund helps to streamline operations and reduce costs.

The broader role of the fund is to support the Australian small business community. It provides valuable assistance to online sellers. This helps them compete more effectively and scale their operations.

Key Grant Details

• Grant amount: The main prize is valued at over $10,000. It includes shipping credit, mentoring, and other services. A runner-up prize and participation rewards are also given.
• Application open and close dates: The most recent application period closed on 13 June 2025.
• Eligible industries or business types: Online sellers. This includes businesses operating through a website, eCommerce marketplace, or social media store.
• Required co-contributions: No, there are no required co-contributions.
• Location/state/territory applicability: Australia.

Priority Sectors

The grant is specific to online sellers and eCommerce businesses. There are no other priority sectors explicitly listed.

Funding Scope

The Small Business Growth Fund program has a tiered reward structure. It offers a single grand prize, a runner-up prize, and a benefit for all applicants.

• Grand Prize: $10,000 in free Sendle shipping, 12 mentorship sessions, a one-year ReadyToShip account, and eco-friendly bags.
• Runner-up: A Sendle Level 6 upgrade, a six-month ReadyToShip account, and eco-friendly bags.
• All Applicants: A Sendle Level 5 upgrade, a 60-day ReadyToShip account, and a sample of eco-friendly bags.

The prizes are valid for a specific duration. The Sendle shipping credit and Level upgrades are for 12 months. The ReadyToShip accounts are for one year or six months depending on the prize.

Grant Amount in Total

The total value of the fund is not publicly stated.

Eligibility Criteria

• Business structure or size: An Australian registered business.
• Registered business location: The business must have been operating in Australia for at least 12 months.
• Minimum/maximum turnover: The annual turnover must be under $1.5 million.
• ABN/GST status: Must hold an active ABN.

Eligible Activities and Expenses

The program is not a cash grant. It provides a package of services and products. The main benefit is free shipping and access to business tools. These services support a business’s shipping and logistics. The program also supports mentorship and networking.

Assessment Process

This is a competitive program. The providers select a winner and a runner-up. The key criteria for assessment are not explicitly listed in the provided information.

Recent Program Updates

The most recent round of this fund has closed. There are no announcements about future rounds at this time. The fund is provided by Sendle and ReadyToShip.

Application Tips

• The grant is highly competitive. Ensure your application shows your business is a standout candidate.
• Highlight your business’s innovation and forward-thinking approach.
• Show how the prizes would help your business grow and achieve its goals.
• The grant is not a cash payment. Be sure you understand the prize components.

Where to Get Help

Consider consulting with a professional grant specialist like Pattens Group. We offer initial assessments to review your business’s eligibility and evaluate how well your project aligns with the grant’s objectives.  Visit Sendle website for full program guidelines and application portals.