About this programme
The Business Innovation Program (BIP) is a Northern Territory Government grant and mentoring program for NT start-ups and entrepreneurs with an innovative idea. It is designed to help businesses develop and commercialise innovative concepts, providing mentoring, funding, investment and networking opportunities along the way.
The program runs as a structured, three-stage pathway rather than a single lump-sum grant. Participants are matched with an approved advisor at enrolment, and progress from an initial planning voucher through a development grant to a commercialisation grant, with each stage gated on the outcome of the one before it.
Across the three stages a participant can access up to $30,000 in government grant funding for product development, plus $2,000 in advisory services and up to $10,000 toward the costs of commercialising the innovation once it is investment-ready.
As at the time of this review, the official BIP page states the program is closed and under review, so the application pathway described below is the program's normal structure rather than a live, currently-open call.
How it works
Stage 1 — Planning: participants receive a $2,000 voucher to engage their nominated advisor. The advisor helps develop an innovation project plan and pitch presentation, which forms the basis of the application submitted for grant funding. Applications are assessed competitively on their value for the Territory and their likelihood of scaling up and attracting investment.
Stage 2 — Development: successful stage 1 applicants can access up to $30,000 to develop their innovative idea into an investment-ready product. This funding is delivered under a formal funding agreement that sets out milestone and reporting requirements based on the participant's innovation project plan.
Stage 3 — Commercialisation: once the product is developed and investment-ready, participants get support to commercialise it and maximise investment opportunities, with their advisor helping them reach at least $50,000 in revenue or new investment. On reaching that milestone the participant graduates from the program as an alumnus, and can access up to $10,000 in grant funding to cover the costs of securing that funding or investment.
Who can apply
You can apply if you are a Northern Territory business with a valid Australian Business Number (ABN).
Before applying, you must read and accept the program's terms and conditions.
How to apply
- Read and accept the Business Innovation Program terms and conditions.
- Apply online via GrantsNT (grantsnt.nt.gov.au) to begin the enrolment process.
- During enrolment, nominate an advisor from the approved advisor list published on the NT Innovation website — it's worth contacting the advisor beforehand to check they're a good fit for your business.
- Work with your nominated advisor through Stage 1 (planning) to develop your innovation project plan and pitch presentation, then submit your application for grant funding before the relevant closing date.
- If successful at Stage 1, you'll be offered grant funding and move through Stage 2 (development) under a formal funding agreement, then Stage 3 (commercialisation) once your product is investment-ready.
Documents you’ll typically need
- Business Innovation Program terms and conditions (PDF or DOCX) — read and accepted before applying.
- Innovation project plan and pitch presentation — developed with your advisor during Stage 1, which forms the basis of your grant application.
- Formal funding agreement — issued if your Stage 1 application succeeds, setting out milestone and reporting requirements for Stage 2.
Frequently asked
What can a business get from the Business Innovation Program?
Across the program's three stages a participant can access up to $2,000 in advisory services (Stage 1), up to $30,000 in grant funding to develop an investment-ready product (Stage 2), and up to $10,000 toward the costs of securing investment once commercialising (Stage 3).
Who is eligible to apply for BIP?
You need to be a Northern Territory business with a valid Australian Business Number (ABN), and you must read and accept the program's terms and conditions before applying.
How do I apply?
Applications go through the GrantsNT online portal (grantsnt.nt.gov.au). As part of enrolment you nominate an advisor from the NT Government's approved advisor list, then work with them to build the project plan and pitch that your Stage 1 grant application is based on.
Is the Business Innovation Program currently open for applications?
The official NT Government page for the program currently shows it as closed and under review, so check the program page directly at nt.gov.au before preparing an application.
What are the three stages of the program?
Stage 1 (planning) funds an advisor voucher to build your project plan and pitch. Stage 2 (development) provides up to $30,000 to build an investment-ready product under a formal funding agreement. Stage 3 (commercialisation) supports you toward at least $50,000 in revenue or new investment, after which you graduate as a program alumnus.
Can my business register as an approved advisor for BIP instead of applying as a participant?
Yes. Businesses that can demonstrate experience developing investment-pitch tools, advising early-stage innovators toward an investment-ready minimum viable product, and connecting innovators with investment or commercialisation stakeholders can register as an advisor via GrantsNT, after reading and agreeing to the advisor terms and conditions.
What happens once I graduate from the program?
Graduation happens once you reach at least $50,000 in revenue or new investment during Stage 3. At that point you become a program alumnus and can access up to $10,000 in grant funding to cover the costs you incurred in securing that funding or investment.
Reviewed 2026-08-16. Programmes change — confirm current eligibility, amounts and deadlines on the official page before you apply. CapEasy is a private consultancy and is not affiliated with any government authority.