Northern Territory small businesses may be able to get government help with the cost of digital work, including advice on websites and online sales. The two best-known options right now are the Grow Your Business Program from the NT Government and the Digital Solutions program from the Australian Government. This guide explains what each is, who it's for, how to check eligibility safely, and where to find the latest details.
Important: grant programs change, open and close. The information below was checked against official pages on 15 October 2026. Always confirm eligibility, funding amounts and dates on the official sites before you apply. CorewebIT is not a government agency.
What support is available?
What is the Grow Your Business Program?
The Grow Your Business Program is an NT Government program that supports NT businesses to strengthen their capability, improve resilience and pursue sustainable growth. It provides funding for professional advice and specialist services that can improve how a business operates and grows. It is listed as open on the NT Government's business grants page, and it is delivered through GrantsNT.
The program has several tiers, which cover different types of projects and funding levels. Check the GrantsNT listing for the current tiers, amounts, eligibility and any requirements about using approved service providers.
What happened to the Business Growth Program?
You may have seen older articles about the Business Growth Program, which reimbursed 50% of eligible costs for $2,000 to $10,000 of funding. That program has closed and has been replaced by the Grow Your Business Program. Make sure any information you read is current.
What is the Digital Solutions program?
Digital Solutions is an Australian Government program (previously known as the Australian Small Business Advisory Services program) that helps small businesses use digital tools to grow. According to the official information:
- It is for small businesses with fewer than 20 full-time equivalent employees, and for sole traders.
- Eligible businesses can access free workshops and webinars.
- Eligible businesses can also access up to five hours of one-on-one digital advice from an experienced adviser. Some delivery partners charge a small fee for this. For example, one Darwin provider advertises $110 including GST for five hours.
- It's delivered in the NT through approved partners, so you book through one of them.
- You need an active ABN and to be currently trading.
Topics cover selling online, using digital tools, cyber security and getting more from your website. It's advice, not a grant to build a website, so it can help you decide what to build before you spend money.
What could an advice session cover?
- Whether your business needs a website, an online store or both.
- How to improve your Google Business Profile and local search.
- Which online tools suit your business and budget.
- Basic cyber security and keeping customer information safe.
- How to take online bookings or payments.
Is there funding for cyber security?
The NT Government also lists a Cyber Invest Business Program, which offers funding for small to medium businesses to reduce their cyber risk. Whether it covers a particular website-related cost depends on its rules, so check the listing.
Can these programs pay for a website?
Possibly, in some cases. Whether a website or software project qualifies depends on the program's rules, the tier, whether your provider needs to be approved, and what the project is for. Some programs fund advice but not the build itself. Don't commit to a project assuming it will be funded. Check first, and apply before you spend money if the rules require it.
How do I check what's open right now?
- Visit the NT Government's business grants and funding page (nt.gov.au, then Business and industry, then Business grants and funding) and filter by "Open".
- Search the program name on GrantsNT for the guidelines and the application form.
- For Digital Solutions, search "Digital Solutions" on business.gov.au and book through an approved NT delivery partner.
- Call the Department of Trade, Business and Asian Relations on 1800 193 111 or email business.programs@nt.gov.au for help with grant questions. For general business help, email businessinfo@nt.gov.au.
You can also contact a Territory Business Centre for information about government assistance programs.
How to apply safely
- Read the guidelines first. Check who is eligible, what costs are covered and what is excluded.
- Check timing. Some programs only fund costs incurred after approval. Don't pay a deposit before you know.
- Check the provider rules. Some programs require you to use an approved or registered provider. Ask whether your chosen provider qualifies.
- Get a written quote. A clear scope and price makes an application stronger and avoids misunderstandings.
- Keep records. Keep quotes, invoices, proof of payment and a short summary of the outcome.
- Keep your own cash flow in mind. Many programs reimburse after you pay, so plan to fund the project first.
Common mistakes
- Relying on an old article about a program that has closed.
- Paying for work before approval.
- Assuming a website is an eligible cost without checking.
- Missing a deadline or an eligibility rule, such as business size or location.
- Not keeping receipts and quotes.
What to have ready
- Your ABN and business details.
- A short description of the project and why it will help your business.
- Written quotes from providers.
- Details of your business size, such as the number of employees.
- A plan for how you'll pay your share of the costs.
How can CorewebIT help?
We can help you work out what you need, write a clear scope and price, and build it. If you're applying for funding that requires quotes, we're happy to provide a written quote with a clear scope. See what a website costs in Darwin and our packages for our published prices.
Frequently asked questions
Is there a government grant for a small business website in the NT?
There isn't a single dedicated website grant that we can guarantee. Programs such as the Grow Your Business Program fund advice and specialist services, and Digital Solutions offers subsidised advice. Check eligibility on the official pages.
Who is eligible for Digital Solutions?
Small businesses with fewer than 20 full-time equivalent employees, and sole traders, with an active ABN and currently trading. Confirm the latest rules on business.gov.au.
Do I need to apply before I spend money?
For most grant programs, yes. Spending before approval can make costs ineligible. Read the guidelines carefully first.
Are the programs available outside the NT?
Digital Solutions is national, delivered in each state through different partners. The Grow Your Business Program is for NT businesses.
Where can I get help with an application?
Contact the Department of Trade, Business and Asian Relations on 1800 193 111, or a Territory Business Centre.
Next step
Planning a website or software project? Ask for a free quote and we'll give you a written scope and price you can use in an application.