Business support and information

Find out about support services for your business below. All of the sites update their information regularly, so we encourage you keep checking in.

• Business Eastern Shore – creating a connected and supported business community 
• Business Tasmania – Tasmanian Government Business Assistance
• Tasmanian Business Advice Service – Free and independent business advice tailed to your needs 
• Renewables, Climate and Future Industries Tasmania – Grants and Programs and other financial assistance to support Tasmanian businesses and communities reduce emissions, improve energy efficiency, and prepare for and adapt to climate change.
• WorkSafe Tasmania – for rules that apply to operating your business safely.
• Tasmania Fire Service – for information on business fire alarms and evacuation plans
• Tasmania Chamber of Commerce and Industry (TCCI) – peak business body supporting businesses in Tasmania
• Business Licence and Information Services – use this tool to find out which licences you need to start, run and grow your business 
• BEST (Business and Employment Southeast Tasmania) – employment hub delivering free employment, training and small business advice 
• AusIndustry – Commonwealth Government support to help businesses
• Skilled Migration Program – Information for businesses on employing overseas workers. To contact the Hobart-based Business, Industry and Regional Outreach officer for further information email Tiffany Brooks on BIRO.VIC.TAS@homeaffairs.gov.au.
• Many Rivers – free business coaching for disadvantaged or indigenous businesses.

• Small Business Debt Helpline – a free resource for small business owners
• Small business practical guide for Tasmanians
• Business Plan Tool to help you evaluate and set goals
• New Online Home for Free Business Advice Services in Tasmania
• Mentoring Support for First Nations Tourism Businesses
• Zero Waste Events Toolkit 
• Defend Your Data information
• Australia’s free trade mark checker tool
• Austrade Go Global Toolkit
• Digital Solutions Tasmania
• Starting an agritourism business | Business Tasmania
• Getting started with AI solutions for Businesses – watch video
• ACCC Small Business Toolkit – explains your rights and legal responsibilities

Accelerating Trade Grant Program – Open until 30 June 2025 or until funding limit is reached

The Program helps Tasmanian businesses to collaborate, expand their presence and introduce Tasmanian products and services to the world. Click here for more information and how to apply.

Regional Tourism Development Loan Scheme – Open until 2pm, 30 June 2026 or until funds are allocated

The $50 million Regional Tourism Development Loan Scheme is now open for applications.

The scheme is available to promote investment in tourism products and experiences that stimulate regional tourism and dispersal in Tasmania. Click here for more information including eligibility and how to apply.

Business Growth Loan Scheme  – Open until 5pm, 18 December 2026 or until funds are allocated

The Business Growth Loan Scheme is now open for applications. More here.

The $60 million scheme by the State Government provides loans of between $100,000 and $5 million to assist Tasmanian businesses to develop, expand or undertake new projects that promote growth in the Tasmanian economy.

MicroBusiness Loans – by NILS (no interest loan scheme) Tasmania 

This scheme provides small, interest-free loans of up to $3,000 to people on low incomes who want to start their own business or grow an existing one. The loan can cover startup costs, insurance/registration costs, and/or equipment purchases. The find out more head to the NILS Tasmania website.

PowerSmart for Small Business

The Tasmanian Government has launched the PowerSmart for Small Business program, providing grants of up to $1,000 to small businesses for energy efficiency audits. PowerSmart for Small Business | ReCFIT

Cyber Wardens Program – helping to protect small businesses from online threats

An initiative of the Council of Small Business Organisations of Australia and supported by the Australian Government, the Cyber Wardens program is a simple education tool designed to build a cyber-smart small business workshop and to help prevent and protect your business against online threats.

For more information and to enroll visit cyberwardens.com.au

Learning on Demand – Business Courses for the Building Industry

The Housing Industry Association has developed a suite of custom designed courses to support those in the building industry with business basics. Each course includes interactive learning components and topics include marketing, operating a business, business resilience and much more.

You can find more information about these courses at Learning on Demand or contact the team at pd@hia.com.au

TasTAFE Free SKILL UP Courses Now Available for Applications

TasTAFE has launched three new accredited SKILL UP courses that are fully subsidised by the Tasmanian Government. These free courses are ideal for people working in administrative and leadership roles who are looking to increase their career skills. Each skill set is delivered online with a blend of self-paced study and virtual workshops. Visit the Tafe Website.

Australian Taxation Office: Small Business Webinars

The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) are offering a series of free webinars that provide advice on a range of small business topics. The webinars are live, interactive online seminars presented by experienced tax officers, with the option of asking questions to help apply the information directly to your situation.

Popular webinars include:

• Employer: expense payment fringe benefits
• Starting a small business
• Claiming small business tax deductions
• Introduction to business records
• Goods and services tax (GST) introduction
• Running a home-based business

Visit the ATO website to see the full list of webinars available and to reserve your spot.

Digital Ready Fundamentals Course

Build your ability to manage the digital aspects of your business with the free Digital Ready Fundamentals course from Digital Ready. To find out more go to the Digital Fundamentals web page and click on a unit that interests you.

Export Essentials Program

The Export Essentials Program is designed to help Tasmanian businesses prepare to export nationally and overseas. The program offers tailored support, expert advice, and practical resources to ensure businesses are ready to succeed, wherever they are on their export journey. 

The National Exporter Program is designed for national exporter businesses looking to start or expand their exports within Australia, while the International Exporter Program is for international exporter businesses looking to begin or grow their exports in international markets.

City of Clarence Business Excellence and Service Awards 

Administered by Business Eastern Shore, these awards have recognised excellence in business on the eastern shore for over 20 years.

The Business Excellence Awards seek to reward excellence in overall business planning, management and operations.

For further information about the awards and how to nominate visit the Business Awards Website.