The NSW Government has opened a new $2 million grant round to help businesses, including manufacturers, develop plans to reduce emissions and prepare for the transition to a net zero economy.
The funding is being offered through the second round of the Net Zero Planning Grant, part of the NSW Government’s $22 million Business Decarbonisation Program. The program provides financial support for net zero planning, metering activities and technical feasibility studies, as well as resources aimed at building industry capability.
Eligible commercial and industrial businesses across sectors including manufacturing, agriculture, transport and logistics, retail and aged care can apply for grants of up to $25,000, covering up to half the cost of eligible planning activities.
According to the NSW Government, funding can be used to develop greenhouse gas inventories, assess climate risks and opportunities, identify potential cost savings and fuel-switching opportunities, and develop emissions reduction plans and targets.
Certain businesses holding an Environment Protection Licence can also use the grant to develop their first Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation Plan to meet new NSW Environment Protection Authority requirements.
NSW Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water Executive Director of Business and Industry Decarbonisation Jenny Merkley said the funding was intended to help businesses manage the costs associated with planning for lower emissions.
“These funds play a fundamental role in helping NSW businesses prepare for the opportunities and challenges of a low-emissions economy,” Merkley said.
She said reducing the upfront costs of planning could help businesses identify opportunities to lower costs, improve productivity and remain competitive while meeting climate-related obligations.
“This grant is about backing NSW businesses that want to invest in their future by helping to develop the plans they need to strengthen resilience, seize new opportunities and bring forward major emissions reduction projects,” Merkley said.
Grant recipients will also have access to the Net Zero Business Guide, which the NSW Government said was developed using experience from more than 50 organisations and brings together national and international frameworks for businesses developing net zero strategies.
The latest funding round follows the first round, which awarded $1.3 million to 46 businesses across NSW, including pet food manufacturer Lyka, commercial laundry operator Alsco Uniforms and cosmetics manufacturer Delta Laboratories.
Applications are open until 5pm on 30 November 2026, or until available funding is exhausted.
