How Can I Use a Business Grant for Marketing in NSW?
If you’ve recently received a business grant, or you’re about to apply for one, you might be wondering: “Can I use my business grant for marketing?” The answer is often yes. Many Australian business grants are designed to help small businesses grow, and marketing is one of the most effective ways to turn funding into long-term success.
In this blog, we’ll explore how to use business grants for marketing, what expenses are usually eligible, and some smart tips for making the most of your grant funding.
Institute Status
When applying for or using a business grant, you often need to work with a recognised marketing institute member, as it shows credibility and industry standards are being met. Business Brother™ are proud members of the Australian Marketing Institute (AMI). This professional recognition means you can be confident that your grant-funded marketing is being delivered by a trusted, qualified agency that understands both compliance and results.
Why Use Your Business Grant for Marketing?
Business grants are there to give your company a boost, and while new equipment or software can help, strategic marketing turns that boost into real customers and revenue.
Here are a few reasons marketing is a smart way to spend grant money:
Build awareness: More people hear about your business.
Attract new customers: Advertising and digital marketing drive leads.
Create long-term value: A strong brand and online presence last beyond the grant period.
Stay competitive: Especially if your industry is moving online.
What Types of Marketing Can Be Covered by a Business Grant?
While every grant has its own rules, many allow you to use funding for:
Website design & upgrades (making your business more accessible online).
Search Engine Optimisation (SEO) to rank higher in Google searches.
Google Ads or Meta Ads to reach new audiences quickly.
Branding & content creation (logos, photography, videography, graphics).
Social media strategy & campaigns to engage with your customers.
💡 Tip: Always check your specific grant guidelines, but in most cases, marketing is classed as a growth and development expense.
Tips if You’re About to Apply for a Business Grant
If you’re still in the application phase, here’s how to set yourself up for success:
Be Specific with Costs
Grants often require you to outline what the money will be spent on. Using real-world pricing shows your application is credible. You can view our set pricing options here – they’re transparent, easy to reference in your application, and give assessors confidence in your plan.Align Marketing Spend With Growth Goals
Don’t just say “marketing.” Instead, connect it to results:“A $5,000 website upgrade to improve customer conversion.”
“A $10,000 advertising campaign to increase leads by 30%.”
Show Long-Term Impact
Funders want to see sustainability. Explain how your marketing will keep generating results beyond the grant period.
How to Maximise Your Business Grant Marketing Budget
Once your grant is approved, the real work begins. Here are some ways to make sure your marketing spend delivers results:
Start with a strategy: don’t spend ad money without a clear plan.
Track results: use analytics to show what’s working.
Mix short-term and long-term: ads bring quick leads, while SEO and branding build lasting value.
Work with experienced providers: choose a team (like us at Business Brother) that understands grant funding and how to stretch every dollar.
Lastly
Using a business grant for marketing is one of the smartest ways to turn funding into real growth. Whether you’re applying for a grant or already approved, making marketing a key part of your plan will ensure your investment delivers customers, brand awareness, and long-term success.
If you’re preparing a grant application, check out our Business Brother pricing options. They’re clear, set packages that you can reference in your application to legitimise your planned spend – and once your funding comes through, we’ll help you put it to work.
