The Defence Industry Development Grants Program will fund small to medium enterprises to build Australia’s sovereign capability, global competitiveness, technical superiority and national security.

There are four streams within the program, including:

The Sovereign Industrial Priorities stream will assist eligible small to medium enterprises (SMEs) to purchase industrial or technical plant and equipment which is used directly to develop and/or deliver capability element sub-components which have been nominated within the SDIPs. Funding up to $1,000,000. Current Round Deadline 30 November 2026

The Skilling stream helps Australian defence industry to upskill and train in priority trade, technical and professional skillsets to develop a workforce with the right mix of qualified and experienced personnel to meet Defence requirements. The program will enhance the capacity and capability of Australian defence industry workforce to deliver SDIPs. Funding up to $250,000. Current Round Deadline 30 November 2026

The Exports stream provides support for small to medium enterprises (SMEs) to overcome export barriers and help defence industry build scale and competitiveness in defence capability priority areas as identified by the SDIPs. Funding up to $250,000. Current Round Deadline 31 January 2027.

The Quality & Security stream will assist eligible small to medium enterprises (SMEs) to establish and maintain security accreditation/controls in line with the Defence Industry Security Program (DISP) and in accordance with the Defence Security Protection Framework in priority areas. The program will also help SMEs to obtain recognised certifications required to access domestic Defence supply chain opportunities. Funding up to $250,000. Current Round Deadline 31 December 2026