Fleurieu and Kangaroo Island businesses will be able to apply for grants of up $75,000 to reduce their energy costs, under Round 3 of the state government’s $154 million Business Growth Fund.

Applications for the $20 million Powering Business Grant opened yesterday, Monday 18 August, for eligible businesses and not-for-profits with an Australia-wide grouped payroll of less than $18 million, supporting them to invest in upgrades that lower their energy costs.

Grants of between $2,500 and $75,000 are available with the state government matching business contributions dollar for dollar to support projects under two streams: 

• Stream 1 – Solar and battery projects: support for the purchase and installation of batteries and solar systems with accompanying battery storage.
• Stream 2 – Energy efficiency projects: funding for equipment or infrastructure upgrades, such as refrigeration, insulation or lighting improvements that reduce energy use and cost.

Businesses that received a grant under Round 2 of the Business Growth Fund are eligible to apply again for new projects or activities or to expand on previously approved projects. 

One business already benefiting is Kytons Bakery, south of Adelaide, which received a $36,834 grant in Round 2 to install solar panels and battery storage.

The upgrade is expected to save the family-run bakery up to $29,000 a year on electricity costs.

Grants will be open until Friday 31 October or until funding is fully allocated.

For more information, including guidelines and to apply, visit the Business SA website.