SUPPORT, GROW, CONNECT AND CARE FOR COUNTRY
Caring for Country Business Development Grants Program
Supporting Aboriginal businesses to grow, connect, and care for Country.
PROGRAM DETAILS
About the Program
The Caring for Country Business Development Grant Program supports Aboriginal-owned businesses to build capacity and become tender-ready for opportunities linked to the Cumberland Plain Conservation Plan (CPCP).
SUPPORTING COMMUNITY WHILE PROTECTING IMPORTANT BIODIVERSITY
Balancing Growth and Biodiversity
The CPCP supports the delivery of housing, jobs and infrastructure while protecting important biodiversity, including threatened plants and animals.
This grant program is part of the NSW Government’s goal of supporting Aboriginal economic participation through the Caring for Country Aboriginal Outcomes Strategy 2024–2033.
The implementation of this Strategy helps deliver the NSW Government’s goal to:
improve the health and wellbeing of Country
promote Aboriginal culture and knowledge
support the Aboriginal communities to maintain distinctive relationships with land and waters in Western Sydney
support economic participation for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people
Round 2 Applications now closed
The round 2 of the grant program is now open. Please read the grant guidelines and frequently asked questions for more information.
Who Can Apply
To be eligible, businesses must:
- Be at least 50% Aboriginal owned, managed and controlled
- Have an ABN and be GST-registered
- Have been trading for at least 2 years
- Be located in or operating within the *CPCP area
- Work in one or more eligible sectors, including:
- Land and cultural land management
- Natural resource management
Ecological restoration
Environmental and site impact assessments
Cultural heritage and signage
Pest and weed management
Landscape and groundworks contracting
Biodiversity Assessment Method (BAM) services
Cultural tourism and education
Wildlife fencing
Note: Local Aboriginal Land Councils and non-Aboriginal businesses are not eligible to apply.
*CPCP LGAs:
The Details:
Funding Available
- Total pool: $125,000 (excl. GST)
- Maximum per business: $25,000 (excl. GST)
- Applications assessed on a rolling basis – first come, first served until funds are exhausted or by 31 December 2025.
What the Grant Can Be Used For
Funding can support:
- Training and upskilling
- Certification and licensing
- Equipment and non-material asset upgrades
- Educational materials related to Caring for Country
- Specialised business support services
All activities must align with CPCP objectives.
What the Grant Cannot Be Used For
- Wages or salaries
- Operational or admin costs
- Start-up costs or basic equipment
- Vehicles, land, or travel
- Activities already funded or started
- Costs not linked to CPCP outcomes
How to Apply
*Applications now closed
Before submitting the application, the Aboriginal business owner must meet with a Yarpa Business Coach to discuss the eligibility and suitability of the project.
- Read the guidelines carefully to see if your business and project are eligible.
- Book in a time to meet with a Yarpa business coach to discuss the eligibility and suitability of your project.
- If you decide to apply:
- Read and familiarise yourself with the application form and the information required to complete it.
- Fill in the form making sure you have provided all the information, upload any supporting information and submit the application.
- The applications open on 26 August 2025. The application window closes on 31 December 2025. All applications must be received by this date. However, as the applications will be assessed on a first come first served basis, we recommend summitting your application as early as possible. This also provides more time for project completion by the Program end date of 30 September 2026.
- All applicants will be advised in writing about the outcome of their application. Applicants are welcome to contact Yarpa to seek feedback on their applications.
We welcome enquiries and are happy to discuss your eligibility and potential project ideas.
Important Dates
| Milestone | Date |
| Applications Open | 26 August 2025 |
| Online Information session | As requested |
| Applications Close | 31 December 2025 (or earlier if funds are exhausted) |
| Program Ends | 30 September 2026 – APPLICATIONS NOW CLOSED |
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