NBN Co launches grant program for regional tech-businesses

A grants program for digital-savvy businesses in regional Australia has been launched by NBN Co.

Business-led initiatives in health, the arts, education, agriculture, tourism, women in regional business, and indigenous businesses will be eligible for $10,000 grants.

In addition, NBN Co will award $25,000 to one regional/remote business or individual.

Applications for the grants program are being accepted until 30 November 2020.  

NBN Co also announced further details of its Business Fibre Initiative this week – including the creation of up to 240 Business Fibre Zones across the country.

The metropolitan and regional zones will provide an estimated 700,000 businesses nationwide with the option of accessing NBN Cos Enterprise Ethernet to at no build cost to the service provider and at reduced wholesale prices depending on the plan chosen.

As part of its initiative, NBN Co is allocating $50 million over three years to work with local councils and state and territory governments to identify opportunities to extend business-grade services outside its designated Business Fibre Zones.