Local Jobs Program – Local Jobs, Local People Grant

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The Australian Government is inviting applications for the Local Jobs Program – Local Jobs, Local People Grant, which will run over two years from 2025–26 to 2026–27. This funding opportunity provides a total of $10 million (excluding GST), with individual grant amounts ranging from $50,000 to $250,000.

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The grant aims to support short-term activities that directly address the priorities identified in the Local Jobs Plan for specific Employment Regions. Projects should create clear and sustainable pathways to employment for individuals who face barriers to workforce participation, including First Nations peoples, mature age Australians over 45, migrants, refugees and humanitarian entrants, and young people under 25. The program also seeks to unlock local employment opportunities in critical sectors that contribute to Australia’s economic growth, such as construction, manufacturing, care and support, digital and emerging technologies, and the energy transition.

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The Department encourages applications that involve partnerships with local small and medium-sized businesses—particularly proposals that link local job seekers with employers who have current or emerging workforce needs.

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To be eligible, applicants must be based in Australia, hold an Australian Business Number (ABN), have an Australian bank account, and be a legal entity capable of entering into a legally binding agreement. Eligible entity types include companies, co-operatives, incorporated associations, Indigenous corporations, local government entities, partnerships, sole traders, and statutory entities.

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Insight 

• You must speak with your local Jobs Coordinator (which can be found via the weblink). 

• You will need to collaborate with other organisations and employment agencies (if not one already). 

• You cannot use funds for wages.