23/04/2026
Economic Resilience Program - Interest Free Loans
As of April 2026, the Australian Government has implemented several interest-free loan schemes, with a major new $1 billion program targeting businesses affected by global disruptions, alongside ongoing initiatives for households and apprentices.
Here are the key points regarding the current interest-free loan government schemes:
ELIGIBILITY
• SMEs in approved sectors: freight & logistics, fuel, plastics, fertiliser (ANZSIC codes)
• Must be an existing bank business customer with a valid ABN
• Cannot be in financial hardship
• Operations primarily based in Australia
• Must show material impact from rising fuel/input costs
• Business must have been commercially viable pre-disruption and expected to recover
LOAN DETAIL
• Amount: $50,000 – $500,000
• Term: up to 2 years
• Purpose: new funding only (working capital or CAPEX)
• Requires a standalone application
CREDIT & CONDITIONS
• Standard credit policy applies (security, serviceability, prudential checks, AML/KYC, sanctions)
• One loan per group across all banks
• At end of term: must be repaid, refinanced, or restructured/extended at standard rates
EVIDENCE REQUIREMENTS
•Must provide proof of increased costs (e.g. past vs current invoices)
• Lenders use this to assess cash flow impact and calculate loan size (often projected over the loan term)
REAPYMENT FLEXIBILITY
• Regular principal repayments, or
• Lump sum reductions, or
•“Source of clearance” (evidence of incoming funds/work to be completed to repay balance)
BBig Rigs National Road Transport NewspaperWWho Goes Where?Transport in Australia