The Federal Government has launched a $1 billion zero-interest loan scheme for Australian businesses impacted by the current fuel and supply chain crisis. Applications are open now through participating banks — but the window is only six months. Here's a plain-English breakdown of who qualifies, how much you can borrow, and what to do next.
The Government Just Opened Applications for 0% Business Loans. Are You Eligible?
If you're running a business in freight, logistics, fuel supply, manufacturing or agriculture and the past few months have felt financially suffocating, this one's for you.
As of 20 April 2026, the Australian Government has opened applications for zero-interest business loans under the Economic Resilience Program, funded through the National Reconstruction Fund Corporation (NRF). It's a $1 billion scheme, and the loans are genuinely interest-free — the government wears the interest cost so you don't have to.
Here's what that means in plain terms: you borrow the money, you pay it back, but you're not charged a single dollar in interest. Not a discounted rate. Not a honeymoon period. Zero.
Why Does This Program Exist?
Australia is in the middle of a significant fuel supply shock that's pushing up costs across critical supply chains, such as freight, fertiliser, fuel, plastics manufacturing. The government's position is that these sectors are too important to let buckle under the pressure, so rather than waiting to see who survives, they're stepping in as a buffer.
This is part of a broader $2.55 billion fuel relief package, alongside measures like a temporary excise cut. The zero-interest loans are specifically designed to keep critical businesses operating while the disruption plays out.
Who Can Apply?
The scheme targets businesses operating in the sectors most exposed to the current crisis:
- Freight and logistics operators
- Fuel supply businesses
- Fertiliser companies
- Plastics manufacturers
- Other critical supply chain businesses
To qualify through a participating bank (the faster, simpler pathway), your business needs to have an annual turnover under $100 million. Larger businesses or those seeking higher amounts can apply directly to the NRF for tailored financing.
Your business also needs to meet the NRF's existing criteria of being solely or mainly Australian-based.
How Much Can You Borrow?
Through a participating bank: up to $5 million.
Loan terms are expected to run approximately seven years, giving you a manageable repayment structure without the pressure of short-term debt.
Unlike a grant, this money must be repaid in full, but the government covers the interest. Think of it as the cheapest possible business finance you'll ever access.
How Do You Apply?
Applications are now open through participating banks. ANZ has confirmed it is one of the delivery partners, with other major banks rolling out their processes now.
Your first step is to contact your bank directly and ask about the Economic Resilience Program. If you're unsure which banks are participating or want to understand how this loan interacts with your existing finance structure, that's exactly the kind of conversation worth having with a broker first.
This Window Is Only Open for Six Months
That's the part most people will miss. This isn't an ongoing program, the small business stream (turnover under $100 million) is only open for six months from the date applications launched.
If your business is in an eligible sector and you're feeling the squeeze, now is not the time to sit on it.
Not Sure If You Qualify? Let's Talk.
At Ferns Finance, I work with business owners who are navigating real financial pressures. If you're wondering whether this program applies to you, or how a zero-interest loan would sit alongside your existing debt, I'm happy to have that conversation.
[Book a free discovery call →]
Helpful links.
Ready to get started?
Start applicationLet’s chat today to find the right solution for you.
Let’s chat today to find the right solution for you. Whether it's your first home, a growing business, or a new vehicle, Gwen and the Ferns Finance team are here in Beenleigh, Logan, Scenic Rim, and on the Gold Coast to offer expert, obligation-free advice tailored to your goals.
Related articles that may interest you
QLD Small Business ATO Debt Guide: Your Options Right Now
Queensland small business owners carrying ATO debt have more options available than they realise, but those options shrink fast once the ATO escalates. This guide breaks down how to negotiate a payment plan before the ATO contacts you first, when and how to request interest remission, what to do the moment a formal payment demand arrives, and how to protect yourself personally as a director from liability. Plain English, no jargon, written for QLD business owners who need clarity now.
The ATO Is Coming for Small Business Debt: Here's What You Need to Know Before 1 July 2026
The ATO is no longer being patient with unpaid tax debt and small businesses are carrying the bulk of the $50 billion it's chasing. With a stack of major changes hitting on 1 July 2026 (payday super, the closure of the ATO's clearing house, and the instant asset write-off deadline), now is the time to get your house in order. This article breaks down what's changing, what it costs to ignore it, and the practical steps you can take this week to protect yourself and your business.
ATO Debt Is Crushing Small Businesses Right Now. Here's How to Fight Back
Australian small businesses are facing the harshest ATO enforcement environment in over a decade and the cost of doing nothing has never been higher. This article breaks down what's changed, why ATO debt is now more dangerous and more expensive than most business owners realise, and how Ferns Finance Brokers can help you clear it with the right finance solution before enforcement escalates.