The Australian Government has announced a $1 billion Economic Resilience Program to be drawn from the $15 billion National Reconstruction Fund.
Through the Economic Resilience Program, eligible Australian businesses will have access to zero interest loans to support identified industries impacted by market disruptions, or help maintain and build national strategic and economic resilience.
Support provided through the Economic Resilience Program is designed to assist logistics and manufacturing businesses in areas such as freight, fuel, plastics and fertiliser who are materially impacted by market disruptions related to current conflicts and global price rises for key inputs.
Applications for loans through the program open on April 20, 2026.
There are two parts to the program:
- Zero interest loans administered directly by a participating bank to a customer who has annual turnover of up to $100 million and seeks a loan of up to $5 million.
- Zero interest loans administered by the NRFC for companies with turnover in excess of $100 million or who are seeking a loan of more than $5 million.
An FAQ document has been created to help potential applicants understand the program, its intent, key eligibility requirements and how to apply.
Bank administered loans
The Economic Resilience Program is aimed at supporting manufacturing and logistics businesses, with a focus on businesses operating in freight, fuel, fertiliser, and plastics critical supply chain sectors that have been impacted by market disruptions.
Businesses with annual turnover of less than $100 million and who seek a loan of up to $5 million should apply through the bank administered program. The bank-administered part of the program will be open for loan applications for six months.
Loans through this part of the program will carry a term of up to two years. While zero interest is payable, the principal amount of the loan must be repaid in full and standard bank fees will apply.
Applications will be decided by participating banks according to guidance supplied by the NRFC. The following banks are currently participating in the program:
More lenders may be added to the program over time.
To be considered eligible, businesses will need to demonstrate:
- That they are an Australian manufacturing or logistics business (have an ABN)
- That they are in an identified sector (see ANZSIC Code list below)
- That they have been materially impacted by market disruption (documentary evidence/customer attestation)
How to apply: Businesses seeking a loan through this part of the program should contact their bank directly.
A customer guidance document has been created to help potential applicants better understand the eligibility and assessment requirements of the bank administered loans component of the program.
Bank Participation Program and Conditions
