In a market where small businesses often compete fiercely for limited government and council contracts, a quiet shift is transforming the game. Across Australia, cooperative procurement—where multiple agencies join forces to purchase goods and services collectively—is creating new pathways for local suppliers to scale, collaborate, and thrive.
Once seen as a system favouring large corporations, government procurement is becoming more inclusive. This evolution is offering small and medium enterprises (SMEs) a chance to move from head-to-head competition to shared success.
Winning a government contract can feel like a huge milestone for any business — offering steady revenue, strengthened credibility, and long-term growth opportunities. But many business owners hesitate to apply simply because they’re unsure whether they qualify. The truth? Most Australian small and medium enterprises (SMEs) are eligible — provided they meet a few key requirements and prepare properly.
What Does It Mean to Qualify for Government Contracts?
Being qualified means your business has the structure, compliance, and capacity to deliver on a public contract while meeting all regulatory and financial expectations. Government buyers want reliable partners who can deliver value for money and meet performance standards — not necessarily the biggest companies in the market.
Government ProcurementSmall BusinessGetting Started
