How to get started with NAIF finance

Infrastructure projects in northern Australia often face unique challenges when securing funding. That’s where NAIF comes in — bridging finance gaps with flexible, tailored solutions such as longer tenor loans, concessional pricing, deferred amortisation and interest capitalisation during construction.

Here’s an overview of the process:
1.    Check your project's eligibility
2.    Talk to us
3.    Prepare for due diligence
4.    Develop a public benefit assessment and Indigenous Engagement Strategy 
5.    Submit an investment proposal
6.    Investment Decision
7.    Next steps

1.    Check your project’s eligibility

Every project must meet five key criteria. It needs to:

1.    Develop or enhance infrastructure
2.    Deliver public benefit
3.    Be located in, or benefit, northern Australia
4.    Include an Indigenous Engagement Strategy
5.    Demonstrate the ability to repay the loan

Check out our investment guidelines for a full description of each criterion.

We’re sector agnostic — from energy and ports to housing, water, manufacturing and beyond.

Tip: Unsure if your project fits? Email us a short overview and we’ll help assess its suitability.

2.    Talk to us

If your project meets our criteria, get in touch for an Early Assessment to explore financing options for your project.

We’ll discuss your project’s goals, business case, funding mix, social and environmental impacts, and Indigenous outcomes. If it aligns with our mandate, we move into an Advanced Assessment and prepare a Strategic Assessment Paper (SAP) for our investment review bodies. You can read about this phase on our investment process page.

3.    Prepare for Due Diligence

If your SAP is endorsed by NAIF’s Board, we begin detailed due diligence.
We examine your project’s technical design, commercial viability, financial projections, environmental impacts and social outcomes. Our Environmental and Social Review policy ensures projects are sustainable and leave a positive legacy. We also consult relevant government stakeholders and consider any legislative requirements. A detailed description of our due diligence activities is available on the investment process page.

The results of these in-depth analyses will be captured in the Investment Decision (ID) paper.

4.    Develop a Public Benefit Assessment and Indigenous Engagement Strategy

As part of the Due Diligence process, you will need to quantify economic, social and environmental impacts of your project. Independent economists typically prepare assessments covering economic impact (e.g., Gross Regional Product and jobs), local labour market analysis, additional welfare impacts such as improved liveability, and greenhouse gas emissions. Full details are available in our Public Benefit Guideline.

Additionally, you’ll need to outline how you’ll create Indigenous participation, training and procurement opportunities. Our dedicated Indigenous outcomes team will help you connect with Traditional Owners and guide you through the process. Our Indigenous Engagement Strategy Guideline provides templates and examples on how to develop your own Indigenous Engagement Strategy. 

5.    Submit a formal Investment Proposal

When due diligence shows your project is ready, submit a formal Investment Proposal using our Investment Proposal guideline. This captures the outcomes of the detailed analysis conducted as part of the due diligence and includes a project overview, proponent details, feasibility studies, funding plan, proposed NAIF support, as well as assessments of public benefit and Indigenous engagement strategies. 

Tip: Start compiling your Investment Proposal as due diligence progresses. 

Projects seeking loans of $20 million or more must also complete an Australian Industry Participation Plan and ensure workplace health and safety accreditation for the contractor where applicable.

6.    Investment Decision

NAIF’s Board reviews your proposal. If they are satisfied that it meets all the mandatory criteria and aligns with the NAIF Act and Investment Mandate, an Investment Decision is made — sometimes with additional state or territory approvals. The responsible Minister also reviews the final recommendation.

7.    Next steps

Once approved, we negotiate and sign the loan agreement. After conditions are met and Financial Close is achieved, funds are released. From there, our Portfolio Management and Indigenous Outcomes teams support you through the life of the loan.

For more detail, visit our Investment Process page or contact naif@naif.gov.au to discuss your project.