In 1864, Grant was involved in the formation of the Portland Squatting Company, along with brothers Alexander and John Richardson and several others.

The syndicate sought to exploit liberal land regulations in other colonies, and the following year its founders sailed to the North-West and established Pyramid Station.

Grant remained in the Pilbara when the company was dissolved a few years later, and went into partnership with Charles Harper on the De Grey River.

Having earlier purchased property in the Victoria Land District, he returned to parliament in January 1889 as the member for the seat of Geraldton.

The Legislative Council was reconstituted in 1890 as the upper house of a new bicameral parliament, and Grant continued to serve as a nominee of the governor, William Robinson.