Fresh funding round marks Queensland Small Business Week launch

The Palaszczuk Government today (Monday) announced a fresh round of funding under a $3 million program helping small businesses grow, innovate and employ.

Speaking at the official launch of Queensland Small Business Week on the Gold Coast, Small Business Minister Leeanne Enoch said an additional 11 small businesses will receive funding from the Accelerate Small Business Grants program.

Ms Enoch said the Palaszczuk Government is committed to providing small business owners and operators with “the support they need to succeed”.

“I am delighted to announce at the official launch of Queensland Small Business Week that the next batch of small businesses to receive these grants are based right across the state – from Cairns to the Gold Coast and west to Esk,” Ms Enoch said.

“Recipients of the Accelerate Small Business Grants receive matched funding of up to $10,000 to engage business mentors, coaches or an advisory board to work closely with the business for six to 12 months.

“The Accelerate Small Business Grant program will provide $3 million in grant funding over three years to established Queensland-based small businesses."

Since October, more than $228,000 in Accelerate Small Business Grant funding has been allocated to 26 Queensland small businesses.

The latest recipients are: In Glass Design in Nerang, AB’s Honey at Capalaba; Esk Veterinary Services in Esk; Tomelle Pty Ltd in Toowoomba; Macadamias Australia in Bundaberg; Footsmart Podiatry in Nambour; Turf Green in Capalaba; DeKing in Ormeau; Ozone Shield in Slacks Creek; Brisbane Automatic Gate Systems in Cleveland; and Crossweld Fabrication in Cairns.

In Glass Design owner Adam Watts said the grant funding will go towards developing a marketing plan.

“Our products are already the highest quality in the market, but the grant funding will help us fine-tune our marketing appeal,” he said.

“It is my plan to employ additional staff to help manage the increased volume of turnover as our products and services become more widely known.”

Chamber of Commerce and Industry Queensland Chief Executive Stephen Tait said Queensland Small Business Week is a fitting way to celebrate the 414,000 small businesses that call Queensland home.

“From Currumbin to Cooktown, Queensland’s small businesses are the lifeblood of the state’s economy and Queensland Small Business Week is a fantastic initiative to recognise their achievements, celebrate their successes and, importantly, to help them thrive into the future,” Mr Tait said.

“CCIQ is proud to support the week and encourages small business owners, managers and staff to attend events, tune in to webinars and take advantage of the opportunities available to build your networks, increase your knowledge and complement your skills. Queensland Small Business Week is your time to thrive.”

Dr Iain Trueman from Esk Veterinary Services said he planned to use his Accelerate Small Business Grant funding to expand his business to a second practice in Fernvale.

“We’re taking on a big challenge in growing our business,” Dr Trueman said. “We need to have the right guidance, advice and mentors in place to make sure our growth is successful and sustainable, and that we can employ more Queenslanders.

“Managing one business across two sites can have its challenges so these funds will enable us to appoint a panel of experts to help us make the right decisions to drive market growth and innovation.”

Ms Enoch said small businesses played an important role in the economy, making up 97 per cent of all registered businesses and employing 43 per cent of the private sector workforce.

“That’s why in partnership with Vodafone Australia and Australia Post, Queensland Small Business Week is celebrating the sector’s $100 billion economic contribution to Queensland.

“The week, with its theme ‘Time to Thrive’, is full of amazing events, workshops, webinars and seminars, covering everything from small business basics to marketing and crowdfunding.

“There will be workshops and seminars from Logan to Goondiwindi to Townsville, some hosted by the Palaszczuk Government and others by local business organisations.

“There’s still time to register for a QSBW event, so take a look at the 2017 QSBW event app.”

To be eligible for the Accelerate Small Business Grant program, Queensland businesses must be trading for a minimum of three years, have a minimum turnover of $500,000 and fewer than 20 employees. The funding must also be matched by a cash contribution from the participating business.

Further information and eligibility criteria is available at www.business.qld.gov.au/accelerate.

ENDS

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