Digital grants give Qld small businesses the tech edge

The Palaszczuk Government today (Tuesday) announced 248 Queensland small businesses would receive more than $1 million in matched grant funding.

Minister for Small Business Leeanne Enoch said the funding was available under the second round of Small Business Digital Grants.

“The Palaszczuk Government has made these grants available so small businesses can access digital technologies and services, be competitive and employ more Queenslanders,” Ms Enoch said.

“They help business owners to work smarter, engage with the global economy and make the most of online business opportunities.

“The grants provide up to $10,000 in matched funding to eligible businesses to purchase hardware, software and services such as digital coaching.

“Business owners and operators need strong digital capabilities to stay competitive. Workers need digital skills to complete tasks and customers are increasingly demanding a high quality digital experience.

“Already we’ve given 403 Queensland businesses more than $2 million in grant funding because the government understands the necessity of digital engagement.

“More than 1100 applications were received under round two of the program,” she said.

Happy Healthy Fertility is one of 70 small businesses in the Brisbane local government area to receive a Small Business Digital Grant under the second round of funding.

Owner Camilla Cameron has 17 years’ experience as a fertility practitioner, helping to create families for hundreds of couples. Her e-commerce website sells fertility supplements approved by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA).

“Over my years in practice, I found women were having difficulty sourcing high-quality supplements,” Dr Cameron said.

“High-quality supplements can make a big difference in fertility rates. I want to be known as a leader in my market, so I can get the best outcomes for my clients.

“Without the grant funding, I would not be able to grow my business so quickly. By the end of this year, I’ll be ready to start employing staff to help manage distribution and administration.”

Ms Enoch also said the Queensland Government’s Digital Scorecard is another tool helping small businesses become more digitally-savvy.

“By answering an online questionnaire, small-to-medium sized businesses and not-for-profits can get an understanding of their digital awareness and capability, and test how ready they are for change,” Ms Enoch said.

“It will show how they compare to similar businesses and give them the pointers they need to focus on ways to improve.

“I encourage all small business owners to give it a try.”

To be eligible to apply for a Small Business Digital Grant, businesses must have a registered business name, fewer than 20 employees and a turnover of $2 million or less in the last 12 calendar months.

Further rounds will be open later this year. Please check www.business.qld.gov.au for updates. You can also take the Digital Scorecard questionnaire via the same link.

ENDS

MEDIA 0412 393 909