50 artisan producers receive first round grants

A boutique chocolatier, a business that turns beach coconuts into gourmet chips, and a popular coffee shop are among 50 small artisan producers to share in over $200,000 under the Palaszczuk Government’s first round of the Small Business Artisan Producer Grants Program

Minister for Employment and Small Business Shannon Fentiman said while they all sell different products all have one thing in common, a desire to get more people tasting their treats.

“After launching the Supporting Artisan Producers plan at the Brisbane City Markets in early July, it’s fantastic to see 50 Queensland artisan producers were successful in securing funding,” Ms Fentiman said.

“Queensland is home to a fast-growing number of local producers, especially on the Sunshine Coast.

“More than one in four successful recipients are Sunshine Coast businesses, including Montville Coffee, KOKOPOD chocolate, The Fresh Chai Co and organic camel milk business QCamel.”

“The grants provide small business artisan producers assistance with help them grow their businesses, access new market opportunities and enhance their gourmet food expertise.”

“Other successful recipients include Italian cheese makers Casa Motta from Brisbane, Cairns Exotic Mushrooms, Cravve Chocolate on the Gold Coast and Nourishing Bites in Townsville.”

Ms Fentiman said the funding can be used to engage business consultants, mentors or digital experts and will help businesses to take on new employees.

“Businesses have told us that through this round of grants they hope to be able to employ around 100 new employees,” Ms Fentiman said.

“Extraction Artisan Coffee in Logan is one successful recipient who projects that the grant will boost their business enough to take on two new employees.

For more information www.desbt.qld.gov.au/artisanproducers

ENDS

Media Contact:                      Inga Williams              0439 949 719