New grants available for Queensland Small Business Week 2019

Published Friday, 08 February, 2019 at 11:44 AM

Minister for Employment and Small Business and Minister for Training and Skills Development
The Honourable Shannon Fentiman

Small businesses will be encouraged to host events during this year’s Queensland Small Business Week (QSBW) held from May 27-31.

Minister for Employment and Small Business Shannon Fentiman announced the opening of the new Queensland Small Business Week Grants program and encouraged small businesses to apply.

“We know small businesses are the engine room of our growing economy and we want to make sure they have the assistance they need to start, grow and employ more Queenslanders,” Ms Fentiman said.

“The grants of up to $5,000 will be available for businesses to host an event to network and encourage innovative events and activities that provide real and positive impacts for Queensland’s small business owners,” Ms Fentiman said

“Last year’s QSBW saw 150 small business events held and more than 7500 participants networking, collaborating and celebrating across all regions of our state.

“Ninety-eight per cent of registered businesses in the Sunshine Coast are small businesses with nearly 8500 businesses employing up to four employees.

“The new grants program is a great opportunity to champion small businesses.”

CEO of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry Queensland (CCIQ) Stephen Tait welcomed the launch of 2019 QLD Small Business Week and the inaugural Small Business Week Grants program.

“Queensland’s 400,000 small and medium-sized businesses are the engine room of the state economy and we are fortunate to be a part of a program to further support them.”

“Queensland Small Business Week is a wonderful opportunity for local business owners to meet with policy makers and discuss the issues affecting their business.”

“More importantly, this event provides the opportunity for businesses to share ideas and showcase their innovation in a collaborative environment,” Mr Tait said.

Queensland Small Business Week 2019 is delivered by the Palaszczuk Government in partnership with the Bendigo Bank and in association with the Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Queensland’s peak business body.

Online applications are now open and close on Sunday, 3 March 2019.

To find out about the week and the grants visit www.business.qld.gov.au/smallbusinessweek or contact the QSBW 2019 team by emailqsbw@desbt.qld.gov.au.

 

ENDS

 

Media Contact:          Inga Williams  0439 949 719