Grants help grow another crop of entrepreneurs

A microbrewery, a home renovator, a yoga teacher and a fencing contractor are among more than 200 small businesses to benefit from the latest round of small business grants.

Minister for Employment and Small Business Shannon Fentiman said 209 successful businesses would share in more than $725,000.

“We know it’s vital that small businesses can be supported in the early stages and these grants help to kickstart their business,” Ms Fentiman said.

“These grants provide small businesses access to professional advice and support to help them grow and create more local jobs.”

“Since July 2016, there have been almost 900 entrepreneur grant recipients sharing in more than $3.1 million.”

Successful recipient Revival Art and Design Gallery co-owner Pauline Elphinstone is thrilled that her new Lutwyche art space, which is filled with local artworks, will benefit from the   

business consultant they can now engage to strategically grow the business.

“Our goal is to expand our reach in the art market and diversify income for the gallery enabling the business to grow with improved financial skills to increase profitability.

“With a renewed business strategy we are hoping to launch an online shop with easy automated processes as well as employ additional staff and support even more local artisans,” Ms Elphinstone said.

Ms Fentiman said the Palaszczuk Government continues to support Queensland small businesses through a range of assistance, and within the last three years more than $12.6 million has been allocated through grant programs.

“Queensland’s more than 438,000 small businesses play an important role in our state’s economy by contributing around $113 billion each year and employing around 44 per cent of the private sector workforce.”

This year’s Queensland Small Business Week will be held from 27 to 31 May, and it will be bigger than ever, offering the opportunity to celebrate, access support, be inspired and reflect on everything that is terrific about being a small business in Queensland.

Visit desbt.qld.gov.au/small-business for more information on the Advancing Small Business Queensland Strategy 2016-2020 and other support including grants and funding, in addition to the resources available from business.qld.gov.au

ENDS

Media Contact:       Inga Williams            0439 949 719