Almost $80 million in grants up for grabs for Queensland manufacturers

• Second round of the Crisafulli Government’s $79.1 million Transforming Queensland Manufacturing Grant Program now open to eligible businesses. 
• Grants of up to $1.5 million in matched funding available with half earmarked for regional manufacturers.
• The Crisafulli Government is delivering better services through a stronger economy by creating more opportunities for industry to advance operations and create jobs after a decade of decline under Labor.   

Queensland Manufacturing Month is in full swing with businesses encouraged to apply for the latest round of the Crisafulli Government’s Transforming Queensland Manufacturing Grant Program. 

The $79.1 million program is being delivered over three years to help small to medium-sized manufacturing businesses supercharge innovation and take the next step towards advanced manufacturing.  

A total of $12.5 million is available in the second round, with eligible businesses able to apply for up to $1.5 million in matched funding.  

Importantly, at least half of the funding has been allocated to regional Queensland manufacturers. 

It’s just one of the ways the Crisafulli Government is delivering more jobs and better services through a stronger economy after a decade of decline under Labor.     

The program has already attracted strong interest from industry, with 119 manufacturers applying for funding in the first round. Of the 18 successful recipients, 11 are based in regional Queensland.  

The second round of grants will be opened this evening at the Queensland Manufacturing Month Showcase where innovative and advanced manufacturers from across the State are on display.  

Queensland’s manufacturers continue to shine throughout Queensland Manufacturing Month this September with regional events showcasing women in the industry and Manufacturing Hubs across the State hosting networking events for local manufacturers. 

Minister for Manufacturing Dale Last said the grants were helping regional Queensland manufacturers embrace cutting-edge technologies and remain competitive in a global market. 

“The Crisafulli Government is backing regional manufacturers to grow, innovate and create more jobs in the communities they call home,” Minister Last said.  

“Unlike Labor, we know that Queensland doesn’t start and end in the south-east corner. 

“In the last round, more than 60 per cent of funding was awarded to regional Queensland manufacturers reflecting the quality of operations across our diverse State.  

“The first round of funding is supporting projects that are expected to create more than 300 new jobs and lead to the upskilling of more than 550 existing workers.   

“We know that when regional manufacturers succeed, so to do the towns and families that rely on them. 

“I encourage all eligible businesses to apply and take advantage of this opportunity to transform their operations and future-proof their success.” 

Allweld Manufacturing General Manager Josh Linwood said Queensland Manufacturing Month was an important opportunity for local manufacturers to take centre stage. 

“Queensland’s regional manufacturers have enormous potential, and it is encouraging to have a government that recognises the value of the sector and is backing businesses to grow, innovate and create more local jobs,” Mr Linwood said. 

“Queensland Manufacturing Month continues to deliver a range of events for regional manufacturers to grow their networks and work with government to innovate and identify pathways for professional development for women in the industry.  

“This is an opportunity to showcase what regional manufacturers do best, speak directly with government about the challenges and opportunities facing our businesses, and help shape the future growth of our industry. "  

Applications close on 25 November 2026. For more information, or to apply, visit https://www.business.qld.gov.au/industries/manufacturing-retail/manufacturing/grant-programs/transforming  

ENDS 

MEDIA CONTACT: Eloise Linneth, 0458 592 640