Another $25 million in grants for small business

The Palaszczuk Government has launched Queensland Small Business Month with three new grants programs worth $25 million over two years – making Queensland the place to be for small business.

Minister for Employment and Small Business Di Farmer said today’s announcement builds on the more than $180 million in Small Business COVID-19 Adaption grants which have already been paid to more than 20,300 small businesses.

“Small businesses are the lifeblood of our economy and are a vital part of the Palaszczuk Government’s economic recovery plan to get more Queenslanders into jobs,” Ms Farmer said.

“This year’s theme for Small Business Month is bounce back better. We’ve already helped tens of thousands of businesses through COVID-19 and these new grants will assist more businesses to recover and pursue opportunities to grow and employ more people.

Minister Farmer said the Business Basics, Business Boost and Business Growth Fund grants will target specific groups within the sector and continue to deliver on the Government’s election commitments to small business.

“We are rolling out the grants this way based on the direct feedback I heard from thousands of small business owners, following on from the small business roadshow which toured Queensland earlier this year, and an online survey which ran parallel to it.

“We know, from our extensive consultation process, that Queensland businesses are at distinctly different stages, and our support programs need to reflect this.

“The Palaszczuk Government has listened, and now we are delivering.

“The Business Basics grant program will offer grant funding to new and emerging businesses, Business Boost will support established small businesses, and the Business Growth Fund will help evolving and fast growing small and medium sized businesses.

“The Business Basics grants of up to $5,000 each support new and emerging businesses to increase core capabilities and adopt current best practice.

“They can use the grant for website development and upgrades, strategic marketing, training and coaching, advisory services and planning for business continuity and succession.

“The Business Boost grants of up to $15,000 will help small businesses to improve their efficiency and productivity through organisational development and upgrades through automated software and CRM systems.

“While the $50,000 Business Growth Fund grants will allow businesses to buy highly specialised equipment to seize and accelerate growth opportunities.

“The type of grants, information about what is required to get them and the application process itself are all a direct result of feedback from small businesses.

“We want it to be easier to do business with the Government here in Queensland.

Minister for Digital Economy Leeanne Enoch said today also marked an important deadline for many small businesses with the Queensland Check-in app now compulsory for our cafés and restaurants.

“The Palaszczuk Government’s handling of COVID-19 has seen a faster recovery for the Queensland economy and the check-in app is another important tool,” Ms Enoch said.

“Queensland businesses have done a great job with more than 31,000 businesses registering for the app by the May 1 deadline – there have been more than 17.3 million check-ins using the app.

“Businesses can get a Check-In Qld app guide and information pack, and we also provide a dedicated team to support them through the registration process via phone and email.

“Business owners and patrons have told us the app is easy to use, and quicker, as people only need to enter their contact details into the app once.

“In late March, we saw two COVID-19 clusters emerge within the greater Brisbane region and this served as a reminder of the importance of contact tracers having rapid access to reliable, relevant, legible and timely information.

“We can all celebrate this vibrant sector through our purchases, and I encourage everyone to support their local small businesses.”

For further information about Queensland Small Business Month events visit www.business.qld.gov.au or call 1300 654 687. 

Key dates for grants

Business Basics

Guidelines/FAQs available – 17 May 2021

Applications open –31 May

Business Boost

Guidelines FAQs/available – mid July 2021

Applications open – late July 2021

Business Growth Fund

Guidelines/FAQs available – 1 May 2021

Eligibility tool available – 5 May 2021

Applications open – 11 May 2021

 Media Contacts:

Minister Farmer - Richard O'Leary 0447155332

Minister Enoch - Bridget Duery 0435221246