Applications open tomorrow for $15,000 small business grants

Queensland small businesses are being reminded that Business Boost grants of up to $15,000 open at 9am tomorrow, Friday July 30.

Minister for Employment and Small Business Di Farmer said the grants can be used for upgrades and organisational improvements for established businesses.

“Business Boost is part of our $25 million Small Business Grants program that’s been rolling out this year,” Minister Farmer said.

“They are another example of how we are backing small business as part of Queensland’s COVID-19 Economic Recovery Plan.

“Earlier this year I heard from more than 2,500 businesses as part of our Small Business Roadshow, and a key piece of feedback from business is that they wanted to know what grants were coming and when.

“That’s why we announced our overall grant plans during Small Business Month and published the guidelines and an example application form for these Business Boost grants on July 15.

“This means small businesses have had the last two weeks to read the guidelines and the frequently asked questions, and to prepare their application for the best chance of securing a grant.

“We know that our grants have been very popular, so I’d recommend businesses are ready to go with their applications at 9am tomorrow morning.”

The Small Business Grants program is part of the Big Plans for Small Business Strategy, and follows more than $181 million in the Small Business COVID-19 Adaption grants which have helped more than 20,400 recipients.

“That includes businesses like the Sunshine Coast’s tourist attraction, Bellingham Maze, and Toowoomba-based Garden City Auto Trimming and Upholstery, which each received $10,000 grants,” Minister Farmer said.

Bellingham Maze owner Adam Cheshire said support from the Queensland Government has been amazing and has helped the business come through tough times.

“The $10,000 Small Business COVID-19 Adaption grant went towards running costs and will also help finance a major rebranding and marketing of the attraction later this year,” Mr Cheshire said.

Co-owner of Garden City Auto Trimming and Upholstery Rebecca Wenham says the Small Business COVID-19 Adaption Grant helped rebuild the business website and upgrade their social media presence, which has resulted in a significant increase in customers.

“We have recovered to such an extent that we employed an apprentice in auto trimming in April this year,” Ms Wenham said.

“It allowed us to expand our network and attract new business and the grant also helped another local business, which we engaged to build the new website.”

Business Boost grants can be used for activities such as website development and upgrades, strategic marketing, training and coaching, and advisory services.

Businesses need to have a turnover of between $300,000 and $600,000 to be eligible for Business Boost grants. Businesses will need to co-contribute 30 per cent of the total cost of their proposed purchases.

These grants are in addition to the Business Growth Fund grants of up to $50,000 and the Business Basics grants of $5,000.

Business Boost Grant applications open at 9am tomorrow Friday 30 July 2021 at https://www.business.qld.gov.au/starting-business/advice-support/grants/business-boost

For further information about the program email us at boost@desbt.qld.gov.au or contact the Small Business Hotline on 1300 654 687.

Media contact: Kate Talbot 0439 803 211