FNQ small business grants going back to basics

Published Thursday, 29 July, 2021 at 04:39 PM

Minister for Employment and Small Business and Minister for Training and Skills Development
The Honourable Di Farmer

The Palaszczuk Government’s popular Business Basics grants are getting a $5 million top up, with $5,000 grants available for small businesses in Far North Queensland.

Minister for Employment and Small Business Di Farmer said the grants are delivering on the commitment in the COVID-19 Economic Recovery Plan to back small business.

“The hugely popular Business Basics grant was launched on May 31, and as we had acted on the feedback from my Small Business Roadshow and shared details and an example application form in advance, we received thousands of applications very quickly,” Minister Farmer said.

“While it was fantastic that there were so many people ready to go with strong applications, the last round was oversubscribed and so it’s running again with a focus on regional Queensland.”

Member for Cook, Cynthia Lui, said it was great news for Cook that grants were being made available exclusively for regional Queensland.

“This is a brilliant program, and the money can be used for a range of things including training, website upgrades, professional advice, marketing services or specialised business support," Ms. Lui said.

“Business Basics grants are just one of the ways the Palaszczuk Government is backing small business – we’re also implementing the Big Plans for Small Business Strategy, making permanent the office of the Queensland Small Business Commissioner, and spending $2.67 billion directly with Small and Medium Enterprises by setting and exceeding the government procurement target.

“To allow us to offer more Business Basic grants, we will close applications for our regional Small Business COVID-19 Adaption Grants program on Friday August 6.”

Ms. Lui said the money for this round of grants was coming from this existing program that is no longer in demand. 

“To date $56 million has gone to more than 6,000 small businesses in regional Queensland through the Small Business COVID adaptation grants, making sure we were there for small businesses at the height of the pandemic," Ms. Lui said.

“However applications have been decreasing as our economy grows, with the latest figures showing that over half of new jobs in Australia are being created right here in Queensland.

“The grants were for regional small businesses that have had a 30 per cent decline in revenue for at least a month due to the pandemic, and thanks to our strong economic recovery businesses just aren’t meeting that criteria anymore.

“Applications have been falling since around September last year, and over the last month they’ve reduced even further.

“The money was promised for the regions and the Palaszczuk Government is committed to it staying in the regions, and that’s why the funds have been redirected to a regional round of Business Basics.

“If you were planning to apply for a COVID-19 adaptation grant then get your application in before August 6.”

From 17 August small businesses in Far North Queensland will be able to review the guidelines and prepare their applications, with the round opening at 9am on 31 August.  

Information on how to apply for the Small Business COVID-19 Adaption Grants program is available from www.business.qld.gov.au/starting-business/advice-support/grants/adaption.

For further information on all grant programs visit www.business.qld.gov.au/grants or call 1300 654 687. 

ENDS

Media contact: Kate Talbot 0439 803 211