Small business grants coming to Central Queensland

Small businesses in Central Queensland have just one week to go until they can prepare their applications for the Palaszczuk Government’s regional only round of the popular Business Basics grants program.  

Minister for Employment and Small Business Di Farmer said the $5,000 grants are a part of the government’s Big Plans for Small Business Strategy and the $14.2 billion COVID-19 Economic Recovery Plan.

“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 so it’s running again exclusively in regional Queensland.”

Member for Rockhampton, Barry O’Rourke encouraged local businesses to get ready to apply.

“We know that the first round of grants went really quickly, so it’s important to get your application ready to go,” Mr. O’Rourke said.

“The guidelines will be up next week on August 25, and you’ll have two weeks to prepare before the grants open for applications at 9am on Wednesday September 8.

“The Business Basics grants, aimed at sole traders and small businesses with a turnover of up to $300,000, are designed to help businesses in Central Queensland increase their core capabilities and ability to adopt current best practice.

“They can be used for activities such as training and coaching, website development and upgrades, and strategic marketing.”

WLMD Group, a majority owned Indigenous businesses based in Rockhampton was one of the businesses to receive money in the first round of Business Basics that opened earlier this year.

WLMD co-founder and proud Wakka Wakka man, Aaron Wragge, said the much welcomed $5,000 grant would assist with developing their website and increase their exposure to the industry to attract more opportunities.

“We commenced in the middle of July 2020 and now have a labour force of 14 people that is growing,” Mr Wragge said.

“The grant will help us to continue to generate local jobs for both Indigenous and Non-Indigenous people.”

Member for Keppel and Assistant Education Minister, Brittany Lauga, said Business Basics were the first of three Big Plans for Small Business Grants programs to be awarded.

“The recipients of the new Business Boost and Business Growth Fund grants will be announced in coming months,” Ms. Lauga said.

“The different grant programs target specific groups within the sector and continue to deliver on the government’s commitments under the Big Plans for Small Business Strategy.

“The Business Boost grants of up to $15,000 will help small businesses to improve their efficiency and productivity through organisational development, 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, business requirements and the application process are a direct result of feedback from the Small Business Roadshow.”

Minister Farmer said the Business Basics Grants are in addition to the recently announced COVID-19 Business Support Grants jointly funded by the State and Federal Governments.

“We have moved the opening date of this grant program slightly to avoid confusion with the recently announced COVID-19 Business Support Grants,” Minister Farmer said.

“Applications are now open for grants of between $10,000 and $30,000 for businesses in Central Queensland that have been impacted by recent lockdowns - with money already on its way to the first businesses - as well as information on the support for non-employing sole traders.

“There’s also the cleaning rebate for exposure sites and nearly $50 million in support and benefits for tourism and hospitality businesses.

“As well as financial assistance there is a range of tailored one on one support including our Mentoring for Growth program, Small Business Financial Counsellors, and the Queensland Small Business Commissioner.

“I’d encourage all businesses to head to www.business.qld.gov.au to make sure you’re taking advantage of the range of support available.”

For tips and advice on preparing a grant application visit www.business.qld.gov.au/starting-business/advice-support/grants/prepare-write-application

This round of the Business Basics Grants program will close when funds are exhausted.  

Media contact: Kate Talbot, 0439 803 211