Queensland Small Business Month kicks off with $2.5 million business boost

• The Palaszczuk Government’s flagship small business event in May, Queensland Small Business Month 2023 has been launched with the opening of the $2.5 million Business Growth Fund offering grants of up to $75,000.
• Queensland Small Business Month (from May 1 to 31) has a “love your local” theme and highlights the importance of the 473,000 small businesses that account for 97 per cent of all businesses in Queensland.
• More than 80 business support events are planned throughout May across Queensland to mark the sector’s vital contribution to our economy, to our communities and to our daily lives.

Queensland small businesses contribute around $119 billion to the State’s economy annually.

Queensland Small Business Month will see events held from the Northern Peninsula Area to the Southern Gold Coast and include “Do it in Douglas” in Port Douglas; ‘Toes in the Grass’ in Moreton Bay; “Custard Apple Muster Day” in Bundaberg; and “Speed dating for employers and employees” in Mount Tamborine.

In support of small business and recognition of the month, the $2.5 million Business Growth Fund grant program has opened. Small businesses will be able to apply for grants of up to $75,000 to help eligible businesses kick start their next growth opportunity and boost their productivity and confidence to scale up.

This year’s Small Business Month events continue to tackle the big and important issues for small business owners across the state like cyber security, talent retention, growth and financial literacy.

The events will help them connect with local resources and networks, which can make all the difference when it comes to finding support and growing a business.

In addition to the face-to-face events, this year QSBMonline is providing easy access to online sessions. Small business owners can learn about topics such as social media and digital marketing, workforce planning and management, and innovation to grow a business.

To register for or list an event, go to www.business.qld.gov.au/qsbm

Quotes attributable to the Minister for Employment and Small Business and Minister for Training and Skills Development Di Farmer:

“Our amazing Queensland small business are the heart and soul of our communities, from the cities and towns to our isolated rural areas and I urge Queenslanders to show some love to your hard working local.

“We can’t survive without small businesses and they can’t survive without us.

“I urge Queenslanders to get out in their community and back your small business by shopping local, sharing on social media what is special about your favourite local business, writing a review and telling your friends.

“I also encourage small business owners and operators to register for one of the many events across the state where they can share ideas and expand their networks.

“I am also extremely pleased to announce more government support for small businesses with the opening of the $2.5 million Business Growth Fund.

“Small businesses will be able to apply for grants of up to $75,000 to help eligible businesses seize their next growth opportunity and boost their productivity and confidence to scale up.

“Many of our small businesses are intergenerational family businesses that have grown within the State. The Palaszczuk Government is unwavering in its support for this sector so good people can have good jobs and prosper in our great Queensland lifestyle.”

Explainer/fast fact and or further information:

Business Growth Fund details

The Business Growth Fund grants program targets high-growth businesses who can accelerate growth, drive Queensland’s economy, and employ more Queenslanders.

Grants between $50,000 and $75,000 are available for small to medium-sized businesses in this $2.5 million round of the Business Growth Fund.

The program provides funding for high-growth businesses to buy specialised equipment, enabling them to unlock growth potential, increase production, expand their workforce, and maximise economic returns to move them into the next stage of growth.

Expressions of interest can be submitted from Monday 8 May 2023 and will close at 5pm on Friday 2 June 2023.

Short-listed applicants will then be asked to provide a full application.

For more information and guidelines for the latest round of the Business Growth Fund, please go to www.business.qld.gov.au/growthfund  

Queensland Government support for small businesses

Since 2020, the Queensland Government has invested $2.5 billion to support small business to fuel the state’s economic recovery.

Over the past two years, we have supported the sector with more than $29.6 million in approved business grants.

More than $500 million in COVID-19 economic support was given to 55,000 businesses in 2020 and 2021.

Media contact – Gary Shipway 0458 090 906