More than 1150 businesses share $5.8 million funding package

• 1159 Queensland small businesses will share $5.8 million in funding in the latest round of the Palaszczuk Government’s popular Business Basics Grants program.
• To date almost $27 million has helped 5379 businesses.
• The $5,000 grants can be used for activities such as website development; marketing; training and coaching; advisory services and planning for business continuity; and cybersafety.

The Palaszczuk Government has announced a further $5.8 million funding package  for small business during Queensland Small Business Month (1-31 May 2023).

It comes on top of our $2.5 million Business Growth Fund grants that give small businesses the opportunity of a grant of up to $75,000. The Business Basics grants program helps small businesses to improve their core skills and adopt best practice. 

The Business Basics Grant Program is another example of our commitment to the small business sector and accelerating economic growth across Queensland.

These grants are part of a significant body of support for small business in Queensland that help people into good jobs so they can enjoy our great lifestyle.

For further information, including a list of successful applicants, please visit www.business.qld.gov.au/businessbasics or call 1300 654 687. 

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

“Queensland Small Business Month has been a fantastic opportunity for Queenslanders to step up and show their support for their local small businesses and share their love for them.

“In the past two years we have backed the small business sector with more than $35 million in business grants under the Big Plans for Small Business Strategy.

“There are 347 regional Queensland businesses and 812 South East Queensland businesses in this latest Business Basics round, _ hairdressers, tradies, personal trainers and accountants, there are many amazing businesses getting a helping hand to continue doing wonderful things because of these grants.

“In Cairns for instance Lacuna Cosmetic Ink will use its grant to undertake online in-person training for 3D areola tattooing to support local mastectomy patients.”

Quotes attributable to Lacuna Cosmetic Ink owner and specialist Tawny Rees:

“After recently opening my own private cosmetic tattoo studio in Cairns after five years in business, the time was right for me to expand my services into the world of paramedical tattooing,” Ms Rees said.

“When women undergo mastectomy surgery, the nipple is typically removed in the process – serving as a constant reminder of what they have gone through.

“It's important that people in Cairns and the surrounding regions have access to paramedical tattooing services, which generally require two sessions – spaced 6-12 weeks apart. This grant will allow me to undertake intensive training for 3D Areola Tattooing with leading expert Pink Lotus Australia.

“I strive to support my community and fulfill my purpose of helping those in-need, through my artistic abilities.”

Explainer/fast fact and or further information:

Queensland Small Business Month

Queensland Small Business Month has saluted 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 were planned for May across Queensland.

For more information on Queensland Small Business Month go to www.business.qld.gov.au/qsbm

Queensland Government support for small business

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

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

Business Growth Fund

Queensland small business can now submit expressions of interest for Business Growth Fund Grants between $50,000 and $75,000.

Expressions of interest for the Business Growth Fund Grants close at 5pm on Friday 2 June 2023.

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

ENDS

Media contact – Gary Shipway 0458 090 906