To launch Queensland Small Business Month, the Palaszczuk Government has announced three new small business grants, valued at $25 million over two years.
The three new QLD small business grants are:
- The Business Basics Grant Program.
- Business Boost Grant.
- Business Growth Fund Program.
You can find some of the basic information, including how much each grant is for, what they can be used on and how to apply below.
Also suggested:
Applications open: 31 May 2021
Applications close: 30 June 2021, or when sufficient applications are received.
Note: Applications will be competitively assessed, so not all applications will be funded.
Eligible businesses under the Business Basics Grant Program can receive a single up-front fixed grand payment of $5,000 (excluding GST) for a set list of allocated activities, outlined below. However, activities of a total cost less than $5,000 (excluding GST) cannot be funded, or for payments made before 17 May 2021.
The Queensland Government has an eligibility survey to see if you should apply for the grant over on the Grant info page.
The Business Basics Grant Program can be used on:
The goal of the Business Basics Grant Program is to support businesses through increased core skills and adoption of best practices. With this in mind, the grant is for:
- Training and coaching, including in business development, marketing, human resources or business planning.
- Website build and upgrades, including building a new website, refreshing an existing website, developing new website content or adding eCommerce functionality.
- Professional business advice, including business plans.
- Strategic marketing services, including strategic marketing plans, such as search engine optimisation.
- Business continuity and success, including planning and activities, as well as cybersafety training and tools.
The Business Basics Grant Program cannot be used on:
- Any activity purchased using crypto currencies, barter or related.
- Standard business operating costs, such as accounting, bookkeeping, etc.
- Hiring or purchasing of real estate, including rental fees.
- Any goods, services or fees received from related parties, including from shared shareholders or directors, employees or immediate family members.
- Travel, including flights, vehicle purchases, etc.
- Franchise fees.
- Purchase of stock.
- GST, registration, memberships and fees.
- Maintenance of existing digital technologies, excluding what is outlined above.
- Computer hardware and services, including mobile phones, tablets, etc.
- Activities purchased via direct selling, such as by party plan or network marketing.
- Delivery, credit card and transaction fees.
- Salaries or related expenses.
- Fleet vehicles.
- Website hosting.
- Advertising campaign delivery, such as Google Ads, Facebook, etc.
How to apply for the Business Basics Grant Program:
The Queensland Government recommends to apply that you:
- Read the key documents, including application guidelines, T&C, FAQ, preview of application form, stat dec template and choosing a supplier.
- Check your eligibility via the quiz.
- Prepare your documentation, including a stat dec stating the business does not have an annual turnover over $300,000 and meets all eligibility requirements. You’ll also need to outline a proposal with details of the activities you’ll purchase with the grant and supplier quotes.
Opening date: Stage 1: 11 May 2021
Closing date: When funding is exhausted.
If you find yourself eligible for the Business Growth Fund program under the Queensland Government, you may be eligible to receive a single, up-front payment of up to $50,000 (excluding GST).
You must be able to fund a minimum of 25% of the project costs to buy and implement specialised equipment, as well as meet strict eligibility requirements.
Examples of equipment eligible for purchase under the Business Growth Fund:
- Production equipment, which is required to meet otherwise unachievable growth demand.
- Advanced manufacturing or digital equipment and systems.
- Advanced logistic systems and equipment.
Business Growth Fund eligibility criteria:
For full criteria for the Business Growth Fund, visit the Queensland Government information page for the grant.
To be eligible for the Business Growth Fund, you must:
- Be an established, financially sound small-to-medium Queensland business.
- Have the potential for high-growth within the next 2 years, being able to demonstrate at least a 20% increase in productivity, turnover, profit and/or employment in the last 12 months.
- Have a business plan in place.
- Have the capacity to access finance to fund the growth of your business (minimum 25% of the project).
- A clearly defined opportunity and plan for growth.
- Demonstrate how the implementation of specialised equipment will help your business to achieve the goals you’ve outlined.
Business Growth Fund application process:
There are three stages to applying for the Business Growth Fund:
- To be offered details to apply for the grant, you will be required to complete a mentoring session.
- Once you have completed your mentoring session and have been seen as eligible, you can then complete a full application to potentially be shortlisted.
- If you are shortlisted, you will be invited to pitch business experts and department executives.
The business experts and department executives will make final decisions and delegate who will receive funding.
There is limited information about the Business Boost Grant available, however, this is what we know so far.
Applications for the Business Boost Grant open mid-to-late July 2021, with eligible businesses able to receive up to $15,000.
Eligibility criteria is expected to ensure only small businesses are eligible for the grant, with the aim to help them improve their efficiency and productivity. This is said to be through organisational development and upgrades through automated software and CRM systems.
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