The QLD Business Basics Grant — Everything You Need to Know

UPDATE 12:00 pm, 4 May 2022: The Queensland Government has announced the Business Basics Round 3 will be delayed until further notice. No date has been provided at this time.

Applications for the latest QLD Business Basics Grant are opening in early May. If you’re a small business in Queensland here is everything you need to know to get your application ready. The grant is a fixed $5,000 (excluding GST) and can be used for a variety of activities, but more on this later.  

In this blog, we will cover who is eligible, how to apply and what you can use your grant for.  

The 2022 Business Basics Grant  

The Business Basics Grant was created to support businesses in increasing core skills and adopting best practices, but what does this mean? It means the grant is designed to be used on business activities that support the future growth of the business. Whether this be in staff training and development or adopting new digital technologies such as websites and digital marketing initiatives. 

Who is eligible for the Business Basics Grant:  

Small businesses across Queensland are eligible to apply for the $5,000 grant. The funding for round 3 will be split between 2 streams, South-East Queensland and Regional Queensland, with your local government area (LGA) determining which of the streams your business sits in.  

To be eligible for the Business Basics Grant your business must:  

• Employee fewer than 20 employees. 
• Have an active Australian Business Number (ABN).  
• Be registered for GST. 
• Have NOT been approved for funding under round 1 or 2 of the Business Basics Grants program.  
• An expected annual turnover of $300,000 or less for the 21/22 financial year.  
• Be based in Queensland.  

If you have any questions or concerns regarding any of the above eligibility requirements you can contact the Queensland Small Business Hotline on 1300 654 687 or email basics@desbt.qld.gov.au. 

What can the business basics grant be used for? 

The Business Basics Grant is designed to be used for upskilling and training initiatives as well as future-proofing your business with digital technologies such as websites and digital marketing. This includes activities like:

• Building or upgrading your website (including eCommerce websites).
• Improving your online presence through Google Business Profiles, online directories and other local SEO initiatives.
• Upskilling and training, for both business owners and employees of up to 4 months.
• Marketing services, including SEO advice.
• Professional advice surrounding business plans.
• Cyber safety initiatives including training and tools.

And more…

The Business Basics Grant can not be used for…  

• Activities which the Queensland Government does not support the increase in core skills or adoption of best practises.
• Eligible activities with a total cost of less than $5,000.
• Payments which have been made before you have been approved for the grant payment.

How to apply for the Business Basics Grant:  

Applications open from 9am, 4 May 2022 and will close once all the allocated spaces have been filled in both the regional and metro allocations — so get in quick. But don’t stress, there are things you can do to prepare your application to give your business a greater chance of success.

Before applications open:

There are a few simple steps you can take before applications open to ensure you’re ready to apply on 4 May. These include: 

• Take a look at the application guidelines, this includes the terms and conditions, FAQs and other information.  
• If you don’t have a DESBT SmartyGrants applicant account it’s time to sign-up, this is where you will submit your application.  
• Obtain a quote from your selected business activity supplier. For example, if you’re looking to purchase a new eCommerce website with your Business Basics Grant you’ll need to obtain a detailed quote from Localsearch for a new eCommerce site before applying. Note this quote must be dated after 13 April 2022 to be considered.  
• Triple check your eligibility and complete the Statutory Declaration stating as such, remember you’ll need a witness.  

Once applications open:  

Once the clock hits 9am on 4 May 2022 Queensland businesses can begin the formal application process.  

1. Head over to DESBT SmartyGrants and begin your application online, have your pre-signed statutory declaration and supplier quotes ready to go. It should be noted only applications submitted via SmartyGrants will be considered. 
2. Once the allocated amount of applications have been submitted the Queensland Government will take time to review all applications. This process can take multiple weeks and sometimes months.
3. The Queensland Government will notify you of the outcome of your application.  
4. If your business is successful in obtaining the grant, business owners will then have up to 4 months to complete the business activity outlined in their application. Ensure you keep records of all correspondence, invoices and other events in relation to your grant.  

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