The Queensland Business Boost Grants Program is open for applications this Friday, 30 July 2021. Grant payments of $15,000 (excluding GST) are available for eligible businesses to use on future planning, specialised and automated software, and staff management, development and planning.
Queensland’s latest grants come with new New South Wales grants to support businesses impacted by restrictions. However, many of Queensland’s grants are to support businesses returning back to normal operations and looking to future growth.
This guide to the Queensland Business Boost Grants Program will help give you an overview of how to be ready for submitting your application on Friday. In the past, the Queensland Government website has crashed on grant opening days, so it pays to be prepared.
Disclaimer: The information in this article is for general informational purposes only and does not replace professional financial advice or that of the State or Federal Government.
About the Queensland Business Boost Grants Program
Opens: 9:00am, Friday, 30 July 2021.
Closes: When funds are exhausted.
Administered by: The Department of Employment, Small Business & Training (DESBT).
How much is the Queensland Business Boost Grants Program?
Under the Business Boost Grants Program, eligible businesses can receive up to $15,000 (excluding GST). Successful businesses must be able to co-contribute at least 30% of the total cost of their project, with funding only paid after the Queensland Government has received compliant acquittal documentation.
You can find a co-contribution calculator on the grant information page.
What can the Queensland Boost Grants be used on?
The Queensland Business Boost Grant can be used for future planning, specialised and automated software, and staff management, development and planning, including:
- Bespoke or complex website design and build, including eCommerce, software integration and booking systems.
- Strategic business planning designed for innovation and growth.
- Implementation of a governance board to guide strategic planning.
- Opportunities and requirements for exporting goods and services.
- Cybersecurity tools.
- Complying with industry regulations and standards.
- Designing and implementing management systems, such as a data warehouse, asset management, customer relationship management systems, quality and compliant management, risk management, production systems and project management systems.
- Innovation technology to improve or diversify service offerings.
- Human resource management skill building.
- Professional development and training.
- Digital workplace plans and systems for remote workforce.
However, the grant cannot be used for:
- Any activities purchased with a cryptocurrency, bartering or service-in-kind payment system.
- Activities purchased via direct selling, such as that by a party plan or network marketing.
- Computer hardware, including computer servers, PCs, tablets, mobile phones, etc.
- General business operating costs, such as lodging tax returns, bookkeeping expenses, etc.
- Hiring, leasing or rental fees of real estate or property.
- Stand-alone marketing, advertising or campaign delivery costs, such as Google Ads, social media marketing, etc.
- Website hosting.
- Maintenance of existing digital technologies.
- Travel.
- Franchise fees.
- Purchase of stock, GST, registration and fees.
- Salaries.
- Fleet vehicles.
Who is eligible for the Queensland Business Boost Grant?
To be eligible for the Business Boost Grant Program, businesses must be able to demonstrate having:
- Fewer than 20 employees at the time of applying for the grant.
- An active Australian Business Number (ABN) and being registered for GST.
- A Queensland headquarters.
- A turnover between $300,000 (minimum) and $600,000 (maximum) in the 2020–21 last financial year.
- A publicly reachable web presence to identify business operations, such as a business website and/or social media.
The business must also not be insolvent or have owners/directors who are an undischarged bankrupt.
There is also an eligibility checker at the bottom of the grant page on the Queensland Government website.
How do you apply for the Business Boost Grant Program?
The Queensland Government outlines the following application process for the Business Boost Grant Program:
1. Online application.
All applications for the Queensland Business Boost Grant Program are to be made through the DESBT SmartyGrants portal. Your application must include:
- A certified statutory declaration from your business’s owner or director stating the business has a turnover of between $300,000 (minimum) and $600,000 (maximum) per annum and meets all grant eligibility criteria.
- No more than 2 supplier quotes, detailing description and costs of services, who will undertake the project or activity and an outline of key services and output.
2. Assessment.
Once this round of the Business Boost Grant has closed, the Queensland Government will run a competitive assessment process.
3. Outcomes.
All applicants will receive outcome notification. Successful applicants will receive a letter of approval outlining their funding agreement.
4. Funding agreement.
Once you have received approval, you will enter into a funding agreement with DESBT.
5. Recipients complete their project.
All successful applicants of the Queensland Business Boost Grant have 12 months of receiving their approval letter to complete their project.
6. Acquittal report, grant payment and survey.
All recipients of the Business Boost Grant must complete and submit an acquittal report. They must keep all application evidence, supplier quotes, corresponding invoices and bank transactions for the acquittal process.
For more information about the Business Boost Grant Program…
If you have any questions or queries about the Queensland Business Boost Grant Program, visit the Queensland Government website or call the general information line on 13QGOV (13 74 68). However, if you’re planning on applying for the grant and need a quote for a new website, contact our team at Localsearch. We’re ready to help you grow your business online with our award-nominated website services.