Grants update.

The Queensland Government have introduced the Small Businesses Strategy 2021-23, with plans to invest $140 million dollars over two years to support small businesses economic recovery and business growth.

This strategy was created after The Palaszczuk Government completed the tour across Queensland, hosting sessions with over 1400 small businesses and carried out a Small Business Survey with 2500 participants. The objective of this survey was to gain a greater understanding of the challenges small businesses are facing in different regions and industries and acting accordingly.

With tailored support and flexible programs, The Department of Employment, Small Business and Training are hopeful in producing positive benefits for small businesses, offering funds to cater to 4 main focus areas:

1. Skills to Succeed: Identify priority skills, to build foundation skills, minimise skill shortages and focus on jobs in demand.
2. Building Business Skills: Tailored one-on-one support, access to new information and online tools and formalised training pathways to provide flexibility for small businesses.
3. Grow Your Business: Access to new customers and international markets, adopt new processes, implement new ways of doing business and drive job creation by providing funding to support innovation and expansion into new markets.
4. Doing Business Better: Increasing opportunities for small businesses to supply to the government, reducing compliance, connecting businesses with the right information at the right time and providing clearer pathways for small businesses to resolve disputes.

​Utilising this strategy could possibly support small businesses in economic recovery and increase growth. It could also be used to educate and up-skill business owners and employees which will assist in opening new business pathways and opportunities, driving job growth and supporting regional economies and communities.

More information can be found on the Queensland Department of Employment, Small Business and Training website.

Small Business Grants are inclusive, offering up to $25 million dollars throughout the 2 year period with these objectives in mind:

• Increase core capabilities and keep up with best practice - Business Basics Grant.
• Advance efficiency and productivity - Business Boost Grant.
• Accelerate and seize growth opportunities - Business Growth Fund.

​These grants all have terms, conditions and eligibility criteria, so take your time to read through the fine print. Good luck!