Small businesses across South West Queensland are set to receive a $5,000 grant from the first round of the Palaszczuk Government's Business Basics grants program.
Minister for Employment and Small Business Di Farmer said the successful businesses are currently being notified.
"Backing small businesses is central to the Palaszczuk Government's $14.2 billion COVID-19 Economic Recovery Plan, and these grants are one of the ways we're doing that," Minister Farmer said.
"After listening to small business owners throughout the state at the Small Business Roadshow, we launched these Business Basics Grants as part of our Big Plans for Small Business package during Small Business month earlier this year.
"The grants were open to businesses, including non-employing sole traders, with a turnover of up to $300,000."
Minister Farmer said more than 70 businesses in South West Queensland had been awarded the $5,000 grant.
"The Business Basics grants are designed to help businesses in Toowoomba increase their core capabilities and ability to adopt current best practice," Minister Farmer said.
"They can be used for activities such as training and coaching, website development and upgrades, and strategic marketing."
CSG Plumbing and Gas is one of the Toowoomba small businesses to receive a $5,000 grant.
Craig and Susan Geran have run the business for over eight years and are excited to receive the grant to help it grow further.
"Currently we have to outsource a service, the grant will be used to get Craig trained and certified so that we can provide that service directly," Susan said.
The grant will also be used to upgrade our current website that was established when the business first opened. The website changes will include the extra services we provide now and examples of projects and work completed over the previous eight years.
"Seeing the Business Basics target family businesses like ours was just great, and we're looking forward to putting it to use now."
Business Basics are the first of three Big Plans for Small Business Grants programs to be awarded.
"The recipients of the new Business Boost and Business Growth Fund grants will be announced in coming months," Minister Farmer said.
"The different grant programs target specific groups within the sector and continue to deliver on the government's commitments under the Big Plans for Small Business Strategy.
"The Business Boost grants of up to $15,000 will help small businesses to improve their efficiency and productivity through organisational development, while the $50,000 Business Growth Fund grants will allow businesses to buy highly specialised equipment to seize and accelerate growth opportunities.
"The type of grants, business requirements and the application process are a direct result of feedback from the Small Business Roadshow."
The Business Basics Grants are in addition to the recently announced COVID-19 Business Support Grants jointly funded by the State and Federal Governments.
"Applications are now open for grants of between $10,000 and $30,000 for businesses in Toowoomba that have been impacted by recent lockdowns - with money already on its way to the first businesses - as well as information on the support for non-employing sole traders," Minister Farmer said.
"There's also the cleaning rebate for exposure sites and nearly $50 million in support and benefits for tourism and hospitality businesses.
"As well as financial assistance there is a range of tailored one on one support including our Mentoring for Growth program, Small Business Financial Counsellors, and the Queensland Small Business Commissioner.
"I'd encourage all businesses to head to www.business.qld.gov.au to make sure you're taking advantage of the range of support available."
