Small businesses across the Gold Coast are set to receive $5,000 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."
Member for Gaven, Meaghan Scanlon said more than 400 businesses on the Gold Coast had been awarded the $5,000 grant.
"The Business Basics grants are designed to help businesses on the Gold Coast increase their core capabilities and ability to adopt current best practice," Ms Scanlon said.
"They can be used for activities such as training and coaching, website development and upgrades, and strategic marketing."
Eriksson Engineering Solutions based in Varsity Lakes was one of the businesses to receive a grant.
Director and Principal Electrical RPEQ and ESD Engineer Dr Emma Eriksson said most of the $5,000 will allow her to expand her already growing experience in renewable energy by participating and undertaking industry approved courses in the design of hybrid renewable energy systems with storage.
"A portion of the grant will also be dedicated to smart web design for an online interactive edge," Emma said.
"It's about continually learning and networking with industry peers to expand my growing business.
"We are growing through word of mouth particularly in the Electrical, ESD and renewable energy space. With Search Engine Optimisation (SEO) the business hopes to grow a stronger competitive online environment to provide an effective and strong performing layout and functionality in today's virtual world.
"The goal is for Eriksson Engineering Solution's competitiveness to increase due to awareness of the business through modern professional marketing media."
Ms Scanlon said Business Basics were 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," Ms Scanlon 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."
Ms Scanlon said 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 the Gold Coast that have been impacted by recent lockdowns - with money already on the way to the first businesses - as well as information on the support for non-employing sole traders," Ms Scanlon 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."
