Small businesses across the Sunshine 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."
Member for Caloundra, Jason Hunt, said more than 200 businesses in the Sunshine Coast had been awarded the $5,000 grant.
"The Business Basics grants, aimed at sole traders and small businesses with a turnover of up to $300,000, are designed to help businesses in the Sunshine Coast increase their core capabilities and ability to adopt current best practice," Mr. Hunt said.
"They can be used for activities such as training and coaching, website development and upgrades, and strategic marketing."
Snake Rescue Sunny Coast was one of the businesses to receive a grant.
Ryan Fuller will use the grant to upgrade their website so that potential customers can find the business easier when they need someone to handle a snake on their property.
"Heading into breeding season in September and then the warmer months through to the end of May will be the busy time for us, and we're hoping this grant will help us attract more business," Ryan said.
"We've been building up our business and the Business Basics grant was a good opportunity to get some support to keep improving our website."
Member for Nicklin, Robert Skelton, 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," Mr Skelton 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."
Minister Farmer 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 Sunshine Coast 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."
