- The Crisafulli Government's micro-credentials program kicks off in Far North Queensland to further support small and family businesses.
- The courses being delivered are Artificial Intelligence, Business Planning, Continuity and Resilience, and Workforce Development to improve business resilience, operating efficiency and growth for small and family business.
- The Crisafulli Government is delivering a better lifestyle through a stronger economy as part of the Small and Family Business First Action Statement, after a decade of decline under Labor.
The Crisafulli Government is backing small and family businesses, with its free micro-credentials program kicking off in Cairns this week.
Almost 80 small and family businesses have today begun free in-person and on-line micro-credentials courses that are building skills, teaching AI, strengthening resilience and unlocking new opportunities for growth.
The Crisafulli Government's $11.5 million micro-credentials program gives small business owners free face-to-face learning and the opportunity to connect with like-minded peers, share experiences, and strengthen local networks.
The courses are part of a plan to support small business to grow following a decade of decline under the former Labor Government, which failed to deliver the tools small and family businesses needed.
The Crisafulli Government is standing with small and family businesses who are also facing multiple challenges from the Federal Labor Government, including interest rate rises, rising fuel costs and changes to the taxation of discretionary trusts.
Enrolled participants in the AI course, being delivered by the University of the Sunshine Coast, are learning how to leverage the rapidly growing technology by gaining insight into identifying practical ways it can save time, improve customer service, and support their business growth.
Other courses starting this week include Business Planning, Continuity and Resilience and Workforce Development.
More courses, including further face-to-face options in regional locations, will become available in 2027.
Minister for Small and Family Business, Steve Minnikin said the program aimed to support Small and Family Business that are vital to the economy.
"We know it can be difficult for business owners to step away from running their businesses to undertake training, which is why these courses have been designed with flexibility front of mind," Minister Minnikin said.
"Whether you're based in Cairns, Cape York, or Currumbin, small and family businesses can access practical, industry-relevant training online or face-to-face.
"Busy small business owners who have registered and are undertaking the courses can learn when and where it suits them."
Member for Barron River Bree James said flexible online and self-paced options were available over six weeks with weekly two-hour workshops, designed to deliver practical skills without disrupting day-to-day operations.
"I'm particularly excited to see the AI course being launched in Cairns, helping local small businesses understand how emerging technologies can boost productivity, improve customer experiences and unlock new opportunities for growth," Ms James said.
"It's been a pleasure to meet with small business owners undertaking the course to hear directly from them how beneficial our investment in their learning is."
University of the Sunshine Coast Vice-Chancellor and President Professor Helen Bartlett, said the University was pleased to be providing business owners the tools, knowledge and networks they need to thrive.
"UniSC is proud to partner with the Queensland Government to deliver practical learning opportunities that respond to the real needs of small and family businesses," Professor Bartlett said.
"Regional businesses are facing a rapidly evolving operating environment, and access to targeted, flexible training can make a significant difference to their ability to adapt, innovate and grow."
