- The Crisafulli Government is delivering a bumper program to get small and family business Future Ready during Queensland Small Business Month in May.
- Grants are now open for local groups and regional councils to host events to help small and family businesses leverage future opportunities.
- For the first time, corporate organisations can register as official collaboration partners to deliver events in their community or industry.
- One-day expos in Brisbane, the Gold Coast and Cairns will deliver wraparound support, expert advice and practical education for small and family businesses.
This year's theme focuses on equipping small and family businesses with the tools, skills and connections they need to build resilience and seize future opportunities, including those presented by the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games and an ever-changing digital landscape.
Applications are open for the Event Delivery Grant, to support events that provide upskilling and connection building throughout May, as part of the Crisafulli Government's plan for Queensland's future.
Thirty grants of $2,500 will be awarded to eligible Chambers of Commerce, industry groups, and regional councils.
The Crisafulli Government is utilising funding to support small and family businesses to grow, rather than support the previous Labor-funded, champagne cork popping, red carpet celebrations.
For the first time, corporate organisations will be able to join the Collaboration Partner Program during Queensland Small Business Month, a unique opportunity to connect, engage and support Queensland's 508,000-strong small and family business community.
These official partners will be responsible for delivering events, such as digital skills workshops or networking sessions, that help build the resilience of their local small and family business community.
Also in the Queensland Small Business Month program are three Queensland Government delivered in-person expos in Brisbane, the Gold Coast and Cairns, providing small and family businesses with:
- Small business services exhibition: Access information and services from key government agencies and industry. Explore opportunities linked to government procurement and major projects like the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
- Specialised business support: Get one-on-one advice from business mentors, financial counsellors and cybersecurity experts.
- Presentations: Learn from industry leaders through panel discussions and practical sessions.
A series of free online activities will also be available for small and family business owners to learn how to master digital tools, secure finances and leverage future opportunities.
Minister for Small and Family Business Steve Minnikin emphasised that Queensland Small Business Month is about equipping small and family business owners with the tools and skills they need to achieve long-term success.
"This year's Queensland Small Business Month theme of Future Ready is all about helping small and family businesses build longevity and resilience to achieve long-term success," Minister Minnikin said.
"Queensland's more than 508,000 small and family businesses are the backbone of our economy, and this bumper program is our way of championing this vital sector.
"I encourage corporate organisations to register to become an inaugural official collaboration partner in Queensland Small Business Month to support their small business community or industry."
Member for Condamine Pat Weir said small businesses were the lifeblood of local Queensland communities.
"Whether it's a café in Caloundra, an accountancy business in Mt Isa or an engineering firm in Condamine, there is an opportunity for all small businesses to engage in Queensland Small Business Month this May," Mr Weir said.
"Local businesses are so important to our local economies and provide more than 1 million jobs for Queenslanders and we are committed to continuing to support them to prosper now and into the future."
