The Queensland Government will open the next round of its Business Basics grants on Wednesday 4 May, with guidelines now open so that businesses can start preparing their applications.
Minister for Employment and Small Business Di Farmer said this would be the third round for Business Basics, which is one of the grants programs delivered under the Big Plans for Small Business Strategy.
"Business Basics offers grants of $5000 to assist new and emerging businesses to improve their day-to-day operations by upgrading their core skills or adopting best practices," Minister Farmer said.
"There is $5 million in total available through this round and we are dedicating $1.5 million of that to assist businesses from regional Queensland, because they are the heartbeat of regional communities.
"This extra support can help businesses across the state to sort out a key challenge they are facing and build up their capacity to deliver the services or goods their clients and customers want from them. For example, over half of all projects funded under Business Basics to date have supported businesses to enhance their online and digital presence, which is critical for future growth.
"There are a range of other purposes that the grant can be used for, with some businesses seeking expert advice on how to improve their operations or develop stronger plans for the future.
"Often small business owners spend so much time working in their business, they don't have the time or expertise to do anything extra. This grant has the benefit of prompting them to look for better ways to deliver their goods or services to their clients or customers."
Business Basics program guidelines, FAQs and other information for the next funding round is online now at www.business.qld.gov.au/businessbasics
"We heard from small business owners that they want the time to prepare their application before a grant opens. So we have listened to this feedback and released the guidelines before the grants open making sure small business owners can consider their options, ask questions and prepare their applications," Minister Farmer said.
"These grants have been incredibly popular to date and I encourage interested businesses to start preparing their applications now.
"Applications for these grants will open on Wednesday 4 May, which is an excellent way to kick off Queensland Small Business Month and to encourage our businesses and entrepreneurs to keep pursuing their goals.
"Since they opened in 2021, Business Basics and the other grants in the Big Plans for Small Business Strategy — Business Boost and the Business Growth Fund — have committed more than $20 million to support 3,440 businesses across the state.
"We committed to deliver more than $25 million worth of small business grants and we are closing in on that figure, with new rounds of Business Growth Fund and Business Boost Grants set to open in the coming months."
