- 30 regional Event Delivery Grants awarded for Queensland Small Business Month.
- Groups including Chambers of Commerce, industry associations, and councils will help their local small businesses build resilience and embrace new opportunities.
- Events contribute to a packed program being delivered to support small businesses in all corners of Queensland to grow and thrive.
- The Crisafulli Government is delivering a plan for Queensland's future and a better lifestyle through a stronger economy after a decade of decline under Labor.
The Crisafulli Government is delivering on its commitment to support regional small and family businesses across Queensland, with dozens set to benefit from 30 grants awarded to local groups to host events during Queensland Small Business Month this May.
The Event Delivery Grants have been awarded to Chambers of Commerce, industry associations, and local councils across 28 regions to support tailored events that help small businesses build resilience and embrace new opportunities.
It's just one of the ways the Crisafulli Government is delivering a plan for Queensland's future and a better lifestyle through a stronger economy, after a decade of decline under Labor.
These events will help small and family businesses build resilience, embrace innovation, and seize opportunities, including those presented by the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games and the rapidly evolving digital landscape.
Last year the Crisafulli Government put a stop to the previous Labor Government funded, champagne cork popping, red carpet celebrations that failed to deliver the tools small and family businesses needed to grow.
Labor's decade of decline failed to deliver the support small and family business needed to build resilience and embrace new opportunities.
The Crisafulli Government has already delivered a range of new grants which include improvements to small business safety, supported small and family businesses to better train and retain apprentices, and provided better access to more government procurement.
The event grant complements a packed program for Queensland Small Business Month, including three flagship expos being held in Brisbane, Gold Coast, and Cairns throughout May.
Minister for Small and Family Business Steve Minnikin said the grants reflected the Crisafulli Government's commitment to supporting small businesses by investing in their local communities.
"Small and family businesses are the backbone of our state's economy and Queensland Small Business Month is about empowering them to embrace new opportunities and drive growth within their communities," Minister Minnikin said.
"By funding local groups to deliver these events, we're not just supporting small and family businesses, we're also investing in the communities that rely on them.
"These grants ensure small and family businesses in every corner of Queensland have access to the tools, resources, and connections they need to grow and thrive, no matter where they're located."
From an AI in Business Workshop in Barcaldine to a Future Ready Growers masterclass in Yandina, Queensland Small Business Month will deliver events to regions far and wide, focusing on innovation, digital transformation, leadership, and practical guidance for small business growth.
Somerset Business Chamber's Bronwyn Hagelaar said the $2,500 grant would allow the Chamber to host an event highlighting the importance of building mental resilience and digital capability for small and family businesses in the region.
"Our role as a Chamber is to fill resource gaps by delivering events that provide meaningful learning experiences for our members," Mrs Hagelaar said.
"The grant enables access to specialist expertise not readily available in regional areas.
"Participation in Queensland Small Business Month ensures Somerset businesses stay connected, informed and competitive in a rapidly changing environment."
CEO at Master Plumbers' Association of Queensland Penny Cornah said the grant wiould enable the organisation to support women in plumbing through professional development workshops, helping to address operating and workforce challenges faced by regional businesses.
"Our event will bring together women in plumbing to access professional development through workshops on leadership development, skills building, and networking, empowering participants to strengthen their careers and build confidence," Ms Cornah said.
"Queensland Small Business Month provides a valuable opportunity for businesses to connect, learn and strengthen their resilience, ensuring they are better equipped to grow and succeed in a changing environment."
To find a full list of successful grant recipients, or to get involved in Queensland Small Business Month, register an event or find out more, head to business.qld.gov.au/qsbm .
