- The Crisafulli Government is investing $11.5 million to provide free courses in AI, cyber security and procurement to help small and family businesses grow and adapt.
- Delivered by the University of the Sunshine Coast, the program will add six new micro-credential courses by 2029 to upskill small and family businesses.
- This initiative forms part of the Crisafulli Government's Small and Family Business First Action Statement, supporting businesses to start, grow, and thrive.
Small and family businesses across the State will benefit from the Crisafulli Government's expanded $11.5 million micro-credentials program, offering free courses to help them grow, adapt, and seize opportunities.
The program is delivering a plan for Queensland's future with the University of the Sunshine Coast.
Micro-credentials offer short, focused courses to develop skills and train staff in targeted topics that reflect the current needs of the small business sector.
Six new courses will be introduced by 2029 as part of an expansion and will be tailored to meet industry needs and equip small businesses with the skills and tools required to succeed in a competitive and evolving economy.
The courses are part of a plan to end a decade of decline under the former Labor Government where champagne cork popping, red carpet celebrations failed to deliver the tools small and family businesses needed to grow.
The micro-credential program will offer courses on AI, procurement and cyber security, among others to equip small and family businesses with the opportunity to upskill and stay ahead.
Designed to meet the needs of busy small business owners, the initiative offers flexible delivery options, including face-to-face, online learning, and Hybrid-Flexible formats ensuring accessibility for businesses regardless of their location, schedule, or learning preferences.
This initiative is an election commitment and forms part of the Crisafulli Government's Small and Family Business First Action Statement, helping businesses start, grow, and thrive.
Minister for Small and Family Business Steve Minnikin said the micro-credentials program delivered practical tools and targeted support to help small and family businesses overcome challenges, drive growth, and build resilience.
"Small and family businesses are the backbone of Queensland's economy, driving jobs, innovation, and growth in communities across the State," Minister Minnikin said.
"This $11.5 million investment will give small and family businesses the practical tools and support they need to grow, invest and strengthen their resilience in a changing economic landscape.
"We've also made accessibility a priority, offering flexible delivery options including face-to-face, online, and hybrid-flexible formats."
Member for Buderim Brent Mickelberg said the free courses being delivered by the University of Sunshine Coast would give business owners and managers the skills to plan effectively, overcome challenges, and embrace new opportunities.
"From mastering planning to leveraging digital tools, these programs are tailored to meet the real-world needs of Queensland small businesses," Minister Mickelberg said.
"Whether you're in a regional town or a busy city, these courses are available to help small and family businesses across Queensland adapt, grow, and stay competitive."
Vice-Chancellor and President of University of the Sunshine Coast Professor Helen Bartlett said the expanded micro-credentials program would give small and family businesses accessible and practical training to build skills and respond to change.
"University of the Sunshine Coast is proud to partner with the Crisafulli Government to deliver flexible, industry-relevant micro-credentials that support the real needs of small and family businesses," Professor Bartlett said.
"By designing courses that are targeted, contemporary and accessible, we can help ensure business owners and their staff have access to learning that is both relevant and immediately useful to their business operations."
