Grants made available to help small and medium businesses

SMALL and medium businesses across Queensland can now apply for grants of up to $50,000 to help them grow and create jobs.

shallow focus photo of white open sigange — Photo by Tim Mossholder on Pexels.com

Minister for Employment and Small Business Di Farmer said $2.5-millio of Business Growth Fund grants will help established businesses get to the next level.

“The Business Growth Fund grants are the first in a package of $25-million of new grants unveiled as part of Queensland Small Business Month,” Ms Farmer said.

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“The package also includes new programs, Business Basics and Business Boost, which will open for applications later this month and next financial year.”

Ms Farmer said the State Government’s investment of a further $25-million in grants is a response to the feedback received from the state-wide Small Business Roadshow and an online survey.

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“Small businesses have told us our grants have helped them survive the impacts of COVID-19 and we have listened to structure the new grants program based on direct feedback from thousands of small business owners,” she said.

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“We know that small businesses across Queensland are at distinctly different stages, and that’s why our new support programs reflect this, and will deliver additional funding to ensure more businesses bounce back better.”

The Minister said in response to feedback from the small business sector, there will be more assistance with the application process and greater lead in time after the release of criteria for each grant program allowing small business owners time to plan and prepare.

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“A new requirement for the Business Growth Fund is that applicants have a mentoring session to support them to fully explore their business proposition and how best to take bold steps for their future,” Ms Farmer said.

“This is to support the businesses to ensure that this program can help position them for success.

“The Business Growth Fund aims to help evolving small and medium sized businesses to buy highly specialised equipment to accelerate growth opportunities.

“We want to make it as easy as possible for more businesses to apply for the $25-million in grants on offer over the next two years.