Top Small Business Grants for QLD Business Owners (Updated 2023)
Starting and running a small business can be challenging, especially when it comes to financing. However, small business grants can provide a much-needed boost to help entrepreneurs achieve their business goals. In Queensland, there are various government-funded small business grants and programs available to support business growth and development. These grants are designed to provide funds for numerous businesses to support their operations, innovation, and expansion.
Whether it’s through mentoring, financial support, or business development opportunities, these grants can be a game-changer for small business owners in Queensland. This comprehensive guide will provide an overview of the available grants, eligibility criteria, application process, and other useful information to help you take advantage of these opportunities and grow your business.
Queensland Small Business Grants Schedule
The Queensland Government offers a range of small business grants and programs to support entrepreneurs in their business growth opportunities. The following is an overview of the grant rounds for 2022 and some of the previous grant programs and their success stories.
Grant Rounds for 2023
The following are the small business grant rounds for 2023:
| Grant | Eligible Candidates | Funding Amount/ Support | Application Date |
| Business Growth Fund Program | Small to medium-sized businesses with 5–49 employees (headcount) | $50,000 to $75,000 per project | 8 May 2023 – 2 June 2023 |
| One Business | Innovators, Entrepreneurs, and Small business owner/s | workshops and a health check of your business, digital workshops, procurement training, and one-on-one mentoring, and networking and pitching or promoting your business at an event. | Thursday Island Venue: TAFE Queensland Campus, 19 Aplin Street, Thursday Island May 24- 26, 2023 Build your business program (online) Venue: Online • Pitch Training Day 1 – TBC • Pitch Training Day 2 – TBC • Meet-the-buyers – 20th June |
| Indigenous Native Food Program | Indigenous business that includes native food with the intention to rapidly scale. | Support for the native food industry and jobs for Indigenous people and communities | Applications will remain open. The decision to award support is at the discretion of the Queensland Government and all decisions are final. |
| Female Founders Co-Investment Fund | Business owner/s | $50,000 to $200,000 | Applications will remain open until all funds have been allocated. |
| Mentoring for Growth Program | Business owner/s | Business mentoring | Applications will remain open. |
Business Growth Fund Program
The Business Growth Fund Program is designed to help small and medium-sized businesses in Queensland grow and expand. The program provides grants of up to $50,000-$75,000 to eligible businesses.
One Business
One Business provides eligible small businesses with access to a range of support services, including funding, mentoring, and networking opportunities, to help them grow and succeed.
Indigenous Native Food Program
The Indigenous Native Food Program supports the development of Indigenous native food businesses in Queensland. The program has helped to create more than 50 new jobs and has generated more than $5 million in economic activity.
Female Founders Co-Investment Fund
The Female Founder Co-Investment Fund aims to support female-led startups and early-stage businesses in Queensland by providing co-investment to help them grow and succeed.
Mentoring for Growth Program
The Mentoring for Growth Program offers free business mentoring services to small business owners in Queensland. Since its launch, the program has helped more than 7,000 numerous business owners to improve their operations and profitability.
Closed Grants and Programs
Some of the closed grant programs include:
Accelerating Female Founders Program
The Accelerating Female Founders Program provides funding and access to business experts’ mentoring to female entrepreneurs in Queensland. Since its launch, the program has helped to support more than 200 female-led businesses.
Business Boost Grant Program
The QLD Business Boost Grant Program is a program offered by the Queensland Government to help small businesses grow and develop. The grant fund provides up to $15,000 in funding to eligible businesses to help with activities such as software upgrades, staff training and development, and marketing strategy and advertising campaigns.
Ignite Ideas Fund
The Ignite Ideas Fund is designed to support startups and early-stage businesses in Queensland. The program provides up to $250,000 in funding to eligible businesses.
COVID-19 Adaption Grant Program
This program provided funding to help small businesses impacted by the pandemic to adapt and evolve. The program provided up to $10,000 in funding to eligible businesses.
In conclusion, the Queensland Government offers a range of small business grants and programs to support entrepreneurs. By taking advantage of these grant opportunities, small business owners can access funding and resources to help grow and develop their businesses.
Suggested Reading: 27 Surefire Ways to Improve Cash Flow For Small Businesses
Other Available Small Business Grants in Queensland
Small businesses are the backbone of the Queensland economy, and the government recognises the importance of supporting them through various grant programs. The Queensland Government offers several grant programs designed to provide financial support and guidance to small businesses operating within the state.
The Queensland Government Grants Finder is a valuable resource that can help small business owners find and apply for relevant grants such as:
The Advance Queensland Accelerate Small Business Grants Program and Business Development Fund
These are two programs that offer financial support to eligible small businesses to help them grow, innovate and commercialise new ideas.
The City of Gold Coast Programs and Brisbane City Council Grants
These are also available for eligible businesses to access funding, advice, and mentoring support.
Department of Employment, Small Business, and Training
They provide a range of resources, services, and support to assist and provide business tips on how to start, grow and succeed.
Entrepreneurs of Tomorrow Grants
The Entrepreneurs of Tomorrow Grants are designed to support young entrepreneurs in Queensland aged between 15-24 years old. The grants aim to provide financial support to help young entrepreneurs start or grow their businesses.
Extraordinary Disaster Assistance Recovery Grants
The Extraordinary Disaster Assistance Recovery Grants are aimed at supporting small businesses in Queensland affected by natural disasters, including floods and bushfires. The grants provide financial assistance to help businesses recover and rebuild after a disaster.
$5000 to grow your business
The $5000 to grow your business grant is aimed at helping small businesses in Queensland grow and expand their operations. The grant provides funding for a range of business activities, including strategic marketing plans and advertising, website development, and staff training.
When applying for grants for business owners, it is important to thoroughly review the guidelines for each grant before applying to determine eligibility and ensure that you provide all required information and documentation.
By accessing government business grants, small businesses in Queensland can gain the tools and resources they need to thrive and contribute to the state’s economy and ensure business continuity.
Eligibility and Application Process
To qualify for a small business grant in Queensland, business applicants need to meet specific eligibility criteria, which can vary depending on the program. Typically, successful applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Must have a Queensland business address
- Business operations must be in Queensland
- Must be registered
- and have an active Australian Business Number (ABN)
Additionally, some grants have specific application guidelines, such as targeting businesses in certain industries or locations or requiring specific levels of turnover or employee numbers. To apply for a small business grant in Queensland, businesses will typically need to complete an application form and provide supporting key documents, such as:
- financial statements
- business plans
- and proposals
Conclusion
Small business grants are a valuable resource for business owners in Queensland looking to grow and develop their businesses. The Queensland government offers a variety of grants and programs to support small businesses. Eligibility and application processes vary for each program, so it’s important to do your research and ensure you meet the requirements before applying. It’s also helpful to seek assistance from government agencies or professional services to increase your chances of success. Small business grant funds can provide the support and funding needed to achieve business goals and drive economic growth in Queensland.
How Mobo Co can help small businesses
Mobo Co’s coworking space offers a cost-effective solution for businesses in Queensland looking to get their start. With a variety of small business grants available, Mobo Co provides an ideal environment for entrepreneurs to network, learn, and grow. Additionally, the Indigenous Native Food Program and Accelerating Female Founders Program support diversity and inclusivity, values that Mobo Co holds dear. By providing a supportive and collaborative atmosphere, Mobo Co can give small businesses a headstart and help them achieve their goals without the added burden of renting their own office building.
Suggested Reading: The 5 Stages of Small Business Growth (And How to Succeed in Them)
Frequently asked questions on small business grants in Queensland
How do I know if I qualify for a small business grant in Queensland?
Each grant program has specific eligibility criteria, so it’s important to read the guidelines carefully to determine if you meet the requirements. Typically, grant programs will require you to have a registered business operating in Queensland, meet certain turnover thresholds, and be able to demonstrate how the grant funding will help your business grow or develop.
Can I apply for multiple small business grants in Queensland?
Yes, you can typically apply for multiple grant funding programs in Queensland as long as you meet the eligibility criteria for each program and can demonstrate how the funding will be used to benefit your business.
