Queensland Small Business Month kicks off with $2.5 million business boost

Queensland small businesses contribute around $119 billion to the State’s economy annually.

Queensland Small Business Month will see events held from the Northern Peninsula Area to the Southern Gold Coast and include “Custard Apple Muster Day” in Bundaberg and also the Bundaberg and District Chamber of Commerce will allow small businesses to take the time to reflect on their successes and celebrate with like-minded people at their networking event on 31 May.

In support of small business and recognition of the month, the $2.5 million Business Growth Fund grant program has opened.

Small businesses will be able to apply for grants of up to $75,000 to help eligible businesses kick start their next growth opportunity and boost their productivity and confidence to scale up.

This year’s Small Business Month events continue to tackle the big and important issues for small business owners across the state like cyber security, talent retention, growth and financial literacy.

The events will help them connect with local resources and networks, which can make all the difference when it comes to finding support and growing a business.

In addition to the face-to-face events, this year QSBMonline is providing easy access to online sessions.

Small business owners can learn about topics such as social media and digital marketing, workforce planning and management, and innovation to grow a business.

To register for or list an event, go to business.qld.gov.au/qsbm

Minister for Employment and Small Business and Minister for Training and Skills Development Di Farmer said our amazing Queensland small business were the heart and soul of our communities, from the cities and towns to our isolated rural areas and I urge Queenslanders to show some love to your hard working local.

“We can’t survive without small businesses and they can’t survive without us,” Ms Farmer said.

“I urge Queenslanders to get out in their community and back your small business by shopping local, sharing on social media what is special about your favourite local business, writing a review and telling your friends.

“I also encourage small business owners and operators to register for one of the many events across the state where they can share ideas and expand their networks.”

The Business Growth Fund grants program targets high-growth businesses who can accelerate growth, drive Queensland’s economy, and employ more Queenslanders.

Grants between $50,000 and $75,000 are available for small to medium-sized businesses in this $2.5 million round of the Business Growth Fund.

The program provides funding for high-growth businesses to buy specialised equipment, enabling them to unlock growth potential, increase production, expand their workforce, and maximise economic returns to move them into the next stage of growth.

Expressions of interest can be submitted from Monday 8 May 2023 and will close at 5pm on Friday 2 June 2023.