The Palaszczuk Government is continuing to support Queensland’s regional small businesses with the second round of $5,000 Business Basics Grants opening at 9am on Wednesday September 8.

Minister for Employment and Small Business Di Farmer said the grants are a part of the government’s Big Plans for Small Business Strategy and the $14.2 billion COVID-19 Economic Recovery Plan.

“The hugely popular Business Basics grant was launched on May 31, and as we had acted on the feedback from my Small Business Roadshow and shared details and an example application form in advance, we received thousands of applications very quickly,” Minister Farmer said.

“While it was fantastic that there were so many people ready to go with strong applications, the last round was oversubscribed so it’s running again exclusively in regional Queensland.

“Like the first round, the program is expected to be popular, and may close quickly.

“Guidelines, FAQs and an example application form have been online since August 25. If you haven’t already, now’s the time to get your application in order so you’re ready to apply as soon as the grants open on Wednesday.

“The grants are aimed at sole traders and small businesses with a turnover of up to $300,000, are designed to help regional businesses increase their core capabilities and ability to adopt current best practice.

“They can be used for activities such as training and coaching, website development and upgrades, and strategic marketing.”

One of the Business Basics Round 1 recipients is digital technology education and knowledge centre Digital Playhouse based in Agnes Water.

Playhouse Director Electra Frost said the grant would help their business prepare locals and entrepreneurs for the ‘fourth industrial revolution’ known as Industry 4.0.

“We facilitate digital literacy training for people of all ages, including children, to learn future skills and adapt existing skills to new ways of working and doing business – we even teach children to code,” Ms Frost said.

“The grant will help us continue to navigate communities in the Gladstone region through massive technological change.”

Round 2 of the Business Basics Grants program will close when funds are exhausted. Regional small businesses are strongly encouraged to review the guidelines in advance and prepare their application early.

These grants are in addition to the recently announced COVID-19 Business Support Grants.

For more information visit www.business.qld.gov.au/business-basics

For information on the range of support available businesses can call the 24/7 Small Business Hotline on 1300 654 687

Media contact: Kate Talbot 07 4124 2526

Audio clip available here: https://bit.ly/38Y4tgN