I always consider business to be a big game of Tetris and nothing more so that slotting in innovation, creativity and growth with the delicate balance of the finite resources of money, time and people.

Any assistance in this game is appreciated and the Queensland Government provides some very cool grants to support business.  We have have collated a few. Do you know of any more ? Let us know.

In order for Queensland to be  competitive and responsive to technology and knowledge evolution in the future businesses need to be sustainable, innovative and dynamic. For this to happen in the future, we need investment, a business culture and support framework that values knowledge development, innovation and creative thinking.

Miranda Hamilton

Traineeships

Leveraging Government incentives for Administrative trainees provide options to grow skills, bring on new people to enable makes this challenge easier and more sustainable.

Traineeships provide training and wage subsidies for individuals undertaking a Certificate III in Business, Business Administration, Business Administration (Tourism) and Accounts Administration. Further subsidies are provided for mature age, disadvantaged and those with a disability.

https://learningpartnerships.edu.au/business/traineeships-government-insentives/

QLD Government Youth Boost

From 1 July 2017, the Queensland Government’s Back to Work South East Queensland program will provide support for employers who hire a long term unemployed or young unemployed jobseeker in the South East Queensland region. Employer Support and Youth Boost Payments will be available for employers who hire an eligible jobseeker between 1 July 2017 and 30 June 2018 (subject to the availability of funds).

For Employers

QLD Small Business Digital Grants Program

The Small Business Digital Grants Program provides small businesses with access to digital technologies and services to enable them to work smarter, engage with the global economy and make the most of online business opportunities arising from digital disruption.

The Grant matches funding of up to $10,000 (excluding GST) to eligible businesses for the purchase of hardware, software and services (such as digital coaching). The business must show that the digital technology or service purchased and adopted will enhance the digital capabilities of their business and help them to be more competitive and employ more staff.

https://www.business.qld.gov.au/starting-business/advice-support/grants/digital-grants

Small business Entrepreneur Grants Program

The Small Business Entrepreneur Grants Program provides new small businesses access to professional advice and support in the critical early stages of establishing a business.

Funding of up to $5000.00 (excluding GST) to eligible businesses to engage a consultant, advisor, or business coach to help establish or develop the business. The advice must fall under 1 or more of the following areas:

• professional business, tax, computing, legal or financial (accounting) advice
• mentoring/coaching such as the such as the Business Booster Program and Thrive Program.
• business and strategic planning
• market research and marketing strategies, including branding strategies and social media/digital strategies.

https://www.business.qld.gov.au/starting-business/advice-support/grants/entrepreneur-grants

Accelerate Small Business Grants Program

The Queensland Government is providing $3 million in grant funding over 3 years to established Queensland-based small businesses to engage an advisory board or independent advisor, for between 6–12 months. (An advisory board provides non-binding strategic advice to a management team). The Accelerate Small Business Grants Program provides targeted assistance to small businesses that demonstrate high-growth and employment aspirations, to engage high-level expertise in their business for an extended period. This program matches funding of up to $10,000 (excluding GST) for eligible businesses to engage business mentors, coaches, or an advisory board for between 6-12 months.

https://www.business.qld.gov.au/starting-business/advice-support/grants/accelerate-grants

Innovation Funding

The Entrepreneurs’ Infrastructure Program, delivered by the Australian Government  provides support and funding for small and medium businesses to improve business capability and competitiveness, promote economic growth and support the commercialisation of new ideas. Current programs include:

• Business Evaluations – an assessment conducted at a business’ premises, resulting in a detailed report and recommendations for improvements.
• Business Growth Grants – small, co-funded grants to engage external expertise to assist businesses with implementing improvements recommended by their Business Evaluation.
• Innovation Connections – a facilitated service to:
  • identify critical and strategic research needs and opportunities for the business;
  • support the business to connect with sources of expertise, technology and advice;
  • provide pathways to engage and collaborate with the research sector.
• Accelerating Commercialisation – help for entrepreneurs, researchers, startups and businesses to address key challenges on the commercialisation pathway of bringing novel products, processes and service to the market.

https://www.business.qld.gov.au/running-business/growing-business/becoming-innovative/innovation-grants-support/grants