Business Basics Grants are back

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The Queensland Government has announced a new round of Business Basics grants will open soon, with $5 million available to small businesses across the state.

The grants program, now in its second year, supports business owners to develop their skills and adopt best practice.

Small Business Minister, Di Farmer, said up to 1000 businesses will benefit from the grants.

“Business Basics grants are an investment in local small businesses, supporting them to improve the foundational skills that will help their day-to-day operations and set them up for future growth.

“These grants have proven very popular and were made permanent in this year’s budget.

“We have listened to feedback from small businesses on streamlining the application process.

Minister Farmer said businesses can register their interest online from November 24, with the eventual grant recipients being chosen by a ballot.

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“Through the past three completed Business Basics rounds, 4195 grants totalling more than $20.9 million have been awarded.

“These grants have supported businesses to upgrade websites, engage a business coach or other professional advice, improve their marketing, or other aspects of their operations.

“More than half the successful applicants in past rounds have aimed to increase their on-line capacity, digital presence, or cybersecurity capacity.

“The grant offers small businesses a great opportunity to protect themselves and their customers.

“Ensuring businesses have the knowledge and confidence they need to improve their operations, flows on to better serve their customers or clients, generates more work for their suppliers, and grows their local economies.

“So far, these grants have gone to businesses in the Torres Strait, western Queensland, and up and down the coast.

“They’ve supported businesses in a range of industries, including engineering and fabrication firms, and tourist and hospitality operations.”

Registrations of interest for this round of Business Basics Grants will be open from 9am on Thursday November 24 until 11.59pm on Monday December 5.