The Department of Employment, Small Business and Training administers grants and programs to help Queensland small business continue to recover, grow and thrive by committing grant funds for businesses to increase key capabilities, embrace innovation and assist high-growth businesses to capitalise on opportunities.  Round 3 of the small business basics grants program opens on Wednesday 4 May 2022.  This round focuses on building business’ core skills and improving best practices.

This support includes funded activities in 5 priorities:

1. Training and coaching
2. Website build or upgrades
3. Professional business advice
4. Strategic marketing services
5. Business continuity and succession.

This article summarises what support is available, eligibility requirements and how to apply for round 3 of the small business basics grants.

The funding this time around will be separated into two sections based on location – regional and southeast Queensland.  Eligibility will be further determined by the LGA in which the business is headquartered.

What is the value of the funding in round 3 of the small business basics grants?

If approved, each business will receive $5,000 excluding GST. It is important to note:

• The individual project value must exceed $5,000 + GST to be eligible – no funding for projects that cost less than $5,000 and,
• No funding is available for payments made before the grant is approved.

What activities are eligible for funding this round?

Training and coaching

• Business development, marketing, human resources or business planning topics
• Training or coaching of up to 4 months in duration

Website build or upgrades

• Website build or upgrade (including website refresh)
• Adding e-commerce
• Developing new website content

Professional business advice

• Business plans

Strategic marketing services

• Strategic marketing plans including search engine optimisation advice

Business continuity and succession

• Business continuity and succession plans
• Cybersafety training and tools

What activities are ineligible for funding?

These activities are not eligible to be funded by this grant:

• Activities bought using crypto, barter or in-kind services
• General business activities e.g. accounting, bookkeeping, tax.
• Property fees – hire, lease, rent.
• Fees or services from related parties.
• Travel
• Franchise fees
• Stock
• GST fees
• Maintenance of existing technology
• Computer hardware
• Other hardware / equipment
• Other activities mentioned on the website link below

How do I know if I am eligible?

To be eligible for this round of funding, your business must:

• Not have been approved for funding under Round 1 or 2 of the Business Basics Grants Program
• Have fewer than 20 employees (by head count) at the time of applying for the grant
• Have an active Australian Business Number (ABN) and be registered for GST
• Have headquarters in Queensland and you are applying for a SEQ or regional grant depending on where your business is based (location eligibility applies)
• Have an expected turnover of $300,000 or less for the current financial year
• Not have owners/directors that are insolvent or an undischarged bankrupt.

Check your eligibility to find out if your business can apply for the program.

When do applications open and how do I apply?

Applications open on Wednesday 4 May at 9am.  That being said, all of the application information is available online and you can start preparing your application now.

Key items important to note:

• Round 3 has two streams dedicated to businesses based in South East Queensland (SEQ) and regional Queensland – the streams may close at different times depending on demand.
• This grant program is competitively assessed. Not all applications will be funded.
• You need to have detailed quotes from your suppliers dated after 13 April 2022.

All information required to prepare your application, links to where to apply and eligibility requirements can be found here.

If you need assistance preparing your application, please contact your Arabon accountant to discuss.  We have learnt from previous rounds, that this is a competitive process and applications may close early if sufficient are received.

Update 6 May 2022:  On Wednesday 4 May at 9am the SmartyGrants system experienced a 90-minute outage that affected all users across Australia and overseas.  The technical issues in the application portal coincided with the opening of Round 3 of the Business Basics Grants program, offered by the Queensland Government through the Department of Employment, Small Business and Training.  The department will provide further communication early next week with an update on progress and next steps for this round of the Business Basics grants.  Stay in touch here.

Update 10 May 2022:  The technical issues experienced with the Business Basics grants application portal on May 4 have been resolved. The portal has been extensively tested and is safe and stable.

Round 3 of the Business Basics grants will open for:

• Regional Queensland applications at 9am, Monday 16 May
• South East Queensland applications at 9am, Tuesday 17 May.