Business Basics grants on their way to small businesses

Nearly 2,000 small businesses across Queensland are set to receive $5,000 each from the first round of the Palaszczuk Government’s Business Basics grants program.

Minister for Employment and Small Business Di Farmer said the successful businesses are currently being notified.

“Backing small businesses is central to the Palaszczuk Government’s $14.2 billion COVID-19 Economic Recovery Plan, and these grants are one of the ways we’re doing that,” Minister Farmer said.

“After listening to small business owners throughout the state at the Small Business Roadshow, we launched these Business Basics Grants as part of our Big Plans for Small Business package during Small Business month earlier this year.

“The grants, aimed at sole traders and businesses with a turnover of up to $300,000, are designed to increase the businesses’ 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.”

Sleep for Kids based in Brookfield was one of the businesses to receive a grant.

Owner and psychotherapist Elaine Martin says the $5,000 grant has arrived at the perfect time, as the business is ready to begin marketing its Sleep for Kids App that has been in development for two years.

“This grant will allow the business to start an email marketing campaign and implement search engine optimisation on the website to promote the App,” Elaine said.

“Many kids around the world often struggle with either getting to sleep or staying asleep. The main reason is often to do with them feeling anxious, fearful or stressed and for this reason this app has worldwide appeal.”

Elaine has close to 28,000 subscribers on her YouTube channel with more than 4.5 million views. The majority of young listeners who listen to Elaine’s stories come from the USA, UK, Australia and Canada but her appeal is also strong in non-English speaking countries.

“The App was developed after parents wanted a safer and more secure way to help their children sleep.”

Minister Farmer said Business Basics were the first of three Big Plans for Small Business Grants programs to be awarded.

“The recipients of the new Business Boost and Business Growth Fund grants will be announced in coming months,” Minister Farmer said.  

“The different grant programs target specific groups within the sector and continue to deliver on the government’s commitments under the Big Plans for Small Business Strategy.

“The Business Boost grants of up to $15,000 will help small businesses to improve their efficiency and productivity through organisational development, while the $50,000 Business Growth Fund grants will allow businesses to buy highly specialised equipment to seize and accelerate growth opportunities.

“The type of grants, business requirements and the application process are a direct result of feedback from the Small Business Roadshow.”

The Business Basics Grants are in addition to the recently announced COVID-19 Business Support Grants jointly funded by the State and Federal Governments.

“Applications are now open for grants of between $10,000 and $30,000 for businesses right across Queensland that have been impacted by recent lockdowns - with money already on its way to the first businesses - as well as information on the support for non-employing sole traders. 

“There’s also the cleaning rebate for exposure sites and nearly $50 million in support and benefits for tourism and hospitality businesses.

“As well as financial assistance there is a range of tailored one on one support including our Mentoring for Growth program, Small Business Financial Counsellors, and the Queensland Small Business Commissioner.

“I’d encourage all businesses to head to www.business.qld.gov.au to make sure you’re taking advantage of the range of support available.”

Media contact: Kate Talbot, 0439 803 211