The Qld State Government’s popular Business Basics grants, launched 31 May are getting a $5 million top up, with $5,000 grants available for small businesses in regional Queensland. The COVID-19 adaptation grants were designed by the Department of Small Business and Training for small businesses experiencing a 30 per cent decline in revenue for at least a month due to the pandemic. The Department have indicated that demand for these grants have declined, as many businesses just aren’t meeting that criteria any longer due to stronger economic growth.

While the SEQ grant pool had been expended, those regional Businesses preparing their application for the current regional Covid-19 Business Adaption Grants should get their forms in by 6 August.

Information on how to apply for the Small Business COVID-19 Adaption Grants (regional) program is available HERE.

The Minister for Employment and Small Business Di Farmer said “We promised this money for the regions and we are committed to it staying in the regions, and that is why we’re redirecting the funds to a regional round of Business Basics so that we can provide the type of support Queensland small businesses are looking for right now."

Regional areas include: 

Bundaberg, Central Queensland, Cairns, FNQ, Fraser Coast, Mackay and Townsville (regional eligibility will be defined in the upcoming guidelines). 

Key Points

•  $5 million will be made available for a regional-only round of Business Basics Grants in August 2021.
• Regional eligible Queensland small businesses will be able to apply for these $5,000 grants.
• Regional small businesses will be able to review the guidelines and prepare their applications, with the round opening at 9am on 31 August 2021.
• Money to fund this will come from the closing of the Small Business Regional COVID Adaptation Grants due to ongoing reduced demand, which will close on the 6 August 2021.

The refreshed guidelines and an example application form will be available 17 August, with the round opening at 9am on 31 August on the Department's Government business grants website.

For further information on all Queensland Government grant programs visit www.business.qld.gov.au/grants or call 1300 654 687.