Support for artisan food and beverage producers

A wide range of targeted programs are available to support Queensland artisan food and beverage producers to increase productivity, competitiveness and innovation.

Food and beverage directory and associations

• Queensland Government Food and Beverage Supplier Directory lists food and beverage suppliers and caterers that employ Queenslanders, and assists government to find local suppliers when organising events and corporate functions. Check if you are eligible to register your business.
• Food and beverage industry associations can connect you with industry networks, suppliers, and partners that may help you generate new business.

Food innovation and trials

We support opportunities for food innovation and food product testing through the:

• Food Pilot Plant (Health and Food Sciences Precinct, Coopers Plains, Brisbane) – that offers food processing and agriculture business services including processing equipment, food researchers and diagnostic testing facilities.
• FNQ Food Incubator – that assists artisan producers in Far North Queensland to develop and create new recipes, processes and tastes, and convert ideas into commercial products.

Mentoring and networking

• Mentoring for Growth (M4G) program can match eligible businesses to volunteer business experts with artisan food and beverage industry experience for insights, advice and assistance. Register for M4G.
• Small Business Solutions mentoring program gives small business owners access to skilled government-subsidised business mentors and workshops.
• Business Enterprise Centres (BEC) provide a range of services including mentoring, networking, business assistance and training.

Grants and business support

• Small Business Artisan Producers Grants Program provides opportunities for artisan food and beverage producers to engage business consultants, mentors or digital experts to help them establish and grow their businesses.
• Queensland Government Grants Finder allows you to search for Queensland Government grants and support to assist artisan producers.
• Year of Outback Tourism events program offers $1,000 to $100,000 in grants to eligible local organisations and businesses for events and/or experiences which contribute to growing tourism in Outback Queensland. Check if you are eligible to apply for funding.
• Business Growth Fund program provides targeted assistance for small and medium businesses that demonstrate high-growth and employment aspirations.
• Small Business Digital Grants program assists small business to access digital technologies and make the most of online business opportunities arising from digital disruption.
• Small Business Entrepreneur Grants program assists new small businesses to access professional advice and support in the early stages of establishing their business.
• Advance Queensland offers a range of programs designed to help small businesses collaborate, build on innovative ideas, grow and improve products and services, and compete in global markets.
  
  The following programs provide opportunities for eligible small artisanal producers:
  • Ignite Ideas Fund assists small to medium businesses to commercialise market ready innovative ideas.
  • Innovate Queensland assists small to medium businesses to grow by providing workshops and webinars on innovation, technology commercialisation and design.
  • Advancing Regional Innovation encourages innovation across Queensland and supports creation of jobs for regional Queenslanders.

• Food innovation grants and support may be available to you as a food producer.

Programs and campaigns

• ecoBiz Queensland provides small and medium businesses with free advice, training and workshops on ways to improve environmental sustainability and lower operating costs. On average, participating businesses achieved 12% energy savings, 13% water savings and 21% waste savings. Learn more about ecoBiz.

Licences and regulations

• Search the Australian Business Licence and Information Service (ABLIS) for the right Queensland and Australian government licences, permits, registrations and approvals to operate your food and beverage business.
  • Read about food business licencing in Queensland.
  • Learn about stationary vehicle/stall and roadside vending requirements.
• Read about food handling, and food safety regulations and requirements.
• Check if you need to register as a biosecurity entity. Registration is required if you keep certain animals (including bees).

Publications and initiatives

• Read Supporting Artisan Producers which sets out what the Queensland Government is doing to foster growth, competitiveness and innovation in the artisan food and beverage sector.
• Read the Queensland tourism and events grants guide by Tourism & Events Queensland, to find out how to become 'grant ready', search for the right grant and write a grant application.
• Read the Queensland Agriculture and Food Research, Development and Extension 10-Year Road Map and Action Plan to learn about our vision for agriculture and food research, development and extension, and how Queensland can capitalise on competitive advantages and realise the opportunities for growth.
• Read about the support available for Aboriginal peoples and Torres Strait Islander peoples in business, including artisanal producers, to grow and become sustainable by connecting them to funding opportunities, tools and guides.
• Learn how the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander business support services can help strengthen and grow small businesses, including artisanal producers, through the Department of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnerships (DATSIP).
• Find out about the support available for women in business to help you start and grow your own business, and achieve positive positions of leadership.
• Subscribe to:
  • Small Business Connect newsletter
  • food safety alerts and newsletters.

Also consider…

• Learn more about the food, beverage and catering industry in Queensland.