Business Boost Grants Program
| Program key details | |
|---|---|
| Eligible business size | Small businesses |
| Status | Open Note: This grant is expected to close shortly |
| Opening date | 30 July 2021 at 9am |
| Closing date | Applications close when we receive sufficient applications for a competitive assessment. Note: This grant program is competitively assessed. Not all applications will be funded. The grant may close quickly due to demand. Only completed applications will be considered—refer to the application tracker for the current status |
| Key documents | |
| Program key details | |
|---|---|
| Eligible business size | Small businesses |
| Status | Closed – subscribe to the Small Business Connect newsletter to keep up to date with the latest information for Queensland small businesses. Submitted applications are undergoing compliance checks prior to assessment |
| Opening date | 30 July 2021 at 9am |
| Closing date | 9.40am AEST on Friday, 30 July 2021 |
| Key documents | |
Application tracker
Correct as of: 9.40am AEST on Friday, 30 July 2021
The Business Boost grants program provides support to businesses to advance improvements in their efficiency and productivity.
This support includes funded activities in 3 project areas:
- Future planning
- Specialised and automated software
- Staff management, development and planning
The program is administered by the Department of Employment, Small Business and Training (DESBT).
Available funding
You may be eligible to receive a grant payment of $15,000 (excluding GST) on completing your proposed project.
Successful applicants must co-contribute at least 30% of the total project costs.
Grant funding will be paid only after compliant acquittal documentation is received.
We will not fund projects with:
- a total cost of less than $10,715 (excluding GST)
- or
- payments made before the approval date (you must be approved before you pay for grant-funded project activities).
The table below shows the breakdown of total project costs and the co-contribution amounts.
| Minimum | Maximum | |
|---|---|---|
Total project costs (excluding GST) | $10,715 | $21,429* |
Your contribution (at least 30% of total project costs) | $3,215 | $6,429* |
| Grant funding (post project) | $7,500 | $15,000 |
*Your project can cost more than $21,429 but the maximum amount DESBT will contribute is $15,000.
Co-contribution calculator
Enter your total project or activity cost into the calculator to determine your co-contribution amount.
Projects with a total cost less than $10,715 (excluding GST) will not be funded.
Future planning
- Strategic business planning for innovation or growth
- Implementing a governance board to guide strategic planning
- Exporting opportunities and requirements
- Compliance with industry regulations and standards
Specialised and automated software
- Design and implementation of management systems, including
- data warehouses
- asset management
- customer relationship management systems
- quality and compliance management
- risk management
- production systems
- project management systems
- Bespoke or complex website design and build, including e-commerce, software integration, booking systems
- Cybersecurity tools
- Innovative technology that improves or diversifies service offerings
Staff management, development and planning
- Human resource management skills building
- Professional development and training
- Digital workplace plans and systems for a remote workforce
We will not fund:
- activities purchased using cryptocurrencies, barter, or services in-kind
- general business operating costs (e.g. bookkeeping/accounting, tax returns)
- real estate/property, hire, lease, or rental fees
- goods, services, or fees from related parties (include companies with common shareholdings, directors, employees or immediate family)
- travel
- franchise fees
- purchase of stock
- GST, registration, and fees
- maintenance of existing digital technologies
- computer hardware (e.g. computer servers, PCs, tablets/iPad, mobile phones)
- activities purchased via direct selling (e.g. by party plan or network marketing)
- delivery, credit card and transaction fees
- memberships and joining fees
- salaries
- fleet vehicles
- website hosting
- stand-alone marketing, advertising or campaign delivery costs (e.g. Google AdWords, Facebook advertising or similar expenses)
Eligibility criteria
To be eligible for this grant, your business must:
- have fewer than 20 employees at the time of applying for the grant
- have an active Australian Business Number (ABN) and registered for GST
- have a Queensland headquarters
- have a turnover of between $300,000 (minimum) and $600,000 (maximum) in the last financial year (2020–21)
- have a publicly reachable web presence to identify business operations (e.g. business website and/or social media pages)
- not be insolvent or have owners/directors that are an undischarged bankrupt.
Check your eligibility to find out if your business can apply for the program.
Application process
Applications are now open.
Note: This grant is expected to close shortly.
Applications will close when enough applications are received for competitive assessment.
Note: This grant program is competitively assessed. Not all applications will be funded.
The grant may be in high demand, you should monitor the application tracker and apply below. All applications must be completed and every question validated prior to submission.
Application process
This grant is now closed.
Note: This grant program is competitively assessed. Not all applications will be funded.
Step 1: Online application
You must complete an online application in the DESBT SmartyGrants portal.
Your application must include the following documents:
- a certified statutory declaration from the business's owner or director stating the business:
- has a turnover of between $300,000 (minimum) and $600,000 (maximum) per annum
- meets all grant eligibility criteria
- supplier quotes (no more than 2) detailing description and costs of services, who will undertake the project or activity, and an outline of key services and output.
Step 2: Assessment
Following closure of the round, we run a competitive assessment process.
Step 3: Outcomes
We will advise all applicants of the outcome of their grant application. Successful applicants will receive a letter of approval outlining the funding agreement.
Step 4: Funding agreement
Grant recipients enter into a funding agreement with DESBT.
Step 5: Recipients complete their project
Recipients must complete their project within 12 months of receiving their approval letter.
Step 6: Acquittal report, grant payment and survey
Recipients must complete and submit an acquittal report. Recipients must keep all application evidence, supplier quotes, corresponding invoices and bank transactions for acquittal purposes.
Read the guidelines for a comprehensive overview of each stage of the application process.
How to apply
- Read the key documents:
- Check your eligibility.
- Prepare your documentation:
- a certified statutory declaration from the business's owner or director stating the business:
- had a turnover between $300,000 and $600,000 in the last financial year (2020–2021)
- meets all grant eligibility criteria
- supplier quotes (no more than 2) detailing who will undertake the project work, description of services, and an outline of key activities.
- a certified statutory declaration from the business's owner or director stating the business:
How to apply
This grant is now closed. Applications are no longer being accepted.
For more information about the program, read the key documents:
More information
View our small business grants schedule or use our coronavirus (COVID-19) business assistance finder to learn what other support you may be eligible for.
You can also subscribe to the Small Business Connect newsletter to keep up to date with the latest information for Queensland small businesses.
Contact us
For further information about the program email us at boost@desbt.qld.gov.au or contact the Small Business Hotline on 1300 654 687.
Check your eligibility
To be eligible for this grant, your business must meet the eligibility criteria and other conditions of the program.
- Last reviewed: 15 Jul 2021
- Last updated: 30 Jul 2021