The Queensland Government has released a program call the “Business Boost Grants Program” which aims to provides support to businesses to advance improvements in their efficiency and productivity.

If you are eligible, we recommend you get your application ready to go for the due date!

An overview of the grant can be found here.

We have summarised the details for you:

Eligibility:

To be eligible, the business must:

• have fewer than 20 employees at the time of applying for the grant
• have an active Australian Business Number (ABN)
• be registered for GST
• have a Queensland headquarters
• have an expected turnover of between $300,000 and $600,000 for the last financial year (2020/21)
• have a publicly reachable web presence to identify business operations
• not be insolvent or have owners/directors that are an undischarged bankrupt. 

Approved Funding Activities:

Funding can be put toward the following activities:

• 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
  • 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 

What won’t be funded:

The following activities will not be funded by the Program:

• 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) 

Summary of the Process:

Please note that it is clearly stated that an applicant must only submit their own original answers, and not via a third party. Applications open at 9am on Friday 30 July 2021, and application form will be available on this date.

1. Online application: Complete using SmartyGrants.
2. Eligibility: This will be checked by DESBT
3. Assessment: DESBT will run a competitive assessment process following closure of the round.
4. Applicants notified of outcome: All applicants will be advised of the outcome of their grant application. Successful applicants will receive an approval letter outlining the funding agreement.
5. Funding agreement: Grant recipients enter into a funding agreement with DESBT.
6. Recipients’ complete their project: Recipients must complete their project within 12 months of receiving their approval letter.
7. Acquittal report, grant payments and survey: Recipients must complete and submit an acquittal report. All application evidence, supplier quotes, corresponding invoices and bank transactions must be kept for acquittal purposes. 

What you need to have ready for your application:

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 who will undertake the project work, description of services, and outline key activities