SMALL BUSINESS DIGITAL GRANTS PROGRAM QUEENSLAND 2018

The Queensland Government, through the Department of Employment, Small Business and Training, has made these grants available to help eligible businesses be in a stronger position to respond to competition and grow into globally competitive businesses through utilising new technologies. The objectives of the program are to:

• assist small businesses to access the latest digital technologies to increase their productivity and competitiveness
• enable small businesses to employ more staff and grow to medium-size businesses
• provide access to training to allow small businesses to use new technologies more effectively
• generate improved business confidence and increase business sustainability
• enable regional small businesses to expand their market reach through an online presence
• assist small businesses to work smarter, be more innovative and work fewer hours
• create an environment that makes it easier to do business.

How much can you apply for and what can it be used for?

Matched funding of up to $10 000 (excluding GST) may be provided to eligible businesses for the purchase of hardware, software and services – such as digital coaching. The minimum grant funding amount is $1 000. The business must show how the digital technology or service purchased and adopted will enhance the digital capabilities of their business and help them to be more competitive and employ more staff.

The digital technology or service must fall under one of four identified priority areas:

• content development (web pages, mobile apps, visual and audio media etc.)
• receiving payments or selling online
• specialised digital technology or software (business specific)
• digital planning, digital marketing strategy development, and digital training

Who can apply?

All small businesses with a Queensland based headquarters can apply. The business must show how the digital technology or service purchased will enhance the digital capabilities of the business and help them to be more competitive.

What are the eligibility criteria?

To be eligible for this grant, the business must:

• have fewer than 20 employees at the time of applying for the grant
• have an active Australian Business Number (ABN) and be registered for GST
• have a Queensland headquarters
• have a turnover of $2 million or less for the last financial year
• not be insolvent or have owners/directors that are an undischarged bankrupt.
• Only one application will be accepted from an individual ABN or a financial beneficiary of a business for consideration under each round.
• Successful applicants cannot reapply for funding under this grant program in future rounds.
• Unsuccessful applicants can submit a new application in subsequent rounds of the program.

What won’t be funded?

There are a range of activities that will not be funded under this program:

• projects with a total cost less than $2 000 will not be funded, as the minimum grant funding amount that can be provided is $1 000
• travel costs for any party
• services delivered in-kind (funding will only cover services paid for via a financial transaction)
• fees for services provided by related parties (such as companies with common shareholdings or directorship with the applicant, and employees or immediate family of the applicant)
• franchise fees or related costs
• direct-selling businesses (where sales of another business’ goods or services are made in the customer’s home, work or other meeting place through methods such as party plan and network marketing)
• maintenance of existing digital technologies
• website hosting as a stand-alone cost. Website hosting will be covered up to 12 months if it is part of a new website build or upgrade but it is not eligible as a stand-alone cost
• purchase of non-project related assets such as stock
• salaries
• general business operating costs (including bookkeeping/accounting and tax returns)
• paid advertising campaigns e.g. Google AdWords, Facebook advertising or similar expenses. The grant can cover the development of an online marketing plan but not the actual advertising cost
• retrospective payments for expenses incurred prior to grant funding approval date or work already undertaken.

When must the project be completed?

All projects approved for funding must be completed within three months of the date of approval. You must advise the Department of Employment, Small Business and Training of any variations to the project dates. If these timeframes are not met, the offer of funding may be withdrawn.

When and how can you apply?

Applications open 6 September 2018 and close 8 October 2018. You can lodge an online application