Funding for QLD businesses to advance improvements in efficiency and productivity

Overview

Support includes funded activities in 3 project areas:

• future planning
• specialised and automated software
• planning and systems for staff management and development.

The program is administered by the Department of Employment, Small Business and Training (DESBT).

Examples of eligible highly specialised equipment include (but are not limited to):

• future planning
• strategic business planning for innovation and growth
• implementing a governance board to guide strategic planning
• identifying and capitalising on export opportunities while adhering to requirements
• compliance with industry regulations and standards, including sustainability.

Example: You commission a detailed, evidence-led business plan to evaluate strategies to diversify your business, such as exporting to new markets, with the aim of maximising returns, expanding operations and increasing business resilience.

Design and implementation of sophisticated cloud platforms, online management systems, and/or applications, including:

• specialised and automated software
• artificial Intelligence systems (e.g. AI chatbots)
• customer relationship management systems
• cybersecurity tools
• data warehouses
• production systems
• software integration (including specialised software subscriptions)
• quality and compliance, and risk, management systems.

Example: You seek to implement an AI chatbot to enhance customer engagement, streamline processes, and provide 24/7 support.

Planning and systems for staff management and development, including:

• strategic human resource management fostering skills development, robust recruitment strategies, and seamless onboarding for new personnel
• professional development through targeted transitional training and initiatives
• employee performance management frameworks and evaluation systems.

Example: Your business is experiencing growth but faces challenges in attracting staff, building new employee skills, and managing a growing workforce. You commission a 6-month human resources training program to enhance your business confidence and skills.

Check if you can apply

To be eligible for this grant, your businesses must:

• have between 2 and 19 employees (by headcount)
• an active Australian business number (ABN) and be registered for goods and service tax (GST)
• have Queensland headquarters
• be established and financially sound, experiencing growth and with a minimum turnover of $300,000 in the last financial year (2022-23)
• have a publicly accessible web presence to identify business operations (e.g. business website and/or social media pages)
• not have been approved for funding under previous rounds of the Business Boost grant program
• not be insolvent or have owners/directors that are an undischarged bankrupt.

Your business must maintain this eligibility for the duration of the grant funded activity.

Successful applicants must co-contribute at least 50% of the total project costs.