You may qualify for a Government grant to support your Sunshine Coast, QLD business 

The eligibility criteria will vary depending on the grant you are applying for. Common eligibility criteria are:

• number of employees, typically between 1 and 20
• have an Australian Business Number (ABN) and be registered for GST
• have a Queensland headquarters
• have a turnover of $2 million or less in the last financial year
• not be insolvent or have owners/directors that are an undischarged bankrupt

Most grant applications require:

•  a description of your business, and possibly a business plan
•  a detailed project description, including aims, objectives and expected outcomes (i.e. hire new staff within 6-months)
•  a detailed plan on how you will use the money, which includes quotes and/or proposals from suppliers
•  details of your experience and skills, and also those of key personnel
• provide evidence of annual turnover and annual payroll
•  demonstrate value for money as determined by the Department of employment, Small Business and Training (DESBT).
• completed application forms, with all requested supporting documentation included
•  the application must be completed by the applicant and provide their own original answers. Third-party completed applications will be rejected. If found to be conducted by a third-party, you will be asked to return the funds.
• only one application per round from an individual ABN or a financial beneficiary of a business

Remember to submit your application before the deadline – late applications are rarely considered.

Applications for grants and government support often far exceed what is actually available. This can create a competitive environment where only the very best applications attract funding. There are many common reasons why applications are turned down. To give your application the best chance of success, check the following:

• Have you assessed your eligibility before applying?
• Is your area of research or your project relevant to the funding body?
• Have you understood the funding objectives?
• Have you followed the application guidelines and used the required forms?
• Have you fully considered how much work is involved in applying for a grant?
• Does your application make statements that are backed by supporting material?
• Is your explanation of your project focused and clear?
• Have you addressed the impact of your work in the broader community or industry?
• Have you underestimated the amount of competition for funding?
• Have you stressed the importance of funding for your project’s success?
• Have you explained how your ideas will be translated into action?
• Has your business made the grant application a priority?
• Have you proven you need funding support?

This can vary depending on the grant. Typically, payment is made upon completion of the project. Successful applicants are reimbursed 100% or 50% of the total project cost, up to the approved grant funding amount. The Covid-19 Adapt Grant was managed differently, with payments made upon application approval. 

To receive reimbursement, applicants must:

• complete and submit an acquittal report through SmartyGrants
• issue a valid tax invoice to the Department of Employment, Small Business and Training
• submit copies of supplier invoices and proof of purchase for the total project cost.

Grant recipients may be subjected to a random audit by the Queensland Government (or its representatives) to ensure that the information provided is true and correct. Where it is found that false or misleading information has been provided, penalties may apply, including refunding some or all of the grant funding.

Read about becoming an innovative business to help you stand out from the crowd.

• Find out what innovation grants and support are available for your business.
• Focusing on research and development can assist your business to succeed with grant applications.

Do you have more questions about the Business Basics grant. You can download the full FAQ sheet published by the Queensland State Government here.