LOGAN businesses are being urged to put their hat in the ring for $5 million worth of state government small business grants.
The money will be split into 1000 x $5000 grants, aiming to support business owners to develop skills and adopt best practice.
Small business minister Di Farmer said small businesses were a driving force for our communities and economy.
“Business Basics grants are an investment in local small businesses; supporting them to improve the foundational skills that will help their day-to-day operations and set them up for future growth,” Ms Farmer said.
“These grants have proven very popular and were made permanent in this year’s budget.
“We have listened to feedback from small businesses on streamlining the application process and make it easier to access.
“Grants will be awarded through a two-stage process starting with businesses registering their interest to apply by completing a simple, online form that collects basic business information. Then businesses will be selected by a ballot to complete the remaining application process.
“This process ensures all small businesses that are interested in this grant have an equal opportunity to apply and reduces the stress from applying as businesses can register their interest at any time once registrations open.”
Grant applications opened Thursday.
“These grants have supported businesses to upgrade websites, engage a business coach or other professional advice, improve their marketing or other aspects of their operations,” Ms Farmer said.
Money would be available for cybersafety training and tools, which is very topical right now given the recent Optus and Medibank data breaches.
“More than half the successful applicants in past rounds have aimed to increase their on-line capacity, digital presence and/or cybersecurity capacity. The grant offers small businesses a great opportunity to protect themselves and their customers,” Ms Farmer said.
“Ensuring businesses have the knowledge and confidence they need to improve their operations, flows on to better serve their customers or clients, generates more work for their suppliers and grows their local economies.”
Applications close December 5.
