Business Support Programs
Business programs & projects from local, state and federal government agencies and from local not-for-profit business groups are available to support new businesses and foster business development.
www.business.gov.au
Businesses of all sizes can find information, services and links to government programmes using www.business.gov.au. It is a whole of government service providing essential information on planning, starting, funding and growing your business. This online resource acts as a one stop portal to access government information, grants, forms and services.
Subscribe to the business.gov.au Newsletter, Facebook page, Twitter, LinkedIn, and YouTube accounts for regular updates. Visit News for current business.gov.au updates
Business Queensland
The Business Queensland portal provides business and industry with a single point of access to Queensland government information and regulatory series and provide information on:
- Starting and running a business in Queensland
- Queensland’s many industry sectors
- Investing in Queensland
Business can also contact 13 QGOV (13 74 68) or stay in touch via Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn.
Subscribe to the QLD Government's Small Business Connect newsletter here. Previous editions can be found here
Business Support Programs and Projects:
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The Office of the Queensland Small Business Commissioner provides information and advocacy support to small business, including informal resolution and mediation of lease disputes.
Small Business Support summary – the Queensland Small Business Commissioners Office has prepared a summary of the most valuable and relevant business support info for small business, It contains handpicked information, support, services and assistance of relevance to small business.
Who we help
- Small business owners based in Queensland
- Small business lease tenants based in Queensland, and their landlords
What assistance we provide
Advocacy
- We advocate for changes that benefit small businesses
- We help small businesses navigate all levels of government
- We are a voice for Queensland small business as a member of the National Small Business Commissioners network, and various taskforces and roundtables
- We champion the Small Business Friendly Councils initiative
Outreach
- We connect with small business and key stakeholders through face-to-face engagements and online channels
- We help small businesses see the critical messages and support available
- We promote the benefits of small business to the whole community
Enquiries
- We answer enquiries and connect small business to services that can help
- We share the common questions and answers to keep all small businesses informed
Dispute Resolution
- We assist small businesses with informal resolution of small business leasing disputes, including COVID-19 affected leases
- We administer a small business lease dispute mediation process
To View the website, click here
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Looking after your own health is paramount during such times, especially your mental health. Programs below offer mental health support.
The NewAccess for Small Business Owners program - is a free and confidential mental health coaching program for small business owners across Australia. They can be contacted on 1300 945 301.
Supporting the mental health and wellbeing of small business owners program - Business Balance will support small business owners take proactive steps to improve their mental health and will be implemented early in 2021.
Ahead for Business - Connects small business owners to the support, resources and tools they need to take action on their mental health and wellbeing
EMERALD - pro-active mental wellbeing care offered by USC. This is an evidence driven program for adults experiencing early signs that their mental wellbeing needs proactive attention
Small Business Mental Health - Support services and resources that offer business and mental health advice and assistance.
Small Business Owner's Guide to creating a Mental Health and Wellbeing Plan - A guide that can be used if you are a sole trader, or to help support your employees' mental health.
B Well and Prosper Program - A website to discover Wellbeing & Mental Health tools, resources, programs and information to support Sunshine Coast small business owners and employees. Visit B_Well & Prosper for more information.
Beyond Blue provides immediate mental health services. Talk through any anxiety you may be experiencing with a trained mental health professional. Call 1 300 224 636.
Founders Mental Health Session - Advance Queensland is upporting free mental health consultations for founders for the month of August. Book here. Password: Founders_Health
Workout videos - Look after your mental health by participating in these exercise videos brought to you by the Noosa Aquatic Centre & Leisure Centre, including Yoga, Fitbarre and Pilates.
Boost Your Healthy - The Queensland Government has launched Boost Your Healthy, a series of online videos and tips turning backyards into gyms and using Queensland’s sporting greats as personal trainers and motivators.
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Whether you are starting or looking to grow, your business plan will explain all the important aspects of your business. It maps your current situation, identifies your goals, and describes what actions to take to move your business forward. Valuable information on various planning processes and template can be found via the following websites:
Business Planning Portal
This portal covers a broad range of topics to assist in planning your business development including writing a business plan, marketing, innovation, market research, export and succession planning.
First Business App
This app can help you work out whether you are ready to start a business.
Australian Securities & Investment Commission's Small Business website
This website provides an array of information for business owners and intenders including ASIC's Small Business Booklet, provides a handy summary of what yuou need to know when operating a small business, and a webcast of a small business journey.
Self Start
Self Start is a Federal government portal aimed at supporting people through the first stages of starting a business.
Business Planning Kit
This free business planning kit provides easy to understand templates, tools and information to assist you write a business plan, including a financial plan.
Australian Business Licence and Information Service
Australian Business Licence and Information Service (ABLIS), is a free online service that will help business find the right local, Queensland and Australian government licences, permits, registrations, approvals and codes of practice you need to operate a business.
It offers:
- a summary of state or territory, local and Australian government requirements
- information about licence fees, how to apply, periods of cover and renewals
- how to access application and renewal forms
- who to contact for more help and information
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JobMaker will be payable for up to 12 months for each new job and is available from 7 October 2020 to employers who hire eligible employees aged 16-35. Click here, for more information.
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This site offers a range of information and initiatives to help grow and expand your business. Covers topics such as Starting a Business, Hiring Staff, Reducing Red Tape, Tax Measures, Improving Cash Flow and Digital Advice.
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The Small Business Workplace Health and Safety Program provides free and easy to use services to help manage health and safety in Queensland businesses.
The Program offers Safety workshops; workplace consultations; presentation and information sessions; group session and workplace safety guidance. There is no cost.
This program is suited to Queensland small businesses that have limited or no safety systems in place.
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Beyond Blue has developed this Mental Health Guide to help support small business owners. There is also a range of information and resources on the Small Business section of the Heads Up website.
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The Chamber of Commerce and Industry Queensland is Queensland’s peak association for employers in any industry. It is a not for profit organisation run by business owners. Members pay a fee to join to access services. Their website has a wide range of advice and information relating to managing and running a business.
Employer Assistance Hotline
Through their Employer Assistance Hotline, CCIQ helps members manage staff entitlements, performance management issues, termination, redundancies and other employment-related matters. The hotline number is 1300 135 822.
EcoBiz
EcoBiz is a free program that helps businesses save money by reducing energy, waste and water consumption and introducing sustainable strategies into their business. The program includes one-on-one coaching, site survey, tools to benchmark, workshops and webinars. Members will gain access to free tools to monitor how much energy, water and waste your business uses.
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Helpful information and support for small businesses in preparing and recovering from disasters.
Disaster Resilience and Recovery | Business Queensland
Drought Portal - outlines assistance for drought affected Queenslanders
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RDA Brisbane is delivering the Australian Small Business Advisory Services (ASBAS) program throughout Queensland, including the Sunshine Coast. The scheme delivers low cost, high quality, digital advisory services to small businesses, to help them increase their online presence and compete in a digital world. The program is delivered through a combination of channels including:
- One-on-one consultations delivered face-to-face, online or over the phone
- Interactive webinars
- Face-to-face workshops
For more information, including current webinars and workshops, visit their website.
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Australia Post
Data and insights into e-Commerce with the 2020 Data and insights into e-Commerce Report published by Australia Post.
For more handy e-commerce and general business tips, subscribe Australia Post's Building Business Newsletter here
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