Business Support Programs

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 the QSBC helps

• Small business owners based in Queensland
• Small business lease tenants based in Queensland, and their landlords

Assistance offered

Advocacy

• Advocate for changes that benefit small businesses
• Help small businesses navigate all levels of government
• Are a voice for Queensland small business as a member of the National Small Business Commissioners network, and various taskforces and roundtables
• Champion the Small Business Friendly  Councils initiative

Outreach

• Connect with small business and key stakeholders through face-to-face engagements and online channels
• Help small businesses see the critical messages and support available
• Promote the benefits of small business to the whole community

Enquiries

• Answer enquiries and connect small business to services that can help
• Share the common questions and answers to keep all small businesses informed

Dispute Resolution

• Assist small businesses with informal resolution of small business leasing disputes, including COVID-19 affected leases
• Administer a small business lease dispute mediation process

To View the website, click here 

Cyber security is more important than ever as vast numbers of  businesses, of all size,  every year are being compromised and, in some cases, profoundly damaged, by a range of scams and cyber attacks.

The Australian Cyber Security Centre has a dedicated webpage for small and medium businesses with resources to help protect you from cyber security incidents, such as a Small Business Cyber Security Guide and Have you been hacked? a tool to help you if you think you’re the victim of a cybercrime.

Helpful information and support for small businesses in preparing and recovering from disasters.

Small Business Disaster Hub

Disaster Resilience and Recovery | Business Queensland 

CPA  Disaster Recovery Toolkit

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.

Beyond Blue provides immediate mental health services.  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.

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.

The Access Accelerator program is an initiative between Spinal Life Australia and Cérge, this program is designed to help businesses implement changes in order to better understand and serve people with disability, creating an accessible and inclusive workplace that benefits everyone.

By participating in this program, businesses can enhance their capabilities, improve disability confidence, and reform their workplace culture and employment practices – all leading to a broader appeal for their tourism offer

More information 

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.

Business Planning Portal

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. 

Small Business 

Self Start

Self Start is a Federal government portal aimed at supporting people through the first stages of starting a business.

Self Start webpage

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.

Business Planning Kit

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

ABLIS website

With the COVID-19 pandemic placing many individuals and businesses in challenging financial circumstances, natural disasters such as floods and fires resulting in loss of homes and assets, and the rising cost of living amongst other factors, it can be difficult to know where to start to navigate your way through your options.

AFSA is committed to supporting Australians experiencing financial difficulty by providing the right tools and information.

If you are struggling financially, you are not alone and support is available. It is important to get help early and understand your options.

More  information: www.afsa.gov.au/financial-hardship

Find health and safety information and guidance about your industry and the kind of work you do

Small Business Workplace Health and Safety Program

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.

Employee Assistance Hotline

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.

ecoBiz