Business Support Programs

Lady working in office

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.

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.

Business Support Programs and Projects:

  • 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

    First Business App

    This app can help you work out whether you are ready to start a business. 

    First Business App

    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

  • The Australian Taxation Office Business Assistance Program offers FREE tailored tax and super support over a 12 month period. A representative call you three times to help you understand your tax, super and GST obligations.

    Each check-in phone call is an opportunity for you to ask questions about your businesses tax and super needs and to understand how to meet your obligations.

    More information

  • 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.

    Small Business website

  • 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.

    Small Business Workplace Health and Safety Program

  • 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.

  • 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

  • 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

    How to prepare your business for an emergency

    CPA  Disaster Recovery Toolkit

  • 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.

  • 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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