Small Business Help & Support - Current as at 8 June 2021 - Queensland Government ...
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Small Business Help & Support Current as at 8 June 2021
How to use this guide
We have designed this collection as a living document. It contains handpicked
information, support, services, and assistance of relevance to small business, as we
discover it. We try to keep it current and updated, as opportunities for small business
come and go.
We suggest you download a fresh copy each time you use it to ensure you don’t miss out
on the latest information.
To help you find the most relevant information, we have categorised each opportunity
according to what we refer to as “Small Business Essentials”:
1. Operations - this is the stuff that keeps the lights on and the doors open. It relates
to the day to day management of the business such as cash flow, payroll, premises.
2. Strategic - this is planning what’s next, and maximising opportunity. It relates to
help with looking forward, planning, preparing for growth/downsizing, maximising
revenue, customer engagement.
3. Compliance - getting it right to avoid repercussions. It relates to what small
businesses need to know to meet obligations.
4. Wellbeing - help with looking after yourself and your staff. It relates to focus on
wellbeing of self, staff, culture, and relationships.
Office of the Queensland Small Business Commissioner
1300 312 344
qsbc@desbt.qld.gov.au
Level 18, 53 Albert Street, Brisbane
www.business.qld.gov.au/qsbc
Disclaimer: The materials available through this document are distributed by The Office of the Queensland Small Business
Commissioner as an information source only. To the maximum extent permitted by law, the State of Queensland makes no
statement, representation, or warranty about the quality, accuracy, context, completeness, availability or suitability for any purpose
of, and you should not rely on, any materials available on or through this document. The Queensland Government disclaims, to the
maximum extent permitted by law, all responsibility and all liability (including without limitation, liability in negligence) for all
expenses, losses, damages and costs you or any other person might incur for any reason including as a result of the materials
available through this document being in any way inaccurate, out of context, incomplete, unavailable, not up to date or unsuitable for
any purpose. A user of this document who uses the links provided and material available on or through those websites acknowledges
that the disclaimer and any terms of use, including licence terms, set out on the other agency’s website govern the use which may be
made of that material. Version 6.
Queensland Small Business Commissioner Page 21. Operations
The stuff that keeps the lights on and the doors open
(day to day management of cash-flow, payroll, premises etc.)
Small Business Financial Counselling Program
FREE program for COVID, drought, bushfire affected businesses to help you negotiate with lenders and
creditors, apply for grants or loans, confidentially assess and prepare reports on your current financial
position, cash flow and viability, and identify appropriate business options, help you develop an
action plan.
Southern Queensland - Contact 1300 732 777 or https://www.rfcssq.org.au/small-business-assistance/
North Queensland - https://www.rfcsnq.com.au/small-business/free-financial-counselling-for-small-
business
Queensland Tourism Business Financial Counselling Service
The Queensland Tourism Business Financial Counselling Service is a 3-stage process:
Stage 1: Free Tourism Business Health Check
Upon completion of the initial rapid appraisal, tourism businesses will receive a personalised and
confidential report with recommended resources and actions. Recommendations may include a
referral to meet with a Tourism Business Financial Counsellor or Small Business Financial Counsellor.
Stage 2: Free Tourism Business Financial Counsellor Service
confidential face-to-face service – they will conduct a business analysis and provide short, medium,
and long-term advice as well as options to consider.
Stage 3: 50% rebate on up to $5,000 of Tourism Business Professional Advice
For professional financial, legal and/or human resource advice, a rebate of 50% of the costs of up to
$5,000 (excluding GST) in professional advice received by the applicant.
https://www.dtis.qld.gov.au/our-work/queensland-tourism-business-financial-counselling-service
SME Guarantee loan scheme
Phase 1 of this scheme has closed, however phase 2 (which is broader) is open until 30 June 2021. SMEs
including sole traders and NFPs with a turnover up to $50m can apply. For more information, and for the
list of participating lenders:
https://treasury.gov.au/coronavirus/coronavirus-sme-guarantee-scheme
SME recovery loan scheme
There is now an additional loan scheme of up to $5m for SMEs with a turnover of up to $250 million that
were recipients of the JobKeeper payment between 4 January 2021 and 28 March 2021 or were affected
by the floods in eligible LGAs in March 2021. Both self‑employed individuals and non-profit businesses are
eligible. Businesses that have accessed loans in Phase 1 and Phase 2 can also apply for loans under the
scheme. The Australian government guarantees 80% of the loan amount.
https://treasury.gov.au/coronavirus/sme-recovery-loan-scheme
Coronavirus business assistance finder (Business Queensland tool)
Use this tool to discover what COVID-19 related support is available from the Queensland and Australian
governments, plus Queensland local councils.
https://www.business.qld.gov.au/covid-assistance
Queensland Small Business Commissioner Page 3Queensland Government Grants finder
Register to receive updates on the most recent Queensland Government grant opportunities, Individuals,
community sector and local government grant finder.
https://www.grants.services.qld.gov.au/#/
Federal Government Grants Finder
Find grants, funding, and support programs.
https://www.business.gov.au/Grants-and-Programs
Federal Government Events and Training Finder
Find business events and training can help you to improve your business skills and grow your network.
Use this search to find an event in your area or online.
https://business.gov.au/events-and-training
Finding Grants and Business Support page
Queensland Government supports for applying for and considering grants.
https://www.business.qld.gov.au/starting-business/advice-support/grants/grants-support
Support for Businesses in Australia
Information, grants, services, and support from across government to help your business succeed.
https://www.business.gov.au/
Queensland Business Launchpad
For those looking to start a small business in Townsville and Logan City Council areas in the food and
beverage or residential construction industries, this tool consolidates all the licences, permits and other
important regulatory information you need to open your doors and start trading. The tool helps small
businesses to navigate their licences and permits across state, federal and local government.
https://www.business.qld.gov.au/starting-business/planning/launchpad
Running a Business
Comprehensive online resources bank to help run your business in Queensland.
https://www.business.qld.gov.au/running-business
Starting a business
Extensive online resources bank to help start a business in Queensland.
https://www.business.qld.gov.au/starting-business
Hiring employees checklist
Check list for small business owners to help meet Australian laws when hiring an employee. Includes
some tips that might help through the hiring process.
https://www.business.gov.au/people/employees/hiring-employees
Employer Contract Tool
This tool helps small business employers to make a basic employment contract that complies with
workplace laws. Use it to create a contract for an employee under the national industrial relations
system. You can use it for full-time, part-time, and casual employees who are covered by an award.
https://employ.business.gov.au/
Queensland Small Business Commissioner Page 4State Library of Queensland business resources
https://www.slq.qld.gov.au/research-collections/information-collections/business-resources
Brisbane City Council Grants program
Brisbane City Council provide a range of grants to assist small business.
https://www.brisbane.qld.gov.au/community-and-safety/grants-awards-and-sponsorships/summary-of-
grant-programs
Brisbane Business Hub
BBH is a physical and digital space for businesses in Queensland’s capital to find advice and inspiration to
sustain and grow their business – across all industries. Assistance is delivered through in-person events,
one-on-one mentoring, and online resources such as webinars, case studies and informative articles.
Brisbane Business Hub is a joint initiative of Brisbane City Council and Brisbane Economic Development
Agency.
UPCOMING EVENT 16 June 2021: How to become a Successful Online Retail and Service Provider
https://businessinbrisbane.com.au/mentoring/
The Brisbane Lord Mayor's Business Scholarship Program and Mentoring Scheme
Provides business training and mentoring opportunities for Brisbane residents from multicultural
backgrounds.
https://www.brisbane.qld.gov.au/about-council/governance-and-strategy/business-in-brisbane/growing-
brisbanes-economy/multicultural-business/the-lord-mayors-multicultural-business-scholarship-and-
mentoring-scheme
Ipswich City Council Business support
Ipswich city council provide a range of programs to support Business in the Ipswich Region.
https://www.ipswich.qld.gov.au/business
Coronavirus Industry Specific Support
Additional Queensland Government resources and information to support Businesses in different
industry sectors.
https://www.business.qld.gov.au/industries
Creative Business Champions
Creative Business Champions provide expertise and guidance through free, personalised one-on-one
online consultations in a range of areas: business growth, arts and cultural tourism experiences, grant
writing and fundraising, thriving in the live music industry, building cultural competency, arts marketing
and digital competency.
https://rasn.org.au/cbc/
Businesses in financial difficulty in terms of loan repayments
https://www.ausbanking.org.au/assistance/
Be Connected
An Australia wide initiative empowering all Australians to thrive in a digital world.
It offers online learning resources as well as a Network of community partners - the Be Connected
Network - who offer support to develop digital skills and confidence.
Queensland Small Business Commissioner Page 5https://beconnected.esafety.gov.au/
State Library of Queensland is a Be Connected provider and has its own site for training Digital Mentors:
https://wiki.slq.qld.gov.au/doku.php?id=digital_literacy:training:bc_digital_mentor:start
Australian Small Business Advisory Service
Government subsidised one-on-one consultations for small business (0-19 employees) with digital experts
to assist a business to remain current with their digital support and subsidised online workshops.
https://asbas.rdabrisbane.org.au/about-asbas
Small Business Digital Grants Program (when available)
Can assist small businesses to access digital technologies and services to help them work smarter, engage
with the global economy, and make the most of online business opportunities arising from digital
disruption.
https://www.business.qld.gov.au/starting-business/advice-support/grants/digital-grants
Job Trainer Fund (for employers)
Employers can partner with a training provider pre-approved by the Department of Employment, Small
Business and Training, known as a Skills Assure Supplier (SAS), to source potential workers needed to
meet their workforce requirements.
https://desbt.qld.gov.au/training/employers/funding/jobtrainer-employers
JobMaker Hiring Credit
Businesses that have employed new young people can check if they are eligible to claim the JobMaker
Hiring Credit. Employers can receive up to $10,400 over year for each new job they fill between 7 October
2020 and 6 October 2021 with an eligible employee aged 16 to 29 years, and $5,200 over a year for each
eligible employee aged 30 to 35 years. To receive JobMaker Hiring Credit payments, employers must
complete three steps - register for the scheme, nominate their additional employees through STP and
claim.
https://www.ato.gov.au/General/JobMaker-Hiring-Credit/
Back to Work program
Payments of up to $20,000 are available for eligible employers in regional Queensland or areas of South
East Queensland experiencing significant labour market challenges. Back to Work Teams are in every
region to support employers and jobseekers locally. Find your local Back to Work Team to speak to at the
link below.
https://www.business.qld.gov.au/starting-business/advice-support/grants/back-to-work
TAFE Small Business Solutions
Access subsidised cert IV Small business Management under Higher level Skills Program plus a range of
Fee for Service Short courses.
https://tafeqld.edu.au/information-for/employers/small-business-solutions.html
Build a Better Business - TAFE QLD
Through the Build a Better Business workshops and mentoring, our team of expert business mentors
guide you through critical periods of business development and arm you with the knowledge, skills, and
confidence you need to clarify your ideas and to move you into the next stage of business growth.
Queensland Small Business Commissioner Page 6Participants are required to have a minimum of 12 months experience in owning and/or managing a
business.
https://business.tafeqld.edu.au/workshops/view/build-better-business-workshop
ATO Cashflow coaching kit
Free resource for finance and tax professionals to help business owners understand their cash flow.
A range of ‘show me how’ resources for advisors such as webinars and videos are available on the
website to guide advisors on ways they can use the kit as a value-add advisory service in their practice.
www.ato.gov.au/cashflowcoachingkit
The Digital Cash Flow Coaching Kit is also available in the open code source environment
on www.github.com for third parties to freely access and integrate into software products.
Advisors can access the Digital Cash Flow Coaching Kit at
https://www.ato.gov.au/Tax-professionals/Support-and-communication/In-detail/Cash-flow-coaching-
kit/
Recognition of existing Skills and Experience
https://desbt.qld.gov.au/training/training-careers/recognition
Payroll Rebates – Apprentices and Trainees
https://www.business.qld.gov.au/running-business/employing/payroll-tax/exemptions/apprentice-
trainee-rebate
Business Energy Advice Program (from energy.gov.au)
Small businesses with between 6 and 20 employees qualify.
You can register for a free Business Energy Advice consultation by calling 1300 415 224 or visiting
businessenergyadvice.com.au
Small Business Energy Check tool
The Small Business energy check tool is available for small businesses with up to 20 staff anywhere in
Australia. It can be used by businesses or business advisers.
checkyourenergyspend.com.au
ecoBiz
FREE Queensland based program to help businesses save on money on energy, water, and waste bills
from CCIQ.
https://ecobiz.cciq.com.au/
Dispute Resolution Centres – abbreviated mediations for business matters
Some business matters like unpaid debts, disagreements over work done and some tenancy matters can
be heard under free abbreviated mediations offered by Dispute Resolution Centres.
https://www.qld.gov.au/law/legal-mediation-and-justice-of-the-peace/settling-disputes-out-of-
court/abbreviated-mediation
Queensland Small Business Commissioner Page 72. Strategic
Planning what’s next, maximising opportunity
(looking forward, planning, preparation for growth/downsizing, maximising
revenue, customer engagement)
Inside Advanced Manufacturing (12- 16 July 2021)
Inside Advanced Manufacturing is a free week-long event held across Queensland that offers
Manufacturers behind the scenes access and expert tour guides at some of the state’s top manufacturing
facilities. For more information about this initiative, or to be notified when registrations of interest open,
contact the Advanced Manufacturing team via email, advancedmanufacturing@drdm.qld.gov.au.
https://www.rdmw.qld.gov.au/manufacturing/assistance-programs/inside-advanced-manufacturing
Capability Connection
Are you a manufacturer located in South-East Queensland or Townsville? The Capability Connection is an
initiative of the Australian Government that helps Company A to find Company B and vice versa with a
simple search tool across company profiles and opportunities.
https://www.capabilityconnection.com.au/
Business Boost Grants
Grants of up to $15,000 will help small businesses to improve their efficiency and productivity through
organisational development and upgrades through automated software and CRM systems. Grants can be
used for website development and upgrades, strategic marketing, training, and coaching, advisory
services and planning for business continuity and succession. Applications to open late July 2021.
https://www.business.qld.gov.au/starting-business/advice-support/grants/schedule
Mentoring for Growth - Information and Registration (M4G)
M4G is a voluntary, not for profit program, managed in partnership between the Queensland
Government and the private sector. The program aims to assist businesses in rapid growth or with high
growth potential to achieve their commercial capability by surrounding them with experienced business
Mentors. Also, able to register for Seminars, Training and Network Functions.
Contact 1300 654 687 or m4g@desbt.qld.gov.au
https://www.business.qld.gov.au/running-business/growing-business/business-mentoring/mentoring-
growth/register-business
Female Founders Program
Helping to maximise the number of inspirational women involved in Queensland’s innovation ecosystem.
12 month’s access to mentoring, training, and tools to help excel in influencer marketing, brand growth
and business scaling.
https://advance.qld.gov.au/entrepreneurs-and-startups/female-founders-program
Boosting Female Founders Initiative – Currently closed, awaiting next round
The Initiative helps female entrepreneurs overcome the disadvantages faced in getting access to finance
and support to grow their start-ups. Targeted support will be on a co-contribution basis. It’s for female
founded (majority owned and led by women) start-ups who wish to scale their business into domestic
Queensland Small Business Commissioner Page 8and global markets. Grants between $25,000 and $480,000 for female founded start-ups to expand into
domestic and global markets.
https://business.gov.au/grants-and-programs/boosting-female-founders
Backing Queensland Business Investment Fund
Created to support established small and medium businesses innovate, realise their potential, and
promote job creation in Queensland. Direct investment in Queensland business of between $2.5-$10M.
Managed by QIC. To get in touch, contact the investment fund team: bqbif@qic.com
https://www.qic.com.au/bqbif
Show Starter Loan Scheme
Federal Government is guaranteeing 100% of new loans taken out by eligible arts and entertainment
businesses to deliver new productions or events for a live audience.
Loans of up to 50% of the total budget. Pre-screening applications for the Show Starter Loan Scheme are
now open and will close 16 June 2021.
https://www.arts.gov.au/funding-and-support/show-starter-loan-scheme
New Enterprise Incentive Scheme (NEIS)
Can provide accredited small business training, business advice and mentoring for eligible people.
https://www.employment.gov.au/self-employment-new-business-assistance-neis
Advancing QLD
Start-up Onramp is a suite of structured training and mentoring programs to equip first-time founders
with essential skills to launch and grow their start up.
https://advance.qld.gov.au/entrepreneurs-and-startups/startup-onramp
Office of the Queensland Chief Entrepreneur
Personal and Professional development programs to help succeed as an entrepreneur.
https://www.chiefentrepreneur.qld.gov.au/available-programs
Entrepreneurship Facilitators
Entrepreneurship Facilitators provide practical assistance to support and encourage individuals to start a
business as a way to create their own job.
https://www.employment.gov.au/entrepreneurship-facilitators
Small Business Skills Hub (GO1)
Free online training and learning opportunities for small business owners with less than 20 staff with a
registered ABN. Courses are bite sized learning that works for small businesses. Courses can range from 5
minutes to hours and includes many different learning types such as, video, text, interactive with quizzes.
https://www.qldskills.com.au/
nbn Digital Capability Tool
The nbn Digital Capability Tool is designed to help you measure your digital capability and show you how
to take steps towards further improvement. In an increasingly digital world, being able to communicate
online, operate a device and store data safely and securely is critical.
https://www.nbnco.com.au/blog/the-nbn-project/the-tool-to-test-your-digital-capability
Queensland Small Business Commissioner Page 93.Compliance
Getting it right to avoid repercussions
(What small businesses need to know to meet obligations)
Temporary Visa changes during COVID
The government has removed the 40-hour fortnightly limit applied during study periods for Student Visa
holders employed in the tourism and hospitality sector. In addition, temporary visa holders can access the
408 COVID-19 Pandemic Event Visa for a period of 12 months if they work in the tourism and hospitality
sector. This decision adds tourism and hospitality to the critical sectors of agriculture, food processing,
health care, aged care, disability care and childcare for eligibility for this visa subclass.
https://minister.homeaffairs.gov.au/AlexHawke/Pages/support-for-australian-tourism-and-
hospitality.aspx and https://covid19.homeaffairs.gov.au/
Business Launchpad
The Business Launchpad is an exciting new tool to help small businesses reduce the red tape and access
the licences, permits and regulatory information to start their small business, all in a one-stop shop.
https://www.business.qld.gov.au/starting-business/planning/launchpad
Fair Work Ombudsman
Information about a business’ rights to stand down employees in certain circumstances. If you have an
urgent enquiry about your workplace obligations or entitlements, please contact them on 13 13 94 and
select the prompt for the coronavirus hotline. You may be referred by that hotline to their Workplace
Legal Advice Program to help deal with workplace issues arising from the outbreak including advice on
stand downs from work, flexible work arrangements and pay and entitlements.
https://www.fairwork.gov.au/contact-us
End of JobKeeper Scheme – Fair Work Ombudsman
This page gives employers and employees important information about what happens at the end of the
JobKeeper scheme. Links to a range of support for employees and employers to help them transition.
https://coronavirus.fairwork.gov.au/coronavirus-and-australian-workplace-laws/end-of-jobkeeper-
scheme
COVID-19 vaccinations and the workplace
Employers and employees looking for clarity on their workplace rights and obligations as COVID-19
vaccines become available in Australia, the Fair Work Ombudsman page has useful guidance information:
https://coronavirus.fairwork.gov.au/coronavirus-and-australian-workplace-laws/covid-19-vaccinations-
and-the-workplace
Griffith Tax Clinic
Student-run clinic that provides advice from taxation students under the supervision of experienced tax
practitioners. Free tax advice, events, and assistance for small businesses.
https://www.griffith.edu.au/griffith-business-school/departments/accounting-finance-
economics/griffith-tax-clinic
Queensland Small Business Commissioner Page 10JCU Tax Clinic
Student-run clinic in Townsville, Cairns and surrounding regions that provides advice from taxation
students under the supervision of experienced tax practitioners. Free tax advice, events, and assistance
for small businesses.
https://www.jcu.edu.au/college-of-business-law-and-governance/tax-clinic
Worksafe Qld (Workplace health and safety)
If your business employs less than 20 people, Workplace Health and Safety Queensland can arrange small
business advice about work health and safety issues.
https://www.worksafe.qld.gov.au/
The Australian Cyber Security Centre (ACSC)
Provides trusted and relevant information on how Australia’s small and medium businesses can protect
themselves from the most common cyber security threats.
https://www.cyber.gov.au/acsc/small-and-medium-businesses
Queensland Small Business Commissioner Page 114.Wellbeing
Looking after yourself and your staff
(focus on wellbeing of self, staff, culture, and relationships)
Queensland Mental Health Commission wellbeing guide and checklist for small business
Developed in collaboration between the Queensland Small Business Commissioner, the Queensland
Mental Health Commissioner, and the Dept of Employment, Small Business and Training this is a
collection of available resources and information to support small business owners’ wellbeing. It contains
guides and a useful checklist.
https://www.qmhc.qld.gov.au/about/publications/browse/brochures-posters-other-resources/a-small-
business-owners-guide-to-creating-a-mental-health-and-wellbeing-plan
NewAccess for Small Business Owners program
Free and confidential mental health coaching program for small business owners across Australia.
Richmond Fellowship Qld (who provide the service) will talk about the program and if a good fit for you
they will book an initial assessment or refer you to another service.
Call 1300 945 301 or enquire using the form at the link below - enter 7 basic bits of info to input and
enquiry will be responded to in the next two business days.
https://www.beyondblue.org.au/get-support/newaccess
My Business Health
Small business owners experiencing stress can connect to resources on the My Business Health website
provided by the Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman.
https://www.asbfeo.gov.au/my-business-health/home
Ahead for Business
A digital hub which supports mentally healthy businesses. It provides tailored resources, peer support,
check-ups and personalised action plans and showcases the experiences of small business owners
through podcasts, videos, blogs, and case studies. Ahead for Business has been developed to support
small business owners to act on their own mental health and wellbeing through personalised resources
and tools that are tailored to their specific needs. https://aheadforbusiness.org.au/
Skills Checkpoint for Older Workers
For eligible individuals, aged between 45 and 70 years, for support and guidance in their career.
Includes career assessment, one-on-one career guidance and advice and support in relation to a current
role, a new role, or help to transition to a new career.
https://skillscheck.com.au/
Women in Business
Resources and to support and encourage women to start and grow their own businesses.
https://www.business.qld.gov.au/starting-business/advice-support/support/women
Queensland Government Mental Health Support
Helpful site full of links to access help lines, counselling, and support groups.
https://www.qld.gov.au/health/mental-health/help-lines
Queensland Small Business Commissioner Page 12Small Business Financial Counselling Program
FREE program for COVID, drought, bushfire affected businesses to help you negotiate with lenders and
creditors, apply for grants or loans, confidentially assess and prepare reports on your current financial
position, cash flow and viability, and identify appropriate business options, help you develop an action
plan.
Southern Queensland - Contact 1300 732 777 or https://www.rfcssq.org.au/small-business-assistance/
North Queensland - https://www.rfcsnq.com.au/small-business/free-financial-counselling-for-small-
business
Queensland Small Business Commissioner Page 13You can also read
