155 Queensland businesses will share in more than $1 million in funding to purchase digital technology and training through the State Government’s Small Business Digital Grants program.
Acting Minister for Small Business Kate Jones said the program offers up to $10,000 per business, which will be matched dollar for dollar by the successful applicant, to purchase digital hardware, software or training and skills development.
“These grants will assist small business to access the latest digital technologies to increase their productivity and competitiveness, which will help their business to grow and employ more staff,” Ms Jones said.
“They will also enable small businesses to expand their market reach through a greater online presence.”
She said the program attracted huge interest from small businesses looking to adopt digital technology.
“We received more than 1200 applications, which is a huge response. Thirty per cent of the grants were awarded to businesses outside South East Queensland and 13 recipients were Indigenous businesses,” the Acting Minister added.
“This demonstrates that Queensland small businesses across the state are ready and eager to adopt digital technology.”
According to Ms Jones, successful applicants included a CrossFit studio that will introduce new technology to track client progress; an electrical consultant wanting to redevelop and market their website; a ferry service upgrading its booking system; and a business trialling a new mobile application for the health industry.
“Queensland small businesses employ almost half of the state’s private sector workforce, so this program is an investment in a sector that creates jobs,” she concluded.
The Queensland Government has committed $6 million over three years to the Small Business Digital Grants program. The next round of funding opens on Wednesday 8 March 2017.
