A new opportunity for small businesses has arisen in Queensland with the release of  the ‘Small Business Digital Grants Program’, which will provide funding for small businesses to assist in growing their business through the use of digital marketing technologies and services to enable them to work smarter and make the most of online business opportunities arising from digital disruption.

Key points:

• Financial assistance aimed at getting your business online and entry to the digital economy
• Grants of up to $10,000 matching your spend dollar for dollar.
• Applications must be lodged by 9th December 2016
• You need to Act Fast - as you require a project scope, quotes and a completed application
• Grants are for Queensland based businesses

Available Funding

Co-contribution funding of up to $10,000 (excluding GST) may be provided to an eligible businesses for the use of purchasing hardware, software and/or professional services (such as digital coaching). Applicants must demonstrate that the propsoed digital technology or service to be purchased and/or adopted will enhance their digital capabilities, make them more competitive and increase their ability to employ more staff.

Up to a mximum of 20% of an applicant's co-contribution can consist of an in-kind element related to their personal time undertaking training related to new technologies.

The digital technology or service must fall under one of five identified priority areas:

• digital marketing and/or social media;
• digital content (such as web pages, mobile apps, media etc.);
• relate to receiving payments or selling products/services online;
• specialised digital technology or software (business specific); or
• digital planning and advice/training.

Successful applicants will have their grants paid directly to their business upon the completion of the project and presentation of proof of payment for the product or service.

Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible the applicant business must:

• have fewer than 20 employees at the time of applying for the grant;
• have an Australian Business Number (ABN) and be registered for GST;
• have Queensland headquarters or significant Queensland-based operations; and
• declare if any owners or directors of the business are an undischarged bankrupt or insolvent.

The participating business must provide a project report on completion of the project detailing how the funds were spent and the impact it has had on the business.

Only 1 application per year will be accepted from an individual ABN or business address.

Important Dates

• Round 1 opens on 8 November 2016 and closes 9 December 2016. Act fast!
• Further rounds will open in March and June 2017.
• Businesses will be surveyed 12 months after the completion of the project.

Who can Apply?

All Queensland-based small businesses can apply. The business must show that the digital technology or service purchased will enhance the digital capabilities of the business and help them to be more competitive.