Transforming Queensland Manufacturing Grants Round 1 – 2026: $12.5M Funding

Executive Summary: Queensland manufacturers can access up to $1.5 million in matched funding (50% co-contribution) through the Transforming Queensland Manufacturing Grants Program Round 1, closing 16 April 2026. This guide reveals the hard eligibility filters, application killers, and step-by-step submission process to maximise your probability of success. Only businesses with 5-200 FTE employees, three years of Queensland operations, and Industry 4.0/5.0 equipment purchases qualify.

At a Glance

The Hard Eligibility Filter: Your Pass/Fail Checklist

Before you spend a single hour on this application, you must pass every single one of these non-negotiable requirements. Missing just one means automatic rejection.

✅ MUST-HAVES (Non-Negotiable Requirements)

Business Structure Requirements:

• Between 5 and 200 full-time equivalent (FTE) employees (or part of a structure with 5-200 FTE)
• Majority manufacturing turnover as defined under Division C of ANZSIC 2006
• Active ABN and GST registration
• Existing manufacturing presence in Queensland for minimum three consecutive years
• Minimum five FTE employees physically located in Queensland
• Project site must be in Queensland

Financial and Legal Standing:

• Not insolvent
• No owners or directors who are undischarged bankrupts
• Demonstrate financial capacity to fund 50% of project costs upfront (payments made in arrears)
• Pass due diligence and financial probity checks

Project-Specific Requirements:

• Purchasing advanced manufacturing equipment with Industry 4.0 or 5.0 features
• OR implementing software for system integration (ERP, MRP, MES)
• Applicant must own the equipment (not lease, hire-purchase, or sell to third party)
• Valid quotes for all project items (dated within six months of application closing)
• Project items must be “industry leading” (superior to current Queensland practice, aligned with international best practice)

Funding Structure Constraints:

• Not part of a group structure that has received more than $1.5 million across all TQMGP rounds
• Not currently delivering another TQMGP project (no active grant agreement)
• Not receiving funding from any other government grant or scheme for the same project
• Not a government entity, statutory authority, charity, partnership, or not-for-profit

❌ DEALBREAKERS (Instant Disqualification)

These will kill your application instantly:

1. Less than three years of Queensland manufacturing operations – If you relocated to Queensland in 2024 or later, you do not qualify. The three-year clock started ticking from your first day of manufacturing in Queensland.
2. Equipment already ordered or purchased – You cannot claim reimbursement for equipment purchased before the Grant Agreement is executed. If you have already placed orders or made deposits, those costs are ineligible.
3. Repair, maintenance, or like-for-like replacement – Replacing your old CNC machine with a newer model of the same machine does not qualify. The equipment must represent a technological leap, not an upgrade.
4. Associated entity suppliers – If your brother-in-law’s company is quoting for the equipment, or if you own the supplier company, those costs are ineligible. All suppliers must be arm’s-length, independent entities.
5. Building infrastructure or renovations – Wiring, plumbing, server rooms, building extensions, and construction are explicitly excluded. Electrical upgrades specific to new equipment are capped at 10% of equipment funding.
6. Leased or hire-purchased equipment – The applicant entity must own the equipment outright. Operational leasing arrangements or hire purchase does not qualify.

The Application Killer Section: 3 Non-Obvious Reasons Applications Fail

Application Killer #1: The “Industry Leading” Evidence Gap

What happens: Applicants claim equipment is “state-of-the-art” without proving it exceeds current Queensland manufacturing practice or aligns with international benchmarks.

Why it kills applications: The program definition of “industry leading” requires equipment that is:

• Superior to or more advanced than what is currently used in Queensland or the industry
• Aligned with international best practice (not just bringing you up to existing Australian standards)

How to avoid it: In your application, provide:

• Benchmarking data showing the technological gap between your current equipment and the proposed equipment
• Case studies or technical specifications from international manufacturers demonstrating the equipment’s adoption in leading markets (Germany, Japan, USA, South Korea)
• Independent third-party assessments or industry reports confirming the equipment represents a genuine technological advancement

Real-world example: A food manufacturer applying for a new packaging line must show that the line includes AI-driven quality control, predictive maintenance sensors, or integration with ERP systems that go beyond standard automated packaging available in Queensland. Simply replacing a 10-year-old line with a 2026 model from the same manufacturer is not sufficient.

Application Killer #2: The Quote Validity Trap

What happens: Applicants submit quotes older than six months, quotes without GST-exclusive pricing, or quotes addressed to a different entity.

Why it kills applications: The guidelines explicitly state valid quotes must:

• Clearly identify the goods and services being purchased
• Be provided to the applying entity (not your accountant’s company or a related entity)
• Show GST-exclusive price in AUD
• Be dated within six months of the application closing date (16 April 2026)

How to avoid it:

• Request fresh quotes in March 2026, ensuring they are dated between 17 October 2025 and 16 April 2026
• Verify the quote is addressed to the exact legal entity name matching your ABN
• Confirm GST-exclusive pricing is clearly itemised
• Obtain formal quotes on supplier letterhead with ABN/ACN, not informal estimates

Real-world example: A manufacturer submits a quote dated 1 September 2025 for a robotic welding system. By the 16 April 2026 closing date, the quote is more than seven months old and triggers automatic clarification requests or disqualification. Even worse, the quote is addressed to the owner’s personal name rather than the company ABN, creating immediate eligibility questions.

Application Killer #3: The Security Arrangement Death Spiral

What happens: Applicants fail to confirm with their bank or financier that they can provide the required security (Bank Guarantee or Personal Property Security Registration) before applying.

Why it kills applications: The grant agreement requires one form of security before the Queensland Government executes the agreement. If your bank refuses to issue a Bank Guarantee or you cannot register PPSR over the equipment, you cannot proceed even after being approved for funding.

How to avoid it:

• Contact your business banker before applying to confirm they will issue a Bank Guarantee for the grant amount
• Understand that Bank Guarantees typically require cash collateral or sufficient lending capacity
• If using PPSR, confirm the equipment can be registered (equipment must remain in Queensland, not be mobile or easily relocated)
• Factor in bank fees for Bank Guarantee issuance (typically 1-2% per annum of the guarantee value)

Real-world example: A manufacturer is approved for $800,000 in funding. Their bank requires $800,000 in cash collateral to issue the Bank Guarantee, which they do not have. They attempt to use PPSR but the equipment is mobile machinery that moves between sites, making PPSR registration problematic. The funding offer lapses because they cannot meet security requirements.

Unsure of your eligibility? Check Your Eligibility Probability Here.

The Pre-Screening Utility: Will You Win or Fail?

This is not just information. This is your diagnostic tool. Use these binary filters to self-assess your probability of success.

Tier 1: Mandatory Compliance (Binary: Pass = Proceed, Fail = Stop)

Question 1: Do you have exactly 5-200 FTE employees (or are part of a group with 5-200 FTE)?

• YES = Proceed to Question 2
• NO = STOP. You are ineligible. Consider partnering with a manufacturer in the eligible size range.

Question 2: Have you operated a manufacturing business in Queensland for three consecutive years prior to 16 April 2026?

• YES = Proceed to Question 3
• NO = STOP. You cannot apply until you meet the three-year requirement. Mark your calendar for future rounds.

Question 3: Do you have minimum five FTE employees physically located in Queensland right now?

• YES = Proceed to Question 4
• NO = STOP. Relocate employees to Queensland or hire Queensland-based staff before applying.

Question 4: Is your turnover majority manufacturing (Division C of ANZSIC 2006)?

• YES = Proceed to Question 5
• NO = STOP. If you are primarily wholesale, retail, or services with some manufacturing, you do not qualify.

Question 5: Can you demonstrate financial capacity to fund 50% of total project costs upfront (recognising grant payments are made in arrears)?

• YES = Proceed to Tier 2
• NO = STOP. Arrange financing, cash reserves, or equipment finance before applying.

Tier 2: Project Viability (Scoring: Higher = Better Chance)

Equipment Technology Assessment:

• Does your equipment include Industry 4.0/5.0 features (IoT, AI, digital twin, autonomous operation)? (10 points)
• Is the equipment internationally recognised as industry leading? (10 points)
• Will the equipment integrate with existing systems or create new system connectivity? (5 points)

Program Objectives Alignment:

• Does your project facilitate export opportunities? (10 points)
• Are you reshoring or onshoring manufacturing currently done interstate or overseas? (10 points)
• Will productivity increase by more than 20%? (5 points)

Jobs and Investment:

• Will you create new high-skilled manufacturing jobs (not just maintain existing roles)? (10 points)
• Is your total project investment more than $500,000? (5 points)
• Will you complete the project within 12 months of grant execution? (5 points)

Scoring Guide:

• 60-70 points: Strong candidate. Proceed with application.
• 40-59 points: Moderate candidate. Strengthen export pathways, reshoring narrative, and jobs creation before applying.
• Below 40 points: Weak candidate. Consider applying in later rounds after improving project scope.

Tier 3: Regional vs SEQ Funding Split

50% of Round 1 funding ($6.25 million) is reserved for regional Queensland. South East Queensland comprises Brisbane, Gold Coast, Ipswich, Logan, Sunshine Coast, Moreton Bay, and Redlands local government areas. If your project site is in regional Queensland, you are competing in a smaller pool with potentially higher success rates.

Strategic consideration: If you operate in both SEQ and regional Queensland, locate the project site in regional Queensland to access the reserved funding pool.

Step-by-Step Submission Guide: Navigating the SmartyGrants Portal

Before You Start: Pre-Application Essentials (Week 1-2)

Step 1: Contact Your Local Manufacturing Hub

Do not skip this step. The Queensland Government strongly encourages applicants to contact their local Manufacturing Hub before applying. These advisors can:

• Confirm your eligibility before you invest time in the application
• Review project scope for alignment with program objectives
• Provide feedback on equipment selection and “industry leading” criteria

Manufacturing Hub Locations:

• Cairns: TAFE Queensland Cairns Campus, Gatton Street, Manunda
• Townsville: TAFE Queensland Trade Training Centre, 763 Ingham Road, Bohle
• Rockhampton: Building 37, Central Queensland University, Yaamba Road, North Rockhampton
• Gladstone: Room G.47, Martin Hanson Building, CQU Gladstone Marina Campus
• Mackay: Resources Centre of Excellence, 65 Crichtons Road, Paget
• Wide Bay: 16-32 Enterprise Street, Bundaberg
• Sunshine Coast: Mike Ahern Building, Maroochydore
• Gold Coast: Unit 2b, 19 Cotton Street, Nerang
• Toowoomba: TAFE Queensland Toowoomba Campus, 100 Bridge Street

Phone: 07 3330 4444 | Email: manufacturing@nrmmrrd.qld.gov.au

Step 2: Obtain Fresh Equipment Quotes

Request quotes in March 2026 to ensure they are dated within six months of the 16 April 2026 deadline. Each quote must include:

• Supplier ABN/ACN on letterhead
• Your company name and ABN (exact match to your registration)
• Detailed description of equipment, installation, commissioning, and training
• Itemised pricing showing GST-exclusive amounts
• Validity period (minimum 90 days recommended)

Step 3: Assemble Financial Documentation

Prepare evidence of financial capacity:

• Last two years of financial statements (audited if available)
• Cash flow forecasts showing ability to fund 50% of project costs
• Bank statements or lines of credit demonstrating liquidity
• Equipment finance pre-approval letters (if using external financing)

Step 4: Prepare Strategic Narrative Documents

Draft responses to assessment criteria before entering the portal:

Criterion 1 (25% weighting): How the project will build capability, increase productivity, boost international competitiveness, and increase profitability.

• Required: Specific productivity metrics (e.g., “increase output per employee from 12 units/day to 18 units/day”)
• Required: Export market analysis or international competitiveness benchmarks
• Required: Profitability modelling showing return on investment

Criterion 2 (25% weighting): How the project aligns with program objectives (export pathways, reshoring/onshoring).

• Required: Evidence of export enquiries, international market research, or existing export relationships
• Required: Detailed reshoring/onshoring plan if applicable (what is currently done overseas/interstate, why it can be brought to Queensland, timeline for transition)

Criterion 3 (20% weighting): Support for current jobs and creation of new high-skilled jobs.

• Required: Current headcount breakdown
• Required: New roles to be created (titles, skill requirements, salary bands)
• Required: Training plan for upskilling existing workforce

Criterion 4 (20% weighting): Project planning and strategic alignment.

• Required: Gantt chart or project timeline
• Required: Milestones with dates (equipment ordering, delivery, installation, commissioning, training, go-live)
• Required: Strategic business plan showing how this project fits long-term business direction

Criterion 5 (10% weighting): Value for money to industry and the state.

• Required: Cost-benefit analysis
• Required: Demonstration of competitive procurement (multiple quotes, value engineering)

During Application: SmartyGrants Portal Navigation (Week 3-8)

Access the portal: The application is submitted via SmartyGrants at: https://rdmw.smartygrants.com.au/TQMGP1

Portal Structure:

Section 1: Applicant Details

• Legal entity name (must match ABN)
• ABN and GST registration confirmation
• Primary contact details
• Business address and project site address
• Number of FTE employees (total and in Queensland)
• Years of operation in Queensland
• ANZSIC classification code
• Annual turnover and manufacturing percentage of turnover

Section 2: Project Overview

• Project title (concise, descriptive)
• Total project cost (inclusive of all eligible and ineligible costs)
• Grant amount requested (maximum 50% of eligible costs, capped at $1.5 million)
• Project start date (cannot commence until grant agreement executed)
• Project end date (12 months preferred, longer requires detailed justification)

Section 3: Detailed Project Budget Upload spreadsheet with:

• All eligible costs (equipment, software, installation, commissioning, training, freight, cybersecurity)
• All ineligible costs (building works, contingencies, etc.)
• GST-exclusive pricing
• Supplier names and ABNs
• Evidence (attach quotes as PDFs)

Section 4: Assessment Criteria Responses

• Maximum 3,000 words per criterion (recommended: use full allocation)
• Attachments: Letters of support, market research, financial statements, business plans, strategic documents

Section 5: Declarations

• Acceptance of terms and conditions
• Declaration of no conflicts of interest
• Confirmation of eligibility
• Agreement to security arrangements (Bank Guarantee or PPSR)
• Acknowledgment that payments are made in arrears

Step 5: Submit Before 1pm AEST, 16 April 2026

Late applications will not be accepted. Aim to submit by 10am on 16 April to allow for system issues.

Unsure of your eligibility? Check Your Eligibility Probability Here.

What Happens After You Submit: The 16-Week Assessment Journey

Week 1-4: Eligibility and Compliance Screening

The Department assesses whether you meet mandatory eligibility criteria. During this phase, you may receive clarification requests. You must respond within five business days or risk being deemed ineligible.

Common clarification requests:

• Proof of three years of Queensland operations (tax returns, BAS statements, lease agreements)
• Evidence of manufacturing turnover majority (financial statements showing revenue breakdown)
• Confirmation of FTE employee count (payroll records, WorkCover declarations)
• Clarification of equipment specifications (technical datasheets, supplier confirmations)

Critical: Clarifications are to provide clarity, not to add new information. Do not attempt to introduce new quotes, equipment, or project elements during clarification.

Week 5-12: Merit Assessment and Scoring

Assessors score your application against the five criteria. Projects are ranked competitively. Due diligence and financial probity checks occur in parallel.

What they are checking:

• ASIC company searches for directors and shareholders
• Credit checks and insolvency searches
• Review of financial statements for solvency and capacity
• Background checks on key personnel
• Verification of quotes and supplier legitimacy

Week 13-16: Funding Recommendations and Ministerial Approval

The Department prepares funding recommendations. The Minister or delegate makes final funding decisions. All applicants are notified of outcomes (successful, unsuccessful, ineligible).

Post-Approval: Grant Agreement Execution (Within 3 Months)

Step 1: Accept Offer (10 Business Days)

You receive an offer letter. You must formally accept within 10 business days or the offer may be withdrawn.

Step 2: Arrange Security

Choose one:

• Bank Guarantee: Contact your bank to issue a Bank Guarantee in favour of the State of Queensland for the grant amount. This typically requires cash collateral or sufficient lending capacity.
• Personal Property Security Registration (PPSR): Register the Queensland Government’s security interest over the funded equipment on the PPSR register.

Step 3: Finalise Grant Agreement

The Department drafts a Grant Agreement outlining:

• Milestones and deliverables
• Reporting requirements
• Payment schedule
• Outcomes to be achieved
• Security arrangements
• Seven-year retention period for equipment in Queensland

Step 4: Execute Agreement

Both parties sign. Only after execution can you commence the project (order equipment, engage contractors, etc.).

Payment Structure: The Arrears Model Explained

Do not commence your project until the Grant Agreement is executed. Any costs incurred or paid before agreement execution are ineligible.

Payment Schedule

Up-front Payment (Optional):

• 20% of grant amount may be paid following execution of Grant Agreement
• Only available if you provide a Bank Guarantee as security (not available for PPSR security)
• Subject to satisfaction of any special conditions

Milestone Payments:

• Remainder of funding paid upon completion of project milestones
• You submit milestone reports with evidence of expenditure (invoices, bank statements, remittance advices)
• Department reviews and approves milestone reports
• Payment made within terms of Grant Agreement

Final Retention:

• Department retains 5% of total funding for 12 months following project completion
• Released after you submit a 12-month post-completion report demonstrating outcomes and objectives achieved

Reimbursement Process

You must:

1. Pay supplier invoices in full
2. Provide tax invoices and proof of payment (bank statements)
3. Submit milestone report to Department
4. Wait for Department approval
5. Receive reimbursement

Timeline: Expect 4-6 weeks between submitting a milestone report and receiving reimbursement payment.

Eligible vs Ineligible Project Costs: The Complete Breakdown

Eligible Project Costs (Reimbursable at 50%)

Advanced Robotics, Automation, Industry 4.0/5.0 Equipment:

• Simulation or digital twin technology
• Advanced robotics or collaborative robots (cobots)
• Autonomous equipment (self-navigating AGVs, autonomous CNC machines)
• Augmented reality or virtual reality equipment for training or maintenance
• Equipment that automates existing manual or semi-automated processes
• Equipment promoting energy efficiency
• Purchase, installation, commissioning, and training related to equipment

Sector-Relevant Technology and Software:

• Big data analytics platforms, AI systems, digital connectivity infrastructure
• Internet of Things (IoT) sensors and connectivity
• Digital twin software
• Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems
• Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES)
• Material Requirements Planning (MRP) systems
• Carbon monitoring systems
• Sustainability management software
• Supply chain or value chain integration management systems
• Lean manufacturing implementation (Lean audit, value stream mapping, error reduction, downtime reduction)

Associated Project Costs:

• Servers to accommodate advanced systems and process connectivity
• Software licensing (up to 12 months) required to operate new equipment or implement systems
• Training to support implementation of new software or integrated technology
• Freight of eligible equipment to project site
• Cybersecurity systems to protect new digital infrastructure
• Electrical upgrades specific to new equipment (capped at 10% of equipment funding)

Ineligible Project Costs (Not Reimbursable)

Consultants and Suppliers:

• Consultants or contractors that are associated entities (related companies, family members, shareholders)
• Project items where the applicant or associated entity is the supplier

Infrastructure and Construction:

• Modifications or extensions to existing infrastructure
• Construction of new infrastructure (buildings, extensions, structural works)
• Wiring, cabling, plumbing installation (except electrical upgrades for equipment, capped at 10%)
• Renovations of buildings
• Telecommunications infrastructure
• Server rooms (servers themselves are eligible; building the room is not)

Training and Education:

• General on-the-job training and supervision
• Training courses, training programs, and further education (e.g., Certificates III and IV)
• Travel and accommodation for recipients and staff

Pre-Agreement Costs:

• Any eligible project costs incurred or paid before execution of Grant Agreement

Equipment Restrictions:

• Leased or hire-purchased equipment
• Equipment purchased to be leased or sold to a third party
• Repair, maintenance, or like-for-like replacement of existing equipment
• Non-fixed equipment (equipment that is not permanently installed or easily relocatable)
• Vehicles (repair, maintenance, purchasing, or leasing)

Research and Professional Services:

• Research and development activities (unless directly integrated with equipment commissioning)
• Legal advice
• Intellectual property costs

Business Operations:

• Salaries for staff or costs associated with human resources activities
• Project contingencies or cost overruns
• Equipment, technology, systems, or processes not considered industry leading

Unsure of your eligibility? Check Your Eligibility Probability Here.

Strategic Considerations: Regional vs SEQ, Timing, and Multi-Round Planning

Regional Funding Allocation Advantage

50% of Round 1 funding is reserved for regional Queensland. If you have operations in both SEQ and regional Queensland, consider:

• Locating the project site in regional Queensland to access the reserved pool
• Regional projects may face less competition (fewer applicants)
• Ensure minimum five FTE employees are located at the regional site

Timing Across Six Rounds

The TQMGP runs for three years with six rounds (one every six months). If you are not ready for Round 1, plan for future rounds:

• Round 2 expected: October 2026
• Round 3 expected: April 2027
• Round 4 expected: October 2027
• Round 5 expected: April 2028
• Round 6 expected: October 2028

Strategic planning:

• If your current project is too small (below $200,000 eligible costs), wait and bundle with future equipment purchases
• If you are close to the $1.5 million cap, split projects across multiple rounds (subject to group structure limits)

Group Structure Limits

The maximum funding to one applicant and its associated group structure across all rounds is $1.5 million. If you are part of a group:

• Only one entity in the group can apply per round
• Total funding across all entities in the group cannot exceed $1.5 million across all six rounds
• You cannot have an active Grant Agreement when applying for a new round

Example: Parent Company A owns Subsidiary B and Subsidiary C. Parent Company A applies in Round 1 and receives $800,000. Subsidiary B can apply in Round 3 for up to $700,000 (total cap: $1.5 million). Subsidiary C cannot receive any funding across the program.

FAQ and Glossary: Your Quick Reference Guide

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is the grant taxable income? A: Grants may be treated as assessable income for taxation purposes. The Department does not provide tax advice. Consult your accountant or tax advisor to determine tax treatment.

Q: Can I apply if I am a sole trader? A: Yes, provided you meet all eligibility criteria (5-200 FTE, majority manufacturing turnover, three years in Queensland, etc.). Sole traders are not excluded.

Q: Can I apply if I am a partnership? A: No. Partnerships are explicitly excluded from eligibility.

Q: What if my equipment supplier is overseas? A: Overseas suppliers are acceptable. Ensure quotes are in AUD (GST-exclusive) and include freight to Queensland project site.

Q: Can I include freight costs from overseas? A: Yes, freight of eligible equipment to the project site is an eligible cost. However, ensure freight is separately itemised in the quote.

Q: What happens if I do not complete the project within the agreed timeframe? A: The Grant Agreement will specify milestones and timelines. Failure to complete may result in funding being withheld or recovered. Extensions may be possible with Departmental approval.

Q: Can I change the project scope after receiving funding? A: Major changes require Departmental approval. Minor variations may be permitted. Changing the project scope without approval may breach the Grant Agreement.

Q: What if I sell the business during the project? A: The Grant Agreement includes clauses about change of control. Selling the business may require Departmental approval and could trigger repayment obligations.

Q: How long must I retain the equipment in Queensland? A: The Department may take first ranking security over funded items for up to seven years. Removing equipment from Queensland during this period may breach the Grant Agreement.

Q: Can I apply for software only (no equipment)? A: Yes, provided the software supports system integration and manufacturing process improvement (ERP, MRP, MES, AI systems, carbon monitoring, etc.). The software must be directly linked to manufacturing processes, not general business operations.

Q: What counts as “high-skilled manufacturing jobs”? A: Jobs requiring special skills, training, knowledge, ability, and proficiency in the latest technologies and processes relevant to the industry (e.g., robotics technicians, AI system operators, advanced CNC programmers, automation engineers).

Glossary of Key Terms

Active Grant Agreement: A Grant Agreement which has been executed and not terminated, and where the Department has not yet accepted a 12-month post-completion report.

Advanced Manufacturing: A holistic approach involving high levels of technology and expertise applied throughout the value chain, using and integrating new technologies, design, innovative production, and customer engagement systems to produce high-value products.

Associated Entities: Organisations or individuals with a relationship to the applicant through shared ownership, control, or influence (parent companies, subsidiaries, business partners, related bodies with common management or financial interests).

Industry 4.0: The Fourth Industrial Revolution – integration of intelligent digital technologies (big data, analytics, automation, robotics) with manufacturing processes to create smart factories.

Industry 5.0: The Fifth Industrial Revolution – builds on Industry 4.0 with a human-centric focus where humans and technology work side-by-side to enhance manufacturing processes, resilience, and sustainability.

Industry Leading: Equipment, technologies, systems, or processes that are superior to or more advanced than those currently in use in Queensland or the industry, and aligned with international best practice (not merely bringing a business into line with existing Australian industry practice).

Onshoring/Reshoring: Bringing manufacturing activity currently undertaken overseas or interstate to Queensland.

Queensland-Based Business: A business having at least one manufacturing site in Queensland and at least five full-time equivalent (FTE) employees located in Queensland.

Valid Quote: A quote provided by the entity supplying goods or services that clearly identifies: the goods and services being purchased, the entity to which the quote is provided, the GST-exclusive price (if in AUD), and dated within six months of application closing date.

Related Queensland Manufacturing Support

Looking for additional Queensland manufacturing support? Explore these related programs:

• Manufacturing Grants – Comprehensive guide to manufacturing support across Australia
• QLD Government Grants for Small Business – Overview of Queensland small business funding opportunities
• Business Development Grants – Grants supporting business capability building
• Innovation Grants – Funding for innovative manufacturing technologies

Conclusion: Your Next Steps

The Transforming Queensland Manufacturing Grants Program Round 1 represents a significant opportunity for Queensland manufacturers to modernise operations, increase competitiveness, and secure up to $1.5 million in matched funding. However, success requires:

1. Rigorous self-assessment using the Hard Eligibility Filter and Pre-Screening Utility
2. Early engagement with your local Manufacturing Hub
3. Strategic project design aligned with program objectives (export, reshoring, productivity, jobs)
4. Meticulous application preparation addressing all five assessment criteria with evidence
5. Financial capacity to fund 50% of project costs upfront (arrears payment model)
6. Security arrangements confirmed with your bank before applying

Critical deadline: 16 April 2026, 1pm AEST. Late applications will not be accepted.

Application portal: https://rdmw.smartygrants.com.au/TQMGP1

Contact: manufacturing@nrmmrrd.qld.gov.au | 07 3330 4444

Do not wait until March to begin. Start your pre-application preparation now: contact your Manufacturing Hub, obtain quotes, prepare financial documentation, and draft assessment criterion responses. The difference between a successful and unsuccessful application is preparation, evidence, and strategic alignment.

Unsure of your eligibility? Check Your Eligibility Probability Here.