Queensland Small Business Grants 2026: Current Government Programs

Queensland small businesses can access government grant programs from three levels of government in 2026: federal, state and local council. These programs cover a wide range of purposes, including manufacturing upgrades, apprentice wages, business security, export growth, disaster recovery, startup investment and sector-specific support. Funding ranges from wage subsidies of a few thousand dollars per apprentice through to matched grants of up to $1.5 million for eligible Queensland manufacturers.

Grant availability in Queensland changes regularly. The Queensland Government runs most of its small business grants in defined rounds, publishes upcoming rounds as “opening soon” before dates are confirmed, and often closes rounds early once funding is fully allocated. Checking what is open right now, and what is about to open, is the fastest way to avoid missing a round. The free one-minute eligibility assessment tool is a quick first check to see whether your business is in the right ballpark.

How Queensland Small Business Grants Work

Before looking at individual programs, it helps to understand how the Queensland system is set up, because it explains why a grant you read about last year may not be available today.

• Most state grants run in rounds. Programs such as the Business Growth Fund, Business Basics and Business Boost have each run several numbered rounds. Between rounds, the program page usually stays online but shows that recipients have been notified and no new applications are being taken.
• The Queensland Government publishes a small and family business grants schedule. It lists each round’s stage, from “opening soon” through to assessment, delivery and acquittal. As of late September 2026, two rounds were listed as opening soon: Secure Communities Partnership Program Round 3 and the Construction Business Advancement Grant.
• Many programs are first come, first served or capped. Several current programs (including the apprentice wage programs and the Female Founders Co-Investment Fund) are capped by the number of places or by total funding, so they can close before their stated end date.
• Most grants are reimbursements or co-investments, not free cash. Many programs require you to contribute part of the project cost, and some pay only after you reach a milestone.
• Federal and council programs sit on top of state programs. A Queensland business can often combine a state grant with federal tax incentives or a local council grant, as long as it does not claim the same cost twice.

Current Queensland Government Grants for Small Business

The following programs represent the funding currently available, opening soon or recently active for Queensland small businesses. Status changes regularly. Programs marked as ongoing or capped can close without much notice once places or funds run out.

Transforming Queensland Manufacturing Grants Program (Round 2)

The Transforming Queensland Manufacturing Grants Program is the largest current state grant for Queensland small and medium manufacturers. The program has $79.1 million over three years, delivered across six rounds, with a new round opening roughly every six months. Round 2 has $12.5 million available.

Key details for Round 2:

• Matched grants from $100,000 up to $1.5 million
• The grant cannot exceed 50% of total eligible project costs, so you must fund at least half yourself
• Open to Queensland-based manufacturing businesses investing in advanced manufacturing equipment and technology
• Applications close at 1:00pm on 25 November 2026, and late applications are not accepted

If you missed Round 1, our guide to the Transforming Queensland Manufacturing Grants explains how the program works and how earlier applicants approached it. Queensland’s regional Manufacturing Hubs remain a point of contact for manufacturers wanting to discuss projects before applying.

Small Business Apprenticeship Program (Queensland)

This program reimburses small businesses for part of a construction, engineering or electrical apprentice’s wages while the apprentice is away at training. It covers an average of eight weeks of training per year, up to 32 weeks in total.

• Subsidy rate: 50% of the typical wage in years one and two, and 25% in years three and four
• Total available per apprentice: up to $14,400 for an apprentice aged 21 or over, or up to $10,550 for an apprentice under 21
• Payments: up to four, claimed at quarterly training milestones
• Business eligibility: 19 or fewer employees (contractors excluded) and annual turnover of no more than $10 million
• Apprentice eligibility: registered in a Queensland training contract that started on or after 1 July 2025, past probation and still active

Payment rates increased from 1 July 2026, and registrations reopened for an additional 2,000 places after the first 2,000 places filled between October 2025 and June 2026. Because the program is capped at 4,000 apprentices in total, registering early matters.

TradieStart Apprentice Incentive

TradieStart is a newer Queensland incentive for businesses that take on a construction apprentice who started or restarted from 1 August 2026. Registrations are open for the first 2,500 eligible apprentices.

• Stream 1 (small businesses): 1 to 19 employees and turnover under $10 million, employing a construction apprentice for the first time under a Queensland training contract. Payments total $10,000 for an apprentice under 21 or $14,000 for an apprentice aged 21 or over, rising to $12,000 or $16,000 if the apprentice is a veteran, a woman, an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander person, or a person with a disability.
• Stream 2 (medium and large businesses and group training organisations): 20 or more employees and turnover of at least $10 million, employing a new apprentice from one of the priority groups. Payments total $10,000 or $14,000 depending on the apprentice’s age.
• How it pays: half after six months and half after 18 months. Small businesses must complete a free short TAFE Queensland course in mentoring, workplace safety or supervision before claiming.

Businesses that already employ an apprentice may be better suited to the Small Business Apprenticeship Program above.

Secure Communities Partnership Program (Round 3 Opening Soon)

The Secure Communities Partnership Program helps small and family businesses pay for safety and security upgrades that deter crime.

• Grants of $5,000 to $20,000 (excluding GST), with the business sharing the total project cost
• For small and family businesses that have been directly affected by crime, or that operate in a crime-affected area
• Typical projects include security systems, surveillance, lighting and physical protection upgrades

Round 2 has closed and recipients have been notified. Round 3 for small businesses is listed as opening soon, and the Department has not yet confirmed the opening date. If your business has experienced break-ins, theft or vandalism, now is a good time to gather quotes and incident records so you can apply quickly once the round opens.

Construction Business Advancement Grant (Opening Soon)

The Construction Business Advancement Grant appears on the Queensland small business grants schedule as opening soon. The Department has not yet published the funding amount, eligibility criteria or opening date for this program. Construction businesses should watch for the guidelines, because new programs often attract a large number of applications in their first round.

Business Growth Fund Program

The Business Growth Fund is one of Queensland’s best-known small business grants. It targets high-growth small and family businesses that need specialised equipment to grow, improve productivity, increase market share or expand into exports.

• Most recent round (Round 7): grants of $50,000 to $75,000 (excluding GST), paid over three milestone payments, with the business contributing at least 50% of total project costs
• Earlier rounds: grants were $25,000 to $50,000 with a minimum 25% business contribution, and projects below $33,333 (excluding GST) were not funded
• What counts as specialised equipment: complex machinery or systems that increase, enhance or automate productivity, such as advanced logistics equipment, advanced manufacturing or digital equipment, or production equipment needed to meet growth demand you could not otherwise meet
• Selection: earlier rounds used a three-stage process: an expression of interest, a full application, and a short pitch to a panel of business experts and department executives. Applicants also had to show potential for a 20% increase in productivity, profit, turnover or employment over two years

Round 7 has closed, recipients have been notified and projects run until 30 November 2027. The Queensland Government has not yet announced a Round 8. Our Business Growth Fund 2026 guide covers the program in more detail, and Queensland grants for equipment and services covers other ways to fund equipment.

Business Basics Grants Program

The Business Basics Grants Program has helped thousands of Queensland small businesses build core skills. The most recent round offered $7,500 (excluding GST), paid upfront, with no co-contribution required, for three priorities:

• Professional business advice
• Strategic marketing services
• Website builds and upgrades

Earlier rounds offered $5,000 and also covered training and development, business mentoring and business continuity planning. One earlier round closed early after a surge of applications pushed it past its maximum number of applications, which is a good reminder to apply as soon as a suitable round opens. The latest round has closed and recipients have been notified. No new round has been announced.

Business Boost Grants Program

Business Boost grants were designed to help established Queensland small businesses invest in improvements that strengthen performance. Earlier rounds offered up to $15,000. Round 4 has now completed (the program completion date was 31 August 2026). A future round has not been announced.

Back to Work Program

The Back to Work Program gives eligible Queensland businesses the confidence to employ and keep Queenslanders who have been out of work for a period of time. It focuses on regional Queensland and parts of South East Queensland facing significant labour market challenges. Payments listed for employers include:

• Employer Incentive Payment: up to $15,000 for hiring an eligible unemployed Queenslander
• Youth Boost payment: up to $20,000 for hiring an eligible unemployed Queenslander aged 15 to 24
• Small Business Support Pool: up to $2,000 to help retain and support employees supported through the incentive payments

All payments depend on eligibility criteria and available funds. A separate Growing Workforce Participation Fund offers $20,000 to $200,000 to industry groups rather than individual employers. Our guide to the Queensland Workforce Attraction Grant covers another employment-related program worth checking.

Queensland Disaster Recovery Grants for Small Business

Queensland’s small businesses face floods, cyclones, monsoon troughs and bushfires more often than most states. After a declared disaster, the Queensland and Australian governments often activate jointly funded recovery grants for small businesses and primary producers, usually administered by the Queensland Rural and Industry Development Authority (QRIDA). Recent examples include Exceptional Disaster Assistance Recovery Grants after the 2025 to 2026 North Queensland monsoon trough and flooding, and a Small Business Recovery Assistance Grant Program for businesses affected by the 2025 Queensland monsoon trough.

These packages are event-specific, so amounts, eligible areas and deadlines change with each disaster. Past packages show how they usually work. The South East Queensland flood relief package, for example, offered grants of up to $50,000 to eligible small businesses in defined disaster areas, with an initial claim of up to $15,000 based on evidence of damage and quotes, followed by further claims of up to $35,000 once work had been paid for. Eligible costs typically include:

• Removing debris and cleaning up
• Buying or hiring equipment
• Buying materials
• Replacing or removing damaged infrastructure
• Replacing damaged stock

Common eligibility conditions include owning a small business in a defined disaster area, holding an ABN at the time of the disaster, having suffered direct damage, being responsible for the costs, and intending to re-establish the business in the same area. Photograph damage straight away, and keep insurance policy and claim details, because these are usually required. Our guide to government grants for drought relief covers support for longer-running dry conditions.

Queensland Export Grants and Support

Many Queensland small businesses have products that could sell on a global market, but exporting is expensive and few small businesses can fund it alone. Trade and Investment Queensland offers export advice and free consultations to help businesses identify relevant export grants, and points exporters toward federal support such as the Export Market Development Grants. Queensland laser skirmish company Battlefield Sports is a good example of what is possible: the business grew its equipment sales into overseas markets with the help of export support and was recognised with an export award at the 2016 Queensland iAwards.

Our guide to grants for exporters explains the federal export programs in more detail.

Queensland Primary Producer and Farming Grants

Queensland primary producers, including graziers, croppers, horticulturalists and aquaculture operators, can access state programs, concessional loans and disaster support. One current example is the Great Artesian Basin Rehabilitation Program, which funds bore capping and piping projects for landholders with bores in Queensland’s section of the Great Artesian Basin. Expressions of interest are due by 4:00pm on 30 October 2026.

For a full overview, see our guide to Queensland business grants and loans for the farming sector and our national guide to agricultural and primary producer grants.

Queensland Tourism and Hospitality Grants

Tourism is one of Queensland’s largest industries, and the state regularly funds tourism and events businesses. The Tourism Business Capability Subsidy, for example, offered sole traders and small to medium tourism and events businesses up to $2,000 toward capability building. Its most recent round closed on 30 September 2026.

Tourism and hospitality operators should also read our guides to Queensland tourism grants, the Tourism Business Capability Subsidy, the Cultural Tourism Fund and hospitality grants in Queensland.

Queensland Startup Business Grants

If you are starting or scaling a new business in Queensland in 2026, these programs are the most relevant starting points:

Female Founders Co-Investment Fund: Grants of $50,000 to $200,000 (excluding GST) for women-led Queensland startups raising early-stage capital. The fund matches investment at a 1:3 ratio, so a $50,000 grant needs at least $150,000 in new external investment from an eligible investor. Businesses must be headquartered in Queensland, at least 51% owned by women with a woman in a primary executive role for six months or more, have no more than 50 full-time equivalent employees, and have raised no more than $500,000 previously. The fund closes on 30 June 2027 or earlier once funds are committed, and it is already close to being fully allocated.

Advance Queensland programs: The Queensland Government’s innovation programs, delivered under the Advance Queensland banner, include the Backing Female Founders Program, the Ignite Program, Regional Futures and Deadly Innovation for First Nations innovators. The earlier Ignite Ideas Fund offered two tiers of funding of $100,000 to $200,000 over 24 months for innovative small and medium businesses with strong growth potential. It is no longer taking applications, but it shows the scale of support Queensland has offered innovative startups in the past.

Self-Employment Assistance (Federal): A free national program offering small business training, advice and mentoring for people interested in self-employment. It replaced the former New Enterprise Incentive Scheme (NEIS) and is delivered through providers across Queensland.

Industry Growth Program (Federal): Advice and matched grants for innovative small and medium businesses with turnover under $20 million. Early-stage commercialisation grants range from $50,000 to $250,000, and commercialisation and growth grants from $100,000 to $5 million. The program is currently paused to new applications.

R&D Tax Incentive (Federal): Companies with aggregated turnover under $20 million can receive a 43.5% refundable tax offset on eligible research and development spending, which effectively returns cash to qualifying businesses through their tax return.

If you are searching for “startup grants QLD”, “new business grants Queensland” or “free government grants for small business start up QLD”, read our full guide to startup business grants in Australia and our overview of innovation grants.

Queensland Grants for Sole Traders

Sole traders operating in Queensland can apply for many of the same programs as companies, provided they hold an active ABN. Programs relevant to Queensland sole traders include:

• Apprentice wage programs, such as the Small Business Apprenticeship Program and TradieStart, if the sole trader employs an eligible apprentice
• Secure Communities Partnership Program grants for crime-affected small businesses, once Round 3 opens
• Disaster recovery grants for sole traders whose business premises or stock are damaged in a declared disaster
• Tourism subsidies for sole trader tourism and events operators
• Free mentoring through the Queensland Government’s Mentoring for Growth program

Important: Some programs exclude sole traders. The federal Industry Growth Program, for example, only accepts incorporated companies, co-operatives and incorporated trustees. Always check the program guidelines before investing time in an application. Our dedicated guide to sole trader grants in QLD and our national guide to grants for sole traders cover this in more depth.

Queensland Grants by Industry Sector

Different industries in Queensland have access to targeted programs in addition to general small business grants. Below are the key sectors with dedicated support in 2026:

Food and beverage businesses deserve a special mention. Food and beverage businesses make up a large share of Queensland’s economy, and many still run older machinery and equipment that uses a lot of energy. Grants for new equipment, process upgrades and product development can help these businesses lift production, cut emissions and switch to cleaner energy such as solar. See our guides to manufacturing grants, renewable energy grants and the Queensland Bioenergy Fund.

Queensland Grants for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Businesses

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander business owners in Queensland can access state and federal programs, including:

• Indigenous Workforce and Skills Development Grant: grants of $20,000 to $350,000 for Queensland employers and organisations creating training and employment pathways for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. The most recent round closed on 8 October 2026. See our Indigenous Workforce and Skills Development Grant guide.
• Deadly Innovation: the Queensland Government’s innovation strategy and support for First Nations innovators and businesses.
• Trade and Investment Queensland: dedicated First Nations export and business engagement support.
• Indigenous Business Australia: business loans, finance and business development support.
• TradieStart priority cohort bonus: small businesses employing an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander construction apprentice can receive the higher TradieStart payment rate.

If you are searching for “Aboriginal business grants QLD” or “Indigenous business grants Queensland”, our guides to Aboriginal business grants and Indigenous business funding and grants are the best places to start.

Social Enterprises in Queensland

Social enterprises create jobs and tackle social problems such as unemployment, health and the environment. Queensland has previously run a dedicated Social Enterprise Grant that funded equipment, training and business development for social enterprises that had been operating in Queensland for at least a year. While no dedicated round is currently open, social enterprises can still apply for many general business programs listed on this page, as long as they meet the business eligibility rules. Social enterprises that are also registered charities can look at community and capacity-building grants offered by philanthropic funds.

Federal Grants Available to Queensland Businesses

In addition to Queensland state programs, all Queensland businesses can access federal programs. The most relevant in 2026 are:

R&D Tax Incentive: a 43.5% refundable tax offset for eligible companies with aggregated turnover under $20 million that spend on qualifying research and development activities. It runs every financial year and is claimed through your tax return.

Export Market Development Grants (EMDG): support for small and medium exporters across three tiers: businesses ready to export, businesses expanding in existing markets, and businesses moving into new key markets. Round 4 has closed and Austrade has not yet confirmed the timing of the next round.

Energy Efficiency Grants for Small and Medium Enterprises: recent rounds offered up to $25,000, covering up to 100% of eligible costs, for businesses with 1 to 199 employees to upgrade to more energy efficient equipment. Round 2 is closed, and a further round has not been announced. Our renewable energy grants guide covers alternatives.

Industry Growth Program: matched grants of $50,000 to $5 million for innovative small and medium businesses, currently paused to new applications.

Self-Employment Assistance: free training, advice and mentoring for people starting a business.

For a national view, read what business grants are available to small business in 2026.

Previous Queensland Programs: What They Tell You About the Next Round

Some well-known Queensland programs are no longer taking applications, but they are still worth knowing because the Queensland Government often replaces or renews programs with similar goals. If you were eligible for one of these, you are likely to be a strong candidate when a similar program opens.

• Ignite Ideas Fund: offered $100,000 to $200,000 over 24 months to innovative small and medium businesses that could diversify the Queensland economy and create local jobs.
• Manufacturing Hubs Grant Program: helped small and medium manufacturers in regional Queensland improve their manufacturing capability, productivity and supply chains. The Transforming Queensland Manufacturing Grants Program is now the main state grant for manufacturers.
• Regional Futures Collaborative Projects: funded collaborations between regional innovation leaders and businesses, with up to $200,000 available, a 1:1 matched contribution required and an 18-month project timeframe.
• Business Basics, Business Boost and Business Growth Fund: these three core programs have each run multiple rounds, covered above.
• Regional Business Gateways: a newer program funding councils and local business communities to deliver initiatives that help small and family businesses. Round 1 is in assessment, with outcomes expected in late 2026. Individual businesses benefit indirectly through the initiatives their council or chamber delivers.

Small Business Grants Brisbane

Brisbane small businesses can access everything on this page plus Brisbane City Council programs. Recent examples include the Lord Mayor’s Women in Business Grant, which offered up to $5,000 to women-led Brisbane small businesses with turnover between $75,000 and $500,000. Its most recent round closed on 6 October 2026. Council also funds community, environment and event projects through grants and sponsorship. See our guide to the Lord Mayor’s Women in Business Grant for details.

Regional Queensland Small Business Grants

Businesses in regional Queensland, from Cairns, Townsville and Mackay to Rockhampton, Toowoomba and the Darling Downs, often have access to extra support. The Back to Work Program focuses on regional areas, disaster recovery grants are frequently targeted at regional communities, and the Great Artesian Basin Rehabilitation Program supports regional landholders. Regional manufacturers can also speak with their local Queensland Manufacturing Hub before applying for the Transforming Queensland Manufacturing Grants.

How to Apply for Queensland Small Business Grants: Step by Step

Step 1: Check your eligibility. Use the free one-minute eligibility assessment tool or call 1300-005-999. Eligibility varies a lot between programs, so checking first saves time.

Step 2: Gather your documents. Most Queensland grant applications ask for an active ABN, recent financial statements (usually the last 12 to 24 months), BAS statements, bank statements, quotes for the items you plan to buy, and a short project or growth plan. Disaster recovery grants also need photos of the damage and insurance details.

Step 3: Prepare your co-contribution. Many programs, such as the Business Growth Fund and the Transforming Queensland Manufacturing Grants, require you to fund at least half of the project yourself. Make sure you can show the funds are available.

Step 4: Apply before the deadline. Queensland rounds open and close on fixed dates, and some close early when funding runs out. Applications that arrive late are not considered, no matter how strong they are.

Step 5: Follow up and sign the agreement. Note your reference number and the stated assessment timeframe. Successful applicants receive an offer and must sign a funding agreement before any money is paid. Read every condition carefully, especially reporting and milestone requirements.

Common Mistakes Queensland Applicants Make

• Buying before approval. Most programs do not fund costs you have already paid for before your grant agreement is signed.
• Applying for the wrong program. A great application to a program you are not eligible for will still be rejected.
• Waiting for the “perfect” application. Popular programs such as Business Basics have closed early because of demand.
• Weak evidence of impact. Growth programs want to see how the grant will lift jobs, turnover or productivity. Use real numbers.
• Ignoring co-contribution rules. If a program needs a 50% contribution, your budget must show it clearly.

Frequently Asked Questions: Queensland Business Grants

What government grants are available for small businesses in Queensland in 2026?

Queensland small businesses can currently access the Transforming Queensland Manufacturing Grants (matched grants of $100,000 to $1.5 million, closing 25 November 2026), apprentice wage programs such as the Small Business Apprenticeship Program and TradieStart, and the Female Founders Co-Investment Fund. Secure Communities Partnership Program Round 3 and the Construction Business Advancement Grant are listed as opening soon. Availability changes regularly as rounds open and close.

Is there a $5,000 or $7,500 small business grant in Queensland right now?

The Business Basics Grants Program has offered $5,000 and, in its most recent round, $7,500 for business advice, marketing and website upgrades. That round has closed and recipients have been notified. A new round has not been announced. Our guide to small business grants of $20,000 covers other grant sizes.

Can a sole trader get a government grant in Queensland?

Yes. Many Queensland programs are open to sole traders with an active ABN, including disaster recovery grants, tourism subsidies, apprentice wage programs for sole traders who employ an apprentice, and the Secure Communities Partnership Program for crime-affected businesses. Some federal programs, such as the Industry Growth Program, only accept incorporated businesses.

Is the Queensland Business Growth Fund open in 2026?

Not currently. Round 7 offered $50,000 to $75,000 with a 50% business co-contribution, has closed, and its projects run until 30 November 2027. The Queensland Government has not yet announced another round.

Are there grants for hiring apprentices in Queensland?

Yes. The Small Business Apprenticeship Program reimburses up to $14,400 of an eligible construction, engineering or electrical apprentice’s training wages, and TradieStart pays $10,000 to $16,000 for eligible construction apprentices who started from 1 August 2026. Both programs are capped by the number of places.

What grants help Queensland businesses after a flood or cyclone?

After a declared disaster, jointly funded recovery grants are usually activated for eligible small businesses and primary producers, generally administered by QRIDA. Past packages have offered up to $50,000 for clean-up, equipment, materials, damaged stock and repairs. Amounts and eligible areas depend on each event.

How long does it take to receive a Queensland business grant?

Assessment usually takes several weeks to a few months after a round closes, followed by signing a funding agreement. Some programs pay upfront, while others pay in milestones over the life of the project.

Want to keep exploring your options? Grants Assist’s online portal gives you access to detailed, regularly updated information on grants and assistance programs across Queensland and Australia. Explore the Grants Assist portal to browse more programs like these, or call us on 1300-005-999 to speak with one of our advisors.

Looking at other states? Compare NSW small business grants, Victorian small business grants and WA small business grants.