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New strategy powers up Sunshine Coast small businesses
Small businesses on the Sunshine Coast stand to benefit from a new Queensland Government strategy to strengthen the sector over the next three years.
Launched during this year’s Queensland Small Business Month, the Queensland Small Business Strategy 2024–27 (Strategy) supports small businesses to combat rising operating costs, create jobs, and seize new business opportunities.
The Sunshine Coast is home to more than 43,500 small businesses with over 20 per cent in the construction industry. These businesses, along with the region’s economy, are set to reap the rewards of the Queensland Government’s $1.2 billion Big Build investment in the Sunshine Coast, which is creating 3,400 jobs. Local Big Build projects include the Maroochydore City Centre, Caloundra South Priority Development Area, Sunshine Coast University Hospital Stage three, Sunshine Coast Industrial Park Stage two and Palmview State Secondary College.
Under the new Queensland Small Business Strategy, small business grants will continue to be rolled out in 2024, offering Business Boost grants of up to $20,000 and Business Basics grants of up to $5,000. Business Growth Fund grants open for shortlisted applicants in early July.
Sunshine Coast businesses have shared in more than $4 million in small business grants to date. Local family-owned business GeoDrill Australia received a $75,000 Business Growth Fund grant to upgrade its fleet of drilling rigs, enabling it to increase its competitiveness, grow revenue, employ 12 extra staff, and launch GD Water Solutions to service rural Queensland.
The new Strategy also delivers more mentoring and coaching services, extra funding for projects to attract and retain employees through the Workforce Connect Fund, new investment in cybersecurity support and safer retail precincts, and assistance to help small businesses recover from natural disasters.
For more information visit www.business.qld.gov.au or contact the Department of Employment, Small Business and Training’s Maroochydore office via phone 1300 654 687 or email ncoasttraining@desbt.qld.gov.au
