Have your say – Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games Consultation Survey
Hosting the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games will create a lasting legacy in the lead up to the Games and years after. Nearly 14,000 legacy ideas have been shared to date and summarised in the Elevate 2042: The Brisbane 2032 Legacy Consultation Paper. These have helped to create the draft Legacy vision and themes. To help shape it further, we’re now seeking your feedback on the draft legacy themes, focus areas and vision. Help us bring your Legacy ideas to life and take the survey here >> The survey closes on 25 June 2023 and the Brisbane 2032 Legacy Plan will be released later this year following endorsement by the Games Delivery Partners.
QSBMonline helping small businesses to get inspired and overcome challenges
Although we are nearly at the end of May, there are still some excellent QSBMonline sessions to go for Queensland Small Business Month. Register for a session and get inspired to grow your business and overcome challenges – all without leaving your home. Webinar recordings are now available on business planning, social media and marketing, workforce management, building capability, selling to government suppliers and workplace health and safety. It’s been fantastic to see so many Queenslanders support our small businesses through our #loveyoursmallbusiness campaign. It’s not too late to do a shout out to your favourite local business on social media. We’d also love to hear your feedback on this year’s QSBM events. Help us to improve and complete the survey >>
Introducing Heidi Grey, Small Business Wellness Coach
Heidi Grey recently joined our network as a business wellness coach based in Gympie, supporting businesses in the Wide Bay-Burnett region, and virtually across Queensland.
Heidi’s experience on her family farm led to a first-hand understanding of the challenges small business owners face when impacted by natural disasters. Heidi has studied counselling and psychology and worked as a Wellness Counsellor. Through our Small Business Wellness Package, small business owners can access free, confidential, customised, one-on-one wellness coaching with qualified coaches, such as Heidi. Learn more >>
Our Thriving Digital Future — Queensland’s Digital Economy Strategy
The Queensland Government is investing$200 million over the next four years to grow the state’s digital economy and improve connectivity throughout Queensland. The Our Thriving Digital Future: Digital Economy Strategy sets the vision to boost Queensland’s competitiveness, bridge the digital divide, and unlock the benefits of the digital economy for every person. TheStrategy will improve connectivity in our regions and support Queensland’s industries and businesses to excel. Learn more >>
Executive education for tourism
The Queensland Tourism Industry Council and The University of Queensland have partnered to deliver a suite of professional development courses tailored to the tourism and hospitality industry. Facilitated by leading academics, the Executive Education for Tourism courses provides you with powerful tools to help you build resilient business models, practices and strategies in line with your organisation’s goals. Subjects include:HR Practices for Success in TourismFinancial Management Fundamentals for TourismLeadership for the Tourism Experience EconomyInnovation in Tourism with Design Thinking.
Fee free TAFE
The Australian and Queensland Governments are taking action to deliver approximately 37,000 Fee Free TAFE and vocational education and training places for Queenslanders in 2023. Eligible Queenslanders are currently able to undertake Fee Free TAFE at TAFE Queensland and CQUniversity. There are a range of certificates and diplomas available, which are aligned to Australian and Queensland Government priorities, including business and emerging industries, to meet current and future skills needs. View the courses available >>
Promote positive mental health at work
The Managing Psychosocial Hazards at Work Code of Practice 2022 (the Code) along with amendments to the Work Health and Safety Regulation, are important steps in keeping Queensland workplaces safe, healthy and productive. The Code provides practical guidance and examples on how to comply with existing obligations. A small business toolkit is available containing links and resources to help you build a mentally healthy workplace. In a recording, Queensland Mental Health Ambassador Hayley Lewis shares her inspiring story and experiences as a small business owner and Tanya Orzulak from WHSQ’s Psychological Health Unit shares how you can identify and control psychosocial risks in your workplace. Watch the recording here >>
Ask a Mentor – Employer Obligations
Employers have many legal responsibilities including workplace health and safety, employee entitlements and awards, and tax. You also need to maintain a positive culture, encourage professional development, and provide a safe working environment. Mentors Tanya Rutherford and Slaven Drinovac provide their top tips:Create and/or experience your onboarding process – could you do your job after doing this training?Keep up to date with the latest laws, regulations, and guidelines.Invest in your people – get to know them and identify suitable and mutually beneficial training and development opportunities. Foster a work environment that promotes open communication, mutual respect, and equality.
Make the most of your side hustle
During the pandemic, many turned to side hustles to make some extra cash. With more time at home to work on our hobbies (sourdough anyone?) the opportunity to start making income was there. Knowing whether you’re in business, and what tax, super or registration obligations you have, can help make the most of the income you’re earning. Our tips to make the side hustle work for you:Cash flow is king – make sure you’re making enough to cover all your expenses and keeping track of it.Receipts are elite – not only is it a legal requirement to keep records, but it also helps you know exactly where your business is at.Utilise networks – seek out tax and business experts for their guidance.Find out more from the Australian Tax Office here.
Get on the path to becoming a bike friendly business
The Department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR) has released a practical guide to help Queensland businesses become bike-friendly and why it makes good business sense to do so. Being bike-friendly can provide a distinct point of difference and help you attract new and repeat customers. To develop the guide, TMR engaged with bike riders, businesses, local councils, and bike riding industry groups across the state. The research showed that 95 per cent of frequent bike riders stop and spend at businesses when riding, with more than half stopping and shopping on most or every ride. The guide highlights how businesses can benefit from being bike-friendly and provides practical tips to help you put your business on the path to bike-friendly success. Download the guide today and ride the benefits!
GRANTS
Business Growth Fund Program
Expressions of interests are now open for the Business Growth Fund Program. This program provides grants of $50,000 – $75,000 for small and medium-sized businesses to purchase highly specialised equipment, enabling them to unlock growth potential, increase production, enabling them to expand their workforce and maximise economic returns.
Expressions of interest close 5pm Friday 2 June 2023.
2023 Indigenous Languages Grants
Guya-nyi mirrara — how are you today? This greeting is in Ganggalida, a language from Queensland’s Gulf Country.
Language connects Queenslanders to culture, Country and each other which is why we are excited to announce applications for the 2023 Indigenous Languages Grants are now open. Grants of up to $10,000 are available for Queensland-based activities that support the preservation of Indigenous languages.
Applications close 10am Monday 12 June.
Industry Workforce Advisor
Up to $5,000 in Queensland Government funding is available to eligible small businesses for specialist HR support and advice. To be eligible, businesses must have engaged with an Industry Workforce Advisor and identified a need for HR solutions. QTIC’s Advisor is available to assist eligible operators in applying for the $5,000 HR support grant. You’re invited to express your interest in consulting with QTIC’s Industry Workforce Advisor.
Back to Work Initiatives
Are you thinking about hiring someone new for your business? Back to Work Support Payments of up to $15,000 are available when employing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, people with disability, and people dealing with long-term unemployment. Youth Boost Payments of up to $20,000 are also available when hiring young people aged 15-24 years. Visit us for more information.