4 July 2025
Our Government champions a ‘Small and Family Business First’ approach, laying the groundwork to support the existing 495,000 small and family businesses across Queensland and support growth of a further 120,000 small and family businesses over the next seven years.
We are committed to reducing red tape, providing security, supporting growth and ensuring small and family businesses have access to the support and assistance they need.
This Budget includes additional funding of more than $130 million over the next four years to fund the Small and Family Business First Action Statement, which includes a mix of new programs, grants, and initiatives designed to support small and family businesses. This substantial funding underscores our commitment to fostering a thriving small business sector.
Here are some key Budget highlights:
- Extension of the Small Business Support Network: We’re providing $16.8 million to extend the vital Small Business Support Network to June 2028, after funding was due to end under Labor on 30 June. The network offers free and confidential access to financial counsellors and business wellness coaches, providing wraparound support during challenging times including natural disasters.
- Apprenticeship Pilot Program: $19 million to support small and family businesses to take on apprentices by covering 50 per cent of apprentice wages for first and second-year apprentices, and 25 per cent of wages for third and fourth-year apprentices, during training block periods of four weeks, twice a year.
- Construction Business Advancement Grants: $8.8 million over two years to support small and family construction businesses and sole traders to purchase business management software and training with $5,000 grants, improving their productivity and bookkeeping.
- Professional Care Providers Business Advancement Grants: $5 million over two years to support Professional Care Providers to purchase business management software and training with $5,000 grants, improving their productivity and bookkeeping.
- Secure Communities Partnership Program: We’re helping to make local small business precincts safer by providing $40 million over three years to install critical safety upgrades. Round one applications close on 11 July 2025.
- Small and Family Business Innovation Pathway: $1 million over the next four years to directly engage Queensland small and family businesses for short-term initiatives to solve specific problems or improve government service delivery.
This Budget is a fresh start for Queensland, delivering the foundations for a stronger economy and a better future for all Queenslanders. We believe that by supporting our small and family businesses, and their staff, we are investing in the heart of our communities and Queensland’s economy.
We look forward to continuing to work closely with you to ensure we deliver tangible benefits in your communities.
These initiatives will be rolled out progressively over the coming months so please visit business.qld.gov.au for updates.