Latest News & Updates

Scenic Rim Small Business Hub Digital Marketing

As part of the Scenic Rim Small Small Business Hub Initiative, the Department of Employment, Small Business and Training (DESBT) South East Region (SER), would like to invite you to learn more about how digital marketing through Facebook and Instagram can help grow your business.

Join us online on the 28 July from 1:30 – 2:30 pm (via Zoom) to gain valuable marketing insights and techniques from Mentoring for Growth mentor, Simon Dell CEO of CEMHO Marketing Experts on Demand.

This session is open for all small businesses and start-ups who want to learn more around how to maximise opportunities in the marketplace via Facebook and Instagram.

To register for this session please click on the link below.

Once registered, a Zoom link will be provided via email.

For further information on the Scenic Rim Small Business Hub or how DESBT South East Region can assist with your business please feel free to email [email protected].

 

Register your Interest

One hundred TAFE Queensland scholarships on offer

Every Queenslander deserves the opportunity to create a better future through education and training, and that’s why TAFE Queensland is awarding up to 100 scholarships to Queenslanders looking to change their lives and build lifelong careers.

Minister for Training and Skills Development Di Farmer said applications for the scholarships open today, with recipients receiving up to $5,000 to study any TAFE Queensland qualification from a certificate III through to advanced diplomas and bachelor’s degrees.

“The Palaszczuk Government’s COVID-19 Economic Recovery Plan puts a focus on investing in skills, and with over $1 billion for training and skills in the recent state budget we are taking that commitment seriously,” Minister Farmer said.

“These scholarships are another opportunity for Queenslanders to take courses that will lead to real, rewarding jobs in a wide range of industries.

“TAFE Queensland offers qualifications in all industry areas and delivers training throughout the state.

“Thanks to the Palaszczuk Government’s $100 million Equipping TAFE for the Future program, the facilities that students are learning in are better than ever too.”

The scholarships will help cover the costs of course fees, text books, and living expenses.

“We know the power vocational education has to change people’s lives and we want to help people fulfil their career potential regardless of their circumstances,” Minister Farmer said.

“There are two types of scholarships available. Merit Scholarships are aimed at supporting people who have demonstrated strong levels of achievement to advance their careers, and Access and Equity Scholarships designed to help students who are battling social or financial hardship.”

The TAFE Queensland Scholarship Program first launched in 2015. Since then it has helped more than 390 Queenslanders pursue their career goals thanks to more than $1.8million of support.

Holly Maloney is studying a double Diploma of Building Design and Diploma of Interior Design at TAFE Queensland’s South Bank Campus and was awarded a TAFE Queensland Scholarship in 2020.

“Studying at TAFE Queensland is amazing and so much more engaging than school. I’m learning drawing, hand rendering and making floor plans in a hands-on environment around people who are just as passionate as me,” Ms Maloney said.

“I am very grateful for my scholarship, and used it to buy a laptop to run technical drawing software so I can study from anywhere.”

TAFE Queensland Chief Executive Officer, Mary Campbell, said this year RACQ and CPL have partnered with the TAFE Queensland Scholarship Program to support Queenslanders to receive access to training.

“RACQ have come on-board to support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who wish to study in the Townsville region, while CPL have provided funding for scholarships under the Access and Equity category for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people with a disability,” Mrs Campbell said.

With an average of 600 applications received each year, Mrs Campbell said she encourages anyone looking to start their career or make a career change to apply now.

“Whether you’re leaving school, considering a career change or looking to upskill, all Queenslanders are urged to apply.”

Applications for a TAFE Queensland scholarship to commence study in semester one, 2022 open on 12 July and close on 24 September 2021.

Queensland Government launches $1.84 billion jobs fund

The Queensland Government has launched a new flagship program, bringing together $1.84 billion in measures designed to turbo-charge job creation in Queensland.

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said the Queensland Jobs Fund gives industry the support they need to establish and grow their businesses in Queensland.

“This will support new jobs across the state as we keep delivering Queensland’s plan for economic recovery from COVID-19,” she said.

“People and businesses are moving to Queensland in droves because they know it is one of the safest places in the world to live, work and raise a family.

“We have a strong track record of creating jobs, in defence with Rheinmetall, aerospace with Boeing and biomedical with the likes of Vaxxas and Anteotech.

“These funds will allow us to do much more and create even more jobs across Queensland.”

The Queensland Jobs Fund includes a new $350 million Industry Partnership Program and existing programs that support job-creating industries like renewable energy, hydrogen, resource recovery, business, manufacturing and catalytic infrastructure.

Deputy Premier Steven Miles said the Queensland Jobs Fund would provide a coordinated approach for business, including funding, land and planning approvals.

“The Queensland Jobs Fund is the government’s next step toward Queensland’s continued economic recovery,” Mr Miles said.

“It’s not just about helping businesses get back on track, it’s about making sure we leverage the opportunities that we’ve created in Queensland off the back of our world-class pandemic response and recovery.

“Now we will have a single concierge for businesses who want to move here or grow here and employ more Queenslanders here.

“I want everyone to know the Queensland Government is ready to facilitate industry growth through investment and jobs.”

The Deputy Premier said the new $350 million Industry Partnership Program would support mature industries to adopt new technologies, assist rapidly growing sectors and emerging industries.

“The Industry Partnership Program will create at least 2,800 jobs across the state,” Mr Miles said.

“This industry program will provide tailored assistance packages to strengthen local supply chains and grow the footprint of Queensland’s industries, while creating jobs.

“We have an incredible opportunity in Queensland thanks to our health response. Companies from around the world are looking to Queensland to expand. We want to help them.

“We’ll work together with business, industry and research institutions to create assistance packages that fit each project.”

Mr Miles said the jobs fund was more than dollars and financial incentives. It includes planning certainty, access to land, fiscal incentives such as payroll concessions, tax reimbursements and relief from fees and charges.

Treasurer Cameron Dick said the $1.84 billion fund will supercharge Queensland’s investment attraction competitiveness.

“Queensland’s economy is leading the nation’s recovery from COVID-19, which is translating to strong investor interest” the Treasurer said.

“The Jobs Fund will put Queensland in the box seat to capitalise on the economic recovery to transform our economy into a jobs and investment powerhouse”

“It will support the full spectrum of private sector opportunities from equity investment, investment attraction, business retention and expansion in our priority industry sectors.

“The Jobs Fund programs will attract contestable major private investment projects to the state and create ongoing jobs in priority sectors and related supply chains.

“The Palaszczuk Government has already driven delivery of over $2.5 billion in capital investment and up to 4,100 new jobs in the private sector via the Advance Queensland Industry Attraction Fund (AQIAF) and the Jobs and Regional Growth Fund (JRGF),” he said.

“Further announcements about the Jobs Fund will be made as part of the 2021-22 State Budget.”

The $1.84 billion Queensland Jobs Fund includes:

  • Hydrogen Industry Development Fund
  • The new $350 million Industry Partnership Program
  • Renewable Energy Fund
  • Made In Queensland
  • Manufacturing Hubs
  • Building Acceleration Fund
  • Resource Recovery Industry Development Fund
  • Backing Queensland Business Investment Fund

Find out more at www.qld.gov.au/qldjobsfund

Skilling Queenslanders for Work program opening soon

Minister for Employment and Small Business and Minister for Training and Skills Development
The Honourable Di Farmer

After helping more than 36,000 Queenslanders to into jobs, the Palaszczuk Government is making its highly successful Skilling Queenslanders for Work initiative permanent with ongoing funding of $80 million each year.

Minister for Training and Skills Development Di Farmer said applications for the next round of funding would open on Wednesday June 23.

“Skilling Queenslanders for Work is one of the Palaszczuk Government’s flagship programs, and for good reason: it really works.

“Since we reinstated it in 2015 it has helped more than 36,000 people into jobs. In fact, 73% of Skilling Queenslanders for Work participants go onto secure employment or further training, making it the most successful program of its kind.

“I’ve had the privilege of meeting so many people who have benefitted from this program. Just a few days ago I spoke with Cody, 23, who did a 6-month program and now has a four-year work contract.

“That’s why I am absolutely delighted Skilling Queenslanders for Work will now be permanent. It’s going to change thousands of lives.

“This $320 million commitment over four years will continue to help disadvantaged Queenslanders gain skills, qualifications and experience to enter – and stay – in the workforce.

“The Palaszczuk Government has placed investing in skills at the heart of Queensland’s Economic Plan for Recovery. This is in stark contrast to the LNP Newman Government which cut the Skilling Queenslanders for Work program as soon as they got the chance.”

Minister Farmer said the initiative will add two new programs, Community Foundation Skills and Skill Up.

“We are building on a strong model with a fantastic network of community-based providers that develop projects targeting local opportunities around the state and offer tailored support to each participant.

“As the Palaszczuk Government works to drive economic growth following the impact of COVID-19, supporting people to get back into the workforce will also help employers and industries fill needed roles across the state.

“Community Foundation Skills will support people to build their language, literacy and numeracy skills to get prepared for further study or to enter the workforce. Affordable foundation skills training is critical to breaking cycles of poverty, joblessness and intergenerational disadvantage.

“Skill Up will target workers needing to refresh or pivot their skills to secure a job, and those who have had extended times away from employment. It will also provide industry focused training to help people get started on new career paths.

“In addition to these new programs our current programs – Get Set for Work, Youth Skills, Ready for Work, Community Work Skills, First Start and Work Skills Traineeships – will continue to provide opportunities for people from a range of backgrounds.”

Minister Farmer said the funding round for 2021-22 will open on 23 June.

“We will be calling for project applications from our current providers and interested community-based not-for-organisations across Queensland that can deliver needed support and training to assist people towards joining the workforce,” Minister Farmer said.

“Organisations like Lighthouse Care, a social enterprise project in Logan. They helped 30 young job seekers completed Certificate II training in Skills for Work and Vocational Pathways while undertaking work experience at the warehouse, administration office, and grocery store.

“One participant, Nadya, had never had paid employment and was referred to the project through her Disability Support Agency. Nadya has now secured employment at a locally run shop called Tragic Beautiful.”

Melanie from Tragic Beautiful said that she was delighted to offer Nadya a job.

“Nadya is great I’m really excited to be able to offer another young person a job. Despite a pandemic, business insecurity and not knowing what tomorrow will bring, we can still make a difference in a young person’s life”.

Skilling Queenslanders for Work aims to offer targeted support for young people, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, people with disability, mature-age jobseekers, women re-entering the workforce, people from culturally or linguistically diverse backgrounds, recently released prisoners and veterans or ex-service personnel.

Skilling Queenslanders for Work funds skills development, training, and job opportunities for unemployed, disengaged, or disadvantaged Queenslanders through a suite of targeted skills and training programs.

The Department of Employment, Small Business and Training will hold online and in-person information sessions that will cover each program and the application process.

For further information visit www.training.qld.gov.au/sqw  or call 1300 369 935.

Media contact: Kate Talbot 0439 803 211

Business Boost Grants Program

Program Key Details

Eligible Business Size   Small businesses fewer than 20 employees 

(turnover $300,000 – $600,000 in 2020/2021 financial year)

Status                            Application Preparation

Opening Date                30 July 2021

Closing Date                  When funds are exhausted

The Business Boost grants program provides support to businesses to advance improvements in their efficiency and productivity.

This support includes funded activities in 3 project areas:

  1. Future planning
  2. Specialised and automated software
  3. Staff management, development and planning

The program is administered by the Department of Employment, Small Business and Training (DESBT).

You may be eligible to receive a grant payment of $15,000 (excluding GST) on completing your proposed project.

Successful applicants must co-contribute at least 30% of the total project costs.
(see online calculator on Business Queensland Website)

In addition to the current grant program please refer to the links below for other support for your business.

Business Launchpad – New digital tool that makes it easier to discover licences, permits and regulatory information tailored to your business needs.
https://www.business.qld.gov.au/starting-business/planning/launchpad

Business Assistance Finder – Support to reopen and grow your business
https://www.business.qld.gov.au/covid-assistance

The Office of Small Business Commissioner
https://www.business.qld.gov.au/running-business/support-assistance/qsbc/about

Queensland Small Business Advisory Council
https://desbt.qld.gov.au/small-business/advisory-groups/council

Business Health Check – Identify changes you can make to help your business survive and thrive
https://www.business.qld.gov.au/running-business/health-check

Small Business Disaster Hub Resources – Use these resources to prevent, prepare, respond, recover and communicate so you can get back to business sooner when disaster hits.
https://www.business.qld.gov.au/running-business/protecting-business/disaster-resilience/disaster-hub/resources

Scenic Rim Tourism and Events Grant Writing Workshop and Masterclass

Your are invited to take a deep dive into 2021 funding opportunities for Scenic Rim tourism and events operators.

Register here.

About this event
Tourism and Events Grant Writing Workshop and Masterclass

A Scenic Rim Regional Council and Adcock Grants Initiative

The challenge for any Scenic Rim business is firstly to find the right grant and secondly to successfully apply for funding. The grant space is ever changing and businesses often find the grant application process a complicated undertaking.

Scenic Rim Regional Council and Adcock Grants invite you to a deep dive into 2021 funding opportunities for Scenic Rim tourism and events operator. This Workshop will breakdown the process and simplify the steps into easy consumable pieces. The Masterclass is for a business ready to submit an application.

Please note the last workshop booked out so we recommend early registration to avoid disappointment.

The Workshop – 9:00am – 10:00am

• 2021 funding opportunities and trends for Scenic Rim agribusiness and tourism operators

• Project development tools

• Solving problems for government

• Polish and professionalism

• Converting your business plan/event into a fundable project

• Economic modelling tools

• Project budgets and realistic costings

• Stakeholder engagement

The Panel – 10:00am – 10:30am

• Rick Stanfield, The Clydesdale Show – Guest Case Study

• Lachlan Rogers and Leonard Chong, Tourism and Events Queensland – Destination Event Funding Program

• Emily Lochran, Scenic Rim Event Coordinator – Sunflower Festival

• Scott McDuff, Principal Specialist Regional Events – Scenic Rim Regional Council

The Masterclass – 10:30am-12:00noon

This is recommended for attendees requiring direct support for a Tourism Events Queensland Destination Events Program funding application or a specific funding opportunity.

• Unpacking funding guidelines and eligibility

• What does a competitive event/project look like?

• Writing a project scope

• Answering merit criteria

• Developing an event budget

• Quantifying benefits and outcomes to the region

• Partnerships, experience and capability to deliver

Venue: Boonah Cultural Centre, Date: Wednesday, 14 of July, Arrival: 8:45

Register for this event here.

CCIQ Red Tape Survey

CCIQ needs your help!

This year, CCIQ will be conducting the largest study of regulatory compliance in Queensland. 12-months since the initial COVID-19 lockdown, we have a particular focus on overburdensome regulation, otherwise referred to as Red TapeThis is because, while budgets will be tight, regulatory reform represents a cost-effective means of stimulus that will unlock business potential in Queensland.

The team at CCIQ have been on a journey to ease the regulatory burden imposed on businesses like your own since 2009. We view this as a necessary step in ensuring that Queensland is a place where people feel encouraged to start and grow a business.

Our latest survey in 2017 found that:
1) 7 in 10 businesses believed that government regulation had a moderate to major impact on their business
2) 7 in 10 businesses lost productivity by having to divert the efforts of key personnel  to ensure regulatory compliance
3) Regulatory compliance cost Australian businesses $67 billion. Fast forward to 2021, and this figure is likely to have surpassed $100 billion

CCIQ are keen to hear from businesses of all sizes and from all industry sectors. We envisage that each meeting will take at least one hour. Your valuable time will allow us to lobby for a better operating environment for your business.

Please complete the EOI survey and we will put you in touch with one of CCIQ’s regional managers.

 

https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/H5Z6GMP

Scholarships for women’s leadership – applications extended to June 30

ENHANCE YOUR CAREER IN 2021 WITH A WOMAN LEADER’S SCHOLARSHIP​

Scholarships are still available through Women & Leadership Australia to support the development of women leaders in Queensland.

Scholarships of $1,000 to $5,000 enable participation in one of three leadership development courses designed for emerging through to senior leaders. Applications must be received by 30 June – be quick to secure your place.

Register your interest by completing the Expression of Interest form https://www.wla.edu.au/funding.html

Business Basics Grant Program

Good News for Scenic Rim Small Businesses!

The Business Basics Grant Program opens on the 31st May 2021.

The Business Basics grants program provides support to businesses to increase core skills and adopt best practice.

This support includes funded activities in 5 priorities:

  1. Training and coaching
  2. Website build or upgrades
  3. Professional business advice
  4. Strategic marketing services
  5. Business continuity and succession planning.

The program is administered by the Department of Employment, Small Business and Training (DESBT).

You may be eligible for a single up-front fixed grant payment of $5,000 (excluding GST).

For more information visit www.business.qld.gov.au/grants.

Coronavirus (COVID-19) business assistance finder

If your business has been impacted by the COVID-19 outbreak, you may be eligible for financial assistance or other types of relief.

Use this tool to discover what support is available from the Queensland and Australian governments, plus Queensland local councils.