Get Help
We constantly monitor available help and have collated a range of support services and information to help Queensland small businesses manage issues that may arise when operating a small business.
We are here to help
- Stay connected with QSBC and catch up on our latest and previous newsletters
- Connect with your local council and talk with their Economic Development team.
- Connect with your local Chamber of Commerce.
Key government websites
- Advance Queensland | Queensland Government
- Business Queensland
- Office of the Queensland Chief Entrepreneur
- Support for businesses in Australia | business.gov.au
- Supporting your small business | Australian Taxation Office (ato.gov.au)
Business support
We provide dispute assistance and mediation for small businesses under both the Small Business Commissioner Act 2022 (SBC Act) and the Retail Shop Leases Act 1994 (RSL Act).
Provide free abbreviated mediations for some business disputes.
Free program for small to medium businesses to increase energy efficiency.
Advice to manage your business energy costs, energy efficiency technologies and opportunities.
Checklist for small business owners when hiring an employee.
If you can’t find Australian staff, you could consider hiring staff from overseas.
Free small business advice about work health and safety issues for businesses with less than 20 people. Ph: 1300 362 128
Short courses and lower-level qualification funding opportunity.
Arrangements for Student Visa holders employed in the tourism and hospitality sector.
$5,000 to provide immediate human resources (HR) support and advice to help address workforce challenges and diversify workforces.
If you have an urgent enquiry about your workplace obligations or entitlements. Ph: 13 13 94
Events and networking
Free activities to grow your Brisbane business.
Free upcoming events to support business owners and entrepreneurs to start, run or grow their business.
Free events that provide advice and assistance to businesses.
Events and training to improve your business skills and grow your network.
Workshops targeted at supporting and growing businesses at all stages; start-up, scaling or relocating.
Capability connection for South-East Queensland or Townsville manufacturers and suppliers.
Financial support
Help understanding available options if you’re struggling financially.
Available now
Free, independent, and confidential service for small business owners and sole traders in financial difficulty. Ph: 1800 413 828.
Funded until the end of 2022
Free financial counselling support for tourism operators financially impacted by COVID-19.
Free one-on-one help with rural business financial issues.
Free one-on-one help with small business financial issues.
Free one-on-one help with small business financial issues.
Find grants available to Brisbane small businesses.
Various throughout
the year
COVID-19 related support available for small businesses.
Ongoing tool
Supporting business growth to innovate, invest and commercialise.
Ongoing tool
Register to receive updates on Queensland Government grant opportunities.
Ongoing tool
Created to support established small and medium businesses innovate, realise their potential, and promote job creation in Queensland.
Available now
Payments of up to $15,000 available for eligible employers hiring eligible people.
Subject to the availability of funds
A single up-front fixed grant payment of $5,000 (excluding GST) to support businesses to increase core skills and adopt best practice.
Next stage opens 24 November 2022
Funding for eligible applicants in the Bundaberg, Fraser Coast, Gympie, North Burnett and South Burnett local government areas.
Applications extended until 10 March 2023
Grants up to 30% of a new business loan to purchase assets for your business.
Available now
Crisis Relief Grants available for eligible people.
No deadline
to apply
Disaster assistance funding for Central, Southern and Western Queensland Rainfall and Flooding, 10 November – 3 December 2021.
Applications extended until 17 March 2023
Payments of up to $20,000 available for employers who hire eligible unemployed jobseekers aged between 15-24 years.
Subject to the availability of funds
Business financing up to $50k for refugee and asylum-seeker (in the past 10 years).
Available now
Up to $250,000 concessional loans to assist primary producers, small businesses and non-profit organisations.
Applications close 31 December 2023
Up to $100,000 concessional loans to assist primary producers, small businesses and non-profit organisations.
Applications close 31 December 2023
Loan for businesses that generate at least 20% of its revenues from export sales for a wider range of financing needs.
Available now
Currently there are no rebates available.
Legal and tax
Free or low cost specialised legal advice, education and resources to Australian artists and arts organisations. Ph: 02 9356 2566
Providing free tax assistance to help you navigate Australia’s complex tax system.
Tax assistance for established small businesses and not-for-profit organisations.
Connect individuals with lawyers to provide limited pro-bono legal advice.
Search for a solicitor close to you, by category and location.
Operating a business
Structured training and mentoring programs to equip first-time start-up founders with essential skills.
Check what licences permits and other regulatory requirements apply to you.
Free assistance to support and encourage individuals to start a business.
Resources about the risks and challenges of franchises.
Skilling solutions providing direct benefits to tourism and hospitality businesses.
12 months of personalised mentoring and support to help you start and run your small business.
Tailored support including programs, grants, events, mentoring and education.
A list of essential tasks to prepare for the end of the financial year and plan ahead.
Build a Better Business provides workshops and mentoring; a team of expert business mentors guide you through critical periods of business development.
Help for Queensland artists and art workers to support successful project and program development, business growth, grants and fund sourcing and arts marketing.
Available until 30 December 2022
Low-cost access to one-to-one advice, world-class workshops, and online webinars.
Assists Queensland women at different stages of the entrepreneurial lifecycle.
Business training and mentoring opportunities for Brisbane CALD residents.
Free mentoring providing insights, options and suggestions relating to challenges and opportunities you are experiencing in your business.
Help with credit transfer and recognition of prior learning.
Includes career assessment, one-on-one career guidance and advice and support in relation to a current role, a new role, or help to transition to a new career. Now accessible for people 40+.
Short micro-credential courses to support and retain their employees.
Connects you with experts to make your business stronger, more resilient and better prepared for the future.
Closes 30 Jun 2023
Support for employers to access the skills and workforce needed.
Wellbeing
Supporting small business to be mentally healthy.
Links to access help lines, counselling, and support groups.
Free and confidential mental health coaching program for small business owners.
Ph: 1300 945 301
Funded until December 2022
Disaster recovery
Helping small businesses replace or repair essential business equipment or facilities.
Information and links to help small businesses manage the impacts of the recent flooding.
