Cynthia Lui MP
Member for Cook
Media Release
More than 20 Far North Queensland small businesses will receive grants of $5000 to get their ‘business basics’ on track by investing in areas such as their website, marketing plan or business coaching.
Minister for Employment and Small Business Di Farmer said the latest round of the Business Basics grants program is injecting $5000 in each business, which represents $120,000 being invested in businesses across the Far North region.
“The Queensland Government is continuing to back our small businesses as they get back on track and pursue new opportunities,” Minister Farmer said.
“Investing in these businesses will help improve and grow their operations and allow them to serve more customers and clients.
“There are so many fantastic businesses across the state being supported this round that demonstrate the diversity in our local communities, industries and economy.”
Jay Wink, Managing Director of Oceansports Port Douglas, said the grant will help to strengthen the business’s online presence following a period of reduced tourist numbers to the region due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
“By having some extra funds, it enables us to invest in search engine optimisation and creating the right content for our audience,” Mr Wink said.
“Our business has relied on tourists to the region, so this grant allows to us to grow our online business quickly and attract more customers – it’s amazing how much interest we get from interstate.”
“We need to keep our website up to date and promote our business, so this will be a fantastic promotional tool and opportunity for us.”
Member for Cook, Cynthia Lui said it is great to hear that Oceansports Port Douglas is going to expand their online shop range to include camping and outdoor gear for customers across Australia.
“From Oceansports Port Douglas to Atherton-Herberton Historic Railway, and Coastal Rotors, Bamaga to Teeze Cakes, Mareeba these grants are making a real difference in to the 25 recipients across a range of industries in our region,” Ms Lui said.
Minister Farmer said the Business Basics grants make a difference for all Queenslanders.
“When we invest in small businesses, we invest in Queensland because their success and growth fuels the economy and gives us great options as customers to invest in our local communities.
“This year’s Budget committed $39.1 million over the next four years for grants and other support to help new, growing and established businesses reach their goals and keep improving.
“Since 2020, nearly 60,000 Queensland business have been supported by grants totalling almost $530 million, which is part of the $2.5 billion in small business support the Palaszczuk Government has invested to fuel the state economic recovery.
“This includes over $500 million in COVID-19 economic support to 55,000 businesses in 2020 and 2021 and more than $20 million in Big Plans for Small Business grants”. For more information about small business grants visit www.business.qld.gov.au/grants or call 1300 654 687.
ENDS
Media contact: Emma Renwick 0456 604 189
