August 2021

Restrictions update

Under the current Roadmap to easing restrictions, businesses in the 11 South East Queensland local government areas can start operating under the same rules as the rest of Queensland from 4pm Friday 27 August, when the restrictions move to Stage 3.

This allows indoor venues, including cafes, pubs and restaurants, to operate with one person per 2 square metres, or at 100 per cent capacity for ticketed events with allocated seating. Customers no longer need to be seated when eating and drinking.

Community sport will return with no restrictions, weddings and funerals can have one person per 2 square metres, 200 people or 100 per cent capacity for ticketed and seated events (whichever is greater).

Face mask rules in South East Queensland will continue and will be reviewed every two weeks.

Check In Qld app required for taxi, limo and rideshare operators from 30 August

To keep drivers and passengers COVID safe, Check In Qld QR codes will be required in taxis, limousines and rideshare vehicles from 30 August 2021.

This will help Queensland Government contact tracers find people quickly in the event of a COVID-19 incident. Every operator must register for a unique Check In Qld QR code for each vehicle and display the code where it is easy for people to scan and check in.

To register for a QR code, go to www.covid19.qld.gov.au/check-in-qld.

The Check In Qld app is the only check in app you can use. The app is free and stores contact details securely. Compliance checks for vehicles will apply. For more information, call 13 COVID (13 42 68).

Regional round of Business Basics Grants

New regional grants on the horizon

The Queensland Government is continuing its support of regional small businesses with delivery of a $5 million regional round of Business Basics Grants.

Program guidelines, FAQs and eligibility criteria for the program are now available at business.qld.gov.au/business-basics

Through the program, eligible regional small businesses will be able to apply for a $5,000 grant to help finance projects to build basic capabilities and upgrade skills. Funded projects could include anything from website upgrades to strategic marketing services to training and coaching.

Applications will be competitively assessed and grants will be paid in full and up-front to successful applicants, with no co-contributions required.

Also important to note—the program will close when funds are exhausted. We expect a high level of interest and we recommend you get prepared in advance by checking eligibility criteria and reviewing the guidelines. And be ready to apply when the program opens at 9:00am on Wednesday 8 September 2021.

The first round of Business Basics recipients were announced earlier this month.

2021 COVID-19 Business Support Grants

Government grants from $10,000 to $30,000 are available to help Queensland businesses recover from the impact of recent lockdown events. The joint Queensland and Commonwealth Government 2021 COVID-19 Business Support Grants will be awarded to all eligible businesses that can demonstrate a 30 percent reduction due to the recent SEQ lockdown or Cairns and Yarrabah lockdown.

The tiered grants are available to different-sized businesses and not-for-profits which employ staff and have an annual turnover of more than $75,000.

Visit www.business.qld.gov.au/supportgrant to check eligibility and apply before 16 November 2021.

Non-employing sole traders will be able to apply for a recently announced $1000 grant in the coming weeks.

Queensland COVID-19 cleaning rebate opens for claims

This Queensland COVID-19 Cleaning Rebate supports small and medium businesses and not-for-profit organisations that have been listed as an exposure venue by Queensland Health to cover the cost of professional cleaning. Eligibility criteria to receive a rebate of up to 80% of the professional cleaning cost, capped at $10,000 per separate event, and the claim form is now available.

Events

2021 Growing Queensland Business Roadshow

During September and October the Growing Queensland Business Roadshow will provide local businesses with an opportunity to learn more about supplying to the Queensland Government. Officers from a number of Queensland Government agencies will provide practical information, tools, tips and guidance on relevant government programs for current and potential suppliers. Each three-hour Growing Queensland Business Roadshow session will provide a chance for businesses to meet buyers, hear about upcoming procurement opportunities in their region, ways to expand via international trade and engage with other local businesses with a view to collaborating on future Queensland Government tenders.

Experienced small business experts from the Queensland Government’s free Mentoring for Growth program will also attend each roadshow session to discuss how a mentoring session can provide businesses with insights, options and suggestions to respond to challenges or opportunities.

Click here to register for a free ticket to the scheduled Roadshow sessions.

Businesses on top in training

Congratulations to the outstanding businesses announced as regional winners in the 2021 Queensland Training Awards, as well as those with apprentices and other vocational students among award recipients.

Regional winners were announced as part of a series of seven regional award premieres — available to view on-demand now — and progress to the state final.

The awards highlight the great diversity of regional workforces, recognising top apprentices, trainees, trainers, VET students and employers, as well as innovative training initiatives, across a range of industries.

Discover full lists of regional winners and finalists here:

• Tropical North Queensland
• North Queensland
• Central Queensland
• Darling Downs South West
• North Coast
• Metropolitan
• South East.

Queensland Day 2022 sponsorship opportunity closing 31 August

The Queensland Day Sponsorship Program offers funding up to $15,000 for a limited number of initiatives celebrating our state’s 163^rd anniversary on 6 June 2022. If you’re planning to celebrate in your region you only have until 5pm Tuesday 31 August 2021 to submit your application and supporting documents.

Get Involved

We are calling for Mentoring for Growth volunteers

Do you have business knowledge and experience and want to contribute to the success of other Queensland businesses? You can get involved in the Queensland Government's Mentoring for Growth (M4G) program, which will be opening registrations for new business mentors on 1 September.

The M4G program offers Queensland small businesses free access to business experts to help them with their business opportunities and challenges. This tangible support is greatly appreciated by businesses as they adapt and diversify to respond to the current economic environment. Mentoring sessions are currently being offered virtually on Tuesdays and Thursdays with each session running for approximately 45 minutes. As a volunteer mentor you can express your interest to participate in as many sessions as you like.

For more information on the program, including how to register as a mentor from 1 September, visit business.qld.gov.au/mentoring.

Consultation now open for a new Queensland Women’s Strategy

Public consultation is being conducted until 8 October to support the Queensland Government’s efforts to advance the rights and interests of women and girls. Among the issues and questions raised in the Consultation for a new Queensland Women’s Strategy discussion paper are the impacts COVID-19 is having on female dominated industries and other economic factors.

Resources

Free financial support for tourism businesses across Queensland

Four new dedicated Tourism Business Financial Counsellors have been appointed to support tourism operators in Cairns, Whitsundays, Gold Coast and Brisbane as an extension to the Queensland Government’s COVID-19 Small Business Financial Counsellors, who are helping tourism businesses across the whole of Queensland.

The free Financial Counsellors provide ongoing, impartial, and confidential face-to-face counselling to support tourism businesses that have experienced any financial impact because of the COVID-19 pandemic, including operators who would like to undertake a confidential and impartial review of their business plans so they can make the best decisions about their future.

Find out more: www.dtis.qld.gov.au/our-work/queensland-tourism-business-financial-counselling-service

Queensland Health COIVD-19 vaccination website and bookings for priority workers

People aged over 16 can register to get a COVID-19 vaccine at a Queensland Health vaccination location. Once you have registered, you will be invited to book an appointment in your local area when appointments become available. This may take several days or weeks depending on the demand in your region and your priority status for receiving a vaccination.

If you have previously registered for a COVID-19 vaccine with Queensland Health, but are now identified as a priority worker, call 134 COVID (13 42 68) to book your appointment.

The Queensland Government’s COVID-19 vaccine website provides a wealth of information about Queensland vaccination program and the vaccines being used, including information on effectiveness and side effects. It also provides access to a detailed information resource.

Stay connected

For further health updates please keep checking the Queensland Government website. In addition to this message you can stay up-to-date with the latest assistance from the Queensland and Australian Governments through the Business Queensland website. You can also follow us at facebook.com/businessqldgov.