There are many ways you can grow your business and plenty of business consultants will have a particular view on what the best way to do that is. Business advisors will get you involved in thinking about your business in a different way, present you with well thought out proposals that follow broadly accepted business planning frameworks.

If this is all double speak to you and your eyes start glazing over when someone starts talking business development strategy, let’s start at the beginning.

A business never grows in isolation. Demand for particular services may change over time, as the market and consumer behaviour changes. Your business needs employees with the right skills, and those may be hard to find sometimes, depending on the local labour market.

What’s ultimately important is that your business has the cashflow to support growth strategies. This is where an astute business owner can take advantage of the opportunities that many others may put into the too hard basket. The Australian and Queensland Governments have grant funding opportunities available to eligible businesses to help grow their business, improve employment opportunities and strengthen the economy.

Here’s a snapshot of grant opportunities available to businesses of all shapes and sizes.

Back to Work Program

Employers have a few quite a few things to consider when deciding how to build their business capacity, especially when they want to take on another employee. One option is to apply for an Employer Support Payment. The Back to Work program makes support payments of up to $15,000 available to eligible employers who hire an eligible unemployed jobseeker in regional or South East Queensland.

The decision to employ someone must be a business decision that is independent of the availability of the Back to Work support payment. However, if you are eligible your business could save a considerable amount of money in the financial year by participating in the program. That’s got to be good for your cashflow!

At the same time, your business is helping someone in your community to get back on track with their lives. There are some interesting case studies on the Back to Work website, which can give you practical ideas on how the program could work for you.

Youth Boost Payments of up to $20,000 are also available to eligible employers who hire an unemployed young jobseeker. Read more on the Back to Work program here.

Australian Apprenticeships

You can employ an apprentice on a part-time or full-time basis, even while they are still at school. When you hire an apprentice you may be eligible to receive incentives, however, they are subject to eligibility criteria, waiting periods and time limits.

Apprenticeship Network providers give advice and help with recruiting, training and retaining Australian Apprentices. Find out more here.

Small Business Entrepreneur Grants Program

This program is ideal if you want to ramp up your business and strategic planning to become a more effective business manager.

The Small Business Entrepreneur Grants Program can assist new small businesses to access professional advice and support in the critical early stages of establishing a business.

Matched funding of up to $5,000 (excluding GST) may be provided to eligible businesses to engage a consultant, advisor or business coach for up to 3 months to help establish or develop the business. The minimum grant funding amount is $1,000.
Payment will be made directly to the business on completion of the project and on presentation of proof of payment for the service. Find out more here.