$1 million to help Queensland SMEs get tech-savvy

Another 220 Queensland small businesses will receive a combined funding of more than $1 million under the latest round of the Small Business Digital Grants Program.

The Minister for Employment and Small Business, Shannon Fentiman announced the successful applicants at a Google Digital Garage event in Brisbane, held as part of Queensland Small Business Week 2018.

“These grants provide small businesses up to $10,000, matched by applicants, to embrace digital technologies so they can be more competitive and employ more staff,” Ms Fentiman said.

“The Queensland Government has already delivered more than $3.9 million to 759 small businesses under this popular program, with more than 4,500 applications received in four rounds so we know this is something that is working for small businesses.

“It’s working so well, in fact, that a recent federal parliamentary inquiry into internet competition has recommended that something similar be offered to small businesses across the nation.”

BioBowser Renewable Technologies was among the latest round of recipients and owner Ron Lakin said he was looking forward to investing in a high-powered website.

“We’re looking to generate more sales of our solution to the management of organic waste for businesses and households,” he said.

Member for Toohey Peter Russo said it was a real coup to have Google in Brisbane during Small Business Week.

“Marrying the digital training offered by Google with the announcement of the latest round of digital grants shows that the Palaszczuk Government truly has its finger on the digital pulse,” he said.

Ms Fentinam said empowering small businesses to be digitally savvy was a key part of the Advancing Small Business Queensland Strategy 2016–20.

“It’s great to see our vision supported by industry leaders such as Google and that our businesses are connecting with global expertise to make the most of online opportunities,” she said.

Jesse Suskin, Manager for Government Relations and Public Policy, Google Australia, said Google provides free workshops and online courses on everything digital, from search to email marketing, to help small businesses grow online.

“All small businesses should have the opportunity to learn the skills they need to succeed online,” she said.

“That’s why we created the Digital Garage: a free online training platform designed to help close the gap in digital skills and help small business make the most of the web.”

For more information about the Small Business Digital Grants, including future rounds, visit www.business.qld.gov.au/digital