The Small Business Digital Grants Program can assist small businesses to access digital technologies and services to help them work smarter, engage with the global economy and make the most of online business opportunities arising from digital disruption.

Available funding

Matched funding of up to $10,000 (excluding GST) may be provided to eligible businesses for the purchase of hardware, software and services (such as digital coaching). The minimum grant funding is $1,000. The business must show how the digital technology or service purchased and adopted will enhance the digital capabilities of their business, and help them to be more competitive and employ more staff.

Applicants must not begin the project or pay for the product(s) or service(s), in part or in full, without confirmation that the project has been approved.

Eligibility criteria

To be eligible the business must:

  • have fewer than 20 employees at the time of applying for the grant
  • have an Australian Business Number (ABN) and be registered for GST
  • have Queensland headquarters
  • have a turnover of $2 million or less in the last financial year
  • not be insolvent or have owners/directors that are an undischarged bankrupt.

Only 1 application will be accepted from an individual ABN or a financial beneficiary of a business.

Successful applicants cannot reapply for funding under this grant program in future rounds.

Your business must also be in a financial position to pay up front for the approved product(s) and or service(s) in full. If successful, approved applicants will then be reimbursed after submitting supplier invoices and proof of purchase.

Round 7 opens 11 November 2019, with applications closing 10 December 2019.

Applying for the grant

 

For more information about the program, read the application guidelines and terms and conditions.

Assessment process

In addition to meeting the eligibility criteria, applications will be prioritised on:

  • the impact the digital technology or service will have on the business (measured by revenue growth, increase in gross profit, time savings, employment outcomes)
  • the extent to which the digital technology or service will enhance the digital capabilities of the business to make the business more competitive
  • the potential and likelihood the activity will deliver jobs growth
  • value for money.

Some NOW members have been able to take advantage of this scheme in the past.