Funding between $50,000 and $75,000 to support Queensland small businesses to purchase specialised equipment or advanced digital or logistics systems that increase productivity and growth.
Current status of program
CLOSED
Applications for Round 7 have closed and successful applicants have been announced.
To register your interest in future rounds or discuss alternative grant opportunities please contact us here.
On this page you will find
What is the Business Growth Fund Program (BGF)?
The Business Growth Fund (BGF) Round 7 provides targeted financial support to established, high-growth-potential Queensland small businesses seeking to scale their operations through the purchase of innovative and specialised equipment. Funding is administered by the Department of Customer Services, Open Data and Small and Family Business (CDSB), and the program aims to enhance productivity, expand workforce capabilities, and accelerate the next stage of business growth across Queensland.
The grant follows a competitive, merit-based process and is delivered through two stages:
- Stage 1 – Registration of Interest (ROI)
- Stage 2 – Full Application, which includes submission of a Plan on a Page business proposal if shortlisted.
Business Growth Fund level of support
Grants
Businesses may apply for funding between:
- Minimum grant: $50,000
- Maximum grant: $75,000
Project costs and co-contribution
To be eligible:
- Minimum total project cost: $100,000
- Minimum applicant contribution: 50% of total project costs
- Maximum grant contribution: $75,000
- Projects may cost more than $150,000, but the maximum grant contribution remains $75,000
Applicants may invest more than the minimum; however, the grant will not exceed $75,000.
Business Growth Fund important dates
- This program is currently closed
- Register your interest with GrantHelper
Business Growth Fund objectives
The BGF aims to support Queensland small businesses that demonstrate:
- Strong and sustainable growth potential
- Capacity to expand through innovative or specialised equipment
- Increased production capabilities and improved productivity
- Creation of new jobs or safeguarding existing positions
- Ability to contribute to Queensland’s regional and economic development priorities
Projects eligible for Business Growth Fund support
Eligible Projects Must:
- Involve acquisition of innovative or specialised equipment that materially enhances production capacity, capability, or competitiveness
- Deliver measurable productivity improvements
- Enable expansion into new markets or meet increased demand
- Create sustainable workforce outcomes in Queensland
Eligible Expenditure Includes:
- Purchase price of the specialised equipment
- Installation, configuration, setup and commissioning
- Delivery costs
- Staff training directly related to safe and effective operation
- Service or monitoring packages (maximum 50% of total project cost)
Ineligible Expenditures
The program does not fund:
- General business equipment, fleet vehicles, office furniture, standard ICT, or appliances
- Projects deemed insufficiently innovative or specialised
- Projects not deliverable within the program timeframe
- Costs incurred before the funding agreement is executed
- Salaries, wages, utilities, rent, stock, bookkeeping, tax returns, or business-as-usual costs
- Travel and accommodation
- Purchases through related parties or using cryptocurrency, cash, barter, or in-kind payment
- Costs associated with application preparation or reporting
- Any item deemed ineligible by the Deputy Director-General
GrantHelper Success 
| GrantHelper has a proven track record in assisting companies win grants from the Business Growth Fund program, having assisted Aleeda Wetsuits receive Round 3 funding of $50,000 towards the purchase of an ultrasonic sewing machine. Check out more success stories on our client showcase page. |
Other Business Growth Fund important details that you will need to know
Organisations eligible for Business Growth Fund support
To be eligible, businesses must:
- Be an established and financially sound Queensland small business with high-growth potential
- Have fewer than 20 employees by headcount
- Have an active ABN and be registered for GST
- Have a Queensland-based headquarters registered as the principal business location
- Have annual turnover between $500,000 and $10 million
- Have a minimum trading history of three years
- Have experienced two years of high growth
- Have clearly defined growth and employment opportunities in Queensland
- Not be insolvent or have owners or directors who are undischarged bankrupts
- Not have previously been approved for funding under an earlier Business Growth Fund round
For this program, high growth means an average annual increase of at least 20% in turnover and/or employment over the previous two years.
Business Growth Fund assessment criteria
Applications are assessed competitively across two stages.
Applicants must demonstrate the extent to which the project:
1. Meets a Genuine Financial Need
- Why grant funding is necessary
- Impact of not receiving the grant
- Evidence that without funding, scale or timing would be reduced
2. Aligns with Program Objectives
Show clearly how the equipment will:
- Expand production or service capacity
- Improve productivity or efficiency
- Enable growth into new markets
- Maximise economic outcomes within Queensland
- Support long-term business sustainability
3. Contributes to Workforce Growth
- New jobs created (direct or indirect)
- Skills uplift and training opportunities
- Employment stability
4. Demonstrates Value for Money
- Clear link between cost and benefits
- Realistic, justifiable budgets
- Strong return on government investment
Additional Considerations
The department may prioritise equitable distribution across:
- Regions
- Industry sectors (including priority industries)
- Queensland’s diverse business community
There are no published weightings.
How do I get the Business Growth Fund?
To be competitive, applicants should demonstrate:
- A compelling growth opportunity enabled specifically by the specialised equipment
- Direct links between the equipment and productivity uplift, capacity increase, or market expansion
- Strong financial viability, supported by accountant-certified financial statements
- Clear co-contribution capacity (minimum 50%)
- Robust project planning including delivery capability and readiness
- Evidence of sustainable job creation
- Clear alignment with Queensland Government economic priorities
The strongest applicants will show that the equipment unlocks a step-change in business operations, not incremental gains.
Information to prepare for the Business Growth Fund application
Prepare the following:
Stage 1 – Registration of Interest
- Core business and contact details
- High-level project summary
- Description of equipment and innovation
- Evidence of main business location (if required)
- 100-point ID check for Responsible Person
- Confirmation of financial contribution
Stage 2 – Full Application
- Updated business details
- Business Plan on a Page (nine required sections)
- Accountant letter certifying turnover and headcount
- Financial statements (balance sheet + profit & loss for 2023–24 and 2024–25)
- Independent supplier quote(s)
- Evidence of equipment’s specialised nature and growth impact
Applying for Business Growth Fund
Applications must be submitted through the CDSB SmartyGrants portal.
Register your interest with GrantHelper to explore your alignment with this grant and how we can assist you to increase your chances of success.
Business Growth Fund resources
Is Your Business Eligible for This Government Grant?
GrantHelper can assist with your organisation’s grant application, no matter what stage of the funding journey you’re at.
Four Ways GrantHelper Helps Businesses Secure Government Funding
- Grant Funding Readiness
Assess your business’s current position, identify gaps, and ensure your project is properly aligned to pursue competitive government grant funding — so you can pursue funding with confidence. - Grant Strategy Session
Identify the right grant opportunities, evaluate your project against funding priorities, and map out a clear path to securing government funding — so you can target the best funding opportunities. - Grant Funding Accelerator
A tailored program where we prepare the key components of a compelling grant application — so you can stay focused on running your business while we build your submission step-by-step. - Grant Application Writing
Our expert GrantHelper develops clear, persuasive responses that present your project clearly and persuasively — so your application has the best chance of success.
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