5 Must-Know Government Grants for Queensland Businesses

If you’re looking to secure government grants for your Queensland-based business, you’ve come to the right place. In this article we highlight some key government grants currently available to businesses in Queensland. Whether you’re a First Nations entrepreneur, female founder, manufacturer, or community organisation, there are several funding opportunities available right now.

 

The government distributes millions of dollars in grants across Queensland each year, with a focus on innovation, regional development, and economic growth.

 

A challenge you may have faced in looking for grants is knowing which programs are suitable for your business.

 

As experts in business funding, we’ve shortlisted five must-know government grants for Queensland businesses. These grants have deadlines beyond June 2025, giving you time to prepare a strong application and get the support you need.

 

1. First Nations Business Acceleration Program
2. Manufacturing Hubs Grant Program (MHGP)
3. Female Founders Co-Investment Fund
4. Private Sector Pathways Program
5. Sport & Recreation Community Grants Program

 

1. First Nations Business Acceleration Program

Managed by First Australians Capital, the First Nations Business Acceleration Program provides targeted support for established First Nations businesses ready for significant growth. As part of the Advance Queensland Program, companies applying for this grant can accelerate deals and scaling opportunities through a combination of funding and expert guidance.

 

The grant can bridge economic gaps, create jobs, and generate inclusive growth, while empowering First Nations entrepreneurs to leverage their unique perspectives in new economies.

 

Who can apply?

This is highly relevant for mature First Nations businesses with innovative products or services looking for capital and strategic support to reach the next level.

 

Eligibility summary

To be eligible for this program, companies must:

• Be a majority First Nations owned business.
• Be established and currently operating in Queensland.
• Be developing an innovative product or service.
• Be seeking advisory support and potentially funding to accelerate their innovation and scaling journey.

 

How much is the grant?

Investment grants up to $100,000.

 

What are the benefits of the grant?

Support under the program includes:

• Investment grants up to $100,000 to Queensland Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander innovative businesses looking to accelerate.
• A targeted fund to cover costs of essential business strategic advisory services in areas of fundamental business skills, legal, finance, marketing, mentoring, and grant and tender writing.

 

When do applications close?

4 February 2027

 

2. Manufacturing Hubs Grant Program (MHGP)

The Manufacturing Hubs Grant Program is designed to enhance the capabilities of manufacturers in key regional areas of Queensland. The goal is to help businesses increase productivity, embrace advanced manufacturing techniques and technologies, develop skills, and ultimately create secure, future-focused jobs within their communities.

 

Who can apply?

Manufacturing SMEs based in Cairns, Townsville, Mackay, Central Queensland, Gold Coast, with at least 3 years’ trading and manufacturing as a principal activity.

 

Eligibility summary

Businesses who wish to apply must:

• Be a Queensland-based SME whose principal activity is manufacturing.
• Have their main operations located within one of the eligible SA4 regions.
• Have been operating in Queensland for at least 3 years.
• Be registered for GST and hold an active ABN.
• Employ between 5 and 200 full-time equivalent staff.
• Be able to fund at least 50% of the eligible project costs.

 

How much is the grant?

$10,000–$500,000 (matched funding; minimum 25% contribution).

 

What are the benefits of the grant?

Benefits include substantial financial assistance for transformative projects, as well as access to the expertise and services offered through the local Manufacturing Hubs.

 

When do applications close?

30 June 2025, or when all funding has been allocated.

 

 

3. Female Founders Co-Investment Fund

The Female Founders Co-Investment Fund targets early-stage, innovation-focused Queensland businesses that are majority-owned and led by women, seeking investment. By offering co-investment, the fund effectively increases the total capital raised, enabling these businesses to scale more rapidly.

 

Who can apply?

This fund is especially relevant for innovative female-led startups in Queensland who are looking to secure seed or early-stage funding.

 

Eligibility summary

To qualify for the fund, businesses must:

• Be headquartered in Queensland.
• Have an active ABN and be registered for GST.
• Be majority female-owned (≥51% shares held by women for at least 6 months prior).
• Be female-led (≥1 woman in a primary executive decision-making role for at least 6 months prior).
• Have 50 or fewer full-time equivalent employees.
• Have received less than $500,000 in previous capital raises.
• Have a clear innovation focus and a product/service beyond the proof-of-concept stage.
• Have secured, or have a plan to secure within 6 months, investment from an eligible private investor/entity.

 

How much is the grant?

$50,000–$200,000. This requires 3:1 match of private investment (e.g., $150K private capital to access $50K grant).

 

What are the benefits of the grant?

The benefits extend beyond the funding itself. Grant recipients gain a strategic advantage when raising capital, attracting private investors while retaining more equity in their business. This support enables progress in areas such as product development, market expansion, and team growth.

 

When do applications close?

30 Jun 2027. Note the program is open until all funds have been allocated.

 

4. Private Sector Pathways Program

The Private Sector Pathways Program connects Queensland’s innovative SMEs with larger corporations looking for solutions to specific business challenges. The program’s goal is to facilitate the trial and potential commercialisation of Queensland-developed innovations by providing co-funding for pilot projects.

 

Who can apply?

Queensland-based SMEs developing scalable solutions. Businesses must apply to solve a specific innovation challenge identified by a corporate partner (e.g., in energy, health, agriculture, tech).

 

Eligibility summary

To apply, SMEs and startups must:

• Be Queensland-based with an office in the state.
• Hold an active ABN (and typically be registered for GST).
• Have fewer than 200 full-time equivalent employees.
• Have at least a Minimum Viable Product (MVP) developed in Queensland.
• Be applying to address a specific challenge that is identified and released by a participating corporate partner.
• Note: The corporate partner also needs to meet eligibility criteria.

 

How much is the grant?

Up to $200,000 from Advance Queensland and the corporate partner to trial their solutions for 6–12 months.

 

How does the grant work?

The program is challenge-driven, meaning corporate partners publish specific innovation problems to which they would like to find solutions. SMEs submit proposals to address these challenges. At end, the successful proposal receives the grant.

 

What are the benefits of the grant?

Selected SMEs receive significant co-funding, associated with the i opportunity to collaborate directly with a corporate partner, retaining intellectual property, and building significant market credibility.

 

When do applications close?

30 Jun 2027. However, as a challenge-driven program, the availability of challenges constantly changes.

 

5. Sport & Recreation Community Grants Program

The primary goal of the Sport & Recreation Community Grants Program is to support the development of new facilities or fund upgrades to existing ones in the Toowoomba Region, thereby supporting opportunities for community participation and well-being within the region.

 

Who can apply?

This program is specifically for incorporated, not-for-profit sport and recreation organisations operating within the Toowoomba Regional Council local government area.

 

Eligibility summary

Organisations must:

• Be an incorporated not-for-profit organisation.
• Operate within the boundaries of the Toowoomba Regional Council.
• Have an active Australian Business Number (ABN).
• Hold appropriate public liability insurance.
• Be financially viable and have acquitted any previous Council grants successfully.
• Demonstrate the project focuses on sport/recreation facility development, upgrades, or related planning.
• Be able to meet the required co-contribution level (ranging from 10% to 50% of the funding gap, depending on the project).

 

How much is the grant?

Up to $150,000. Grants cover 50% – 90% of the funding gap. The funding gap is defined as the total project cost (excluding GST) minus any other external grant sources. If no external grants are sourced, the funding gap equals the total project cost.

 

What are the benefits of the grant?

The key benefit is accessing vital funds and/or Council assistance to improve physical assets, which might otherwise be beyond the organisation’s capacity, ultimately benefiting members and the broader local community.

 

It is particularly relevant for eligible local sports clubs, associations, and community recreation groups needing financial assistance for infrastructure projects, major equipment purchases, or essential planning works, such as designs for lighting or new clubhouses.

 

When do applications close?

The opportunity to apply for a grant is available twice annually:

• 1 February – 1 March
• 1 July – 1 August

 

 

If you’re a Queenslander business looking to explore these grants options further and strengthen your market position, our team of experts is here to help. Book a FREE chat today for a tailored consultation.