Local economic opportunities

• Agriculture and forestry

  • Meet the Makers - Food and Agribusiness Network trade events showcasing fresh produce and food and beverage products from over 100 exhibitors from the Sunshine Coast, Noosa, Gympie, Moreton Bay and beyond, held 25 July 2025.
  • Agrifutures Australia RD&E Investment provides funding to organisations to deliver research and innovations that aim to strengthen and future-proof established and emerging rural industries.
  • Queensland Smart Farms supports AgTech providers, producers and supply chain businesses to trial technology and accelerate development, testing and adoption through use of available smart farms.
  • Support Plantation Establishment program supports the establishment of new long-rotation softwood and hardwood plantation forests in Australia and assists the sector in responding to the projected growth in demand for domestically sourced timber resources. Round 3 (batch 4) grant applications are open. Closes 17 July 2025.
  • Farm Management Grants offer primary producers a 50% rebate on the cost of eligible professional advice to produce a Farm Business Resilience Plan for their property.
  • Drought grants and assistance provides information and support to prepare for and manage the effects of drought.
  • Drought Relief from Electricity Charges Scheme provides relief from supply charges on electricity accounts that are used to pump water for farm or irrigation purposes.
  • Sustainability Loan provides loans for primary producers and commercial fishers to help them improve their productivity and sustainability.
  • First Start Loan provides finance of up to $2 million in the first years of establishing a primary production business.
  • Primary Producer Disaster Assistance provides low interest loans and grants to eligible entities that have suffered direct damage as a result of an eligible disaster, including Special Disaster Assistance Recovery Grants (Primary Producers)
  • Farm Management Deposits Scheme provides primary production businesses with tax deductions on farm management deposits to help manage inconsistent income from natural disasters, climate and market changes.
  • Get Your Business CN30 Ready outlines how meat operators can take action towards carbon neutrality.
  • Renewable Energy Landholder Toolkit assists landholders reflect on the various potential benefits and risks associated with on-farm renewable development, as they respond to and negotiate with energy industry representatives about accessing land and developing renewable energy projects.
  • Energy savings ideas for agricultural businesses guide provides energy savings advice and tips to reduce energy use and save costs.

• Biofutures

  • Biofutures industry information provides industry insights to support the development and manufacturing of innovative products from sustainable resources.
  • Sovereign Industry Development Fund will work with industry on strategic partnership opportunities that will accelerate industry development in priority industries – defence, biomedical and biofuels. Seeking applications from industry on significant, catalytic projects that are ready to start.

• Biomedical

  • Innovate to Grow - Healthcare Innovation provides SMEs access to expert facilitators, research guidance, a self-paced learning platform, guest speakers and networking opportunities. Applications to this free 8-week online program close 13 July 2025.
  • Biomedical Translation Fund provides companies with venture capital through licensed private sector fund managers.
  • Biomedical industry information provides industry insights and outlines support available to help Queensland biomedical businesses.
  • Sovereign Industry Development Fund will work with industry on strategic partnership opportunities that will accelerate industry development in priority industries – defence, biomedical and biofuels. Seeking applications from industry on significant, catalytic projects that are ready to start.
  • Medical Device Partnering Program fosters collaborations between researchers, industry, end-users and government and develop medical technologies with global market potential.
  • Medical Research Future Fund provides support for medical research initiatives by the Australian Government.
  • Biomedical industry support and attraction incentives lists further support available.
  • MRFF 2022 Frontier Health and Medical Research Grant Opportunity is a grant program to support researchers to pursue big ideas to develop new products and interventions and implement these into clinical practice, benefiting patients, clinicians, and the health system.

• Business performance, sustainability and energy efficiency

  • Business Queensland provides information on starting, growing and operating a business in Queensland.
  • Business events calendar lists events (online and in-person) that provide advice and assistance to Queensland businesses.
  • Mentoring for Growth provides free mentoring sessions with experienced business mentors.
  • Female Founders Co-Investment Fund provides funding to female founded businesses to help them scale and build business capacity.
  • Workforce Evolve Program assists employers in developing a recruitment strategy to attract and retain a new segment of jobseekers.
  • Human Resources (HR) Support Grants provides small businesses with funding to help them find HR solutions for their workforce requirements.
  • Small Business Wellness Coaches help small business owners with unique and personal business challenges, needs and opportunities in a free one-on-one, supportive environment.
  • Business performance assessment tools provide interactive tools to analyse current business processes and find opportunities to improve business performance.
  • Private Sector Pathways Program provides funding to Queensland small to medium enterprises and scaleups to help them find solutions to corporate challenges.
  • CSIRO Kick-Start provides matched funding for start-ups and small to medium enterprises to support: research of a new idea with commercial potential; development of a novel or improved product or process; testing for a novel product or material.
  • Industry Growth Program and Advisory Service supports innovative small and medium enterprises undertaking commercialisation and/or growth projects within priority areas of value-add in resources; value-add in agriculture, forestry and fisheries; transport; medical science; renewables and low emissions technologies; defence capability; enabling capabilities. National Reconstruction Fund provides debt finance, equity finance and guarantees for businesses with compelling proposals in these priority areas.
  • ecoBiz assists small to medium sized businesses develop an action plan to improve their resource efficiency and environmental sustainability and reduce operational costs.
  • Industry Capability Network (ICN) has launched a Net Zero Readiness Assessment online tool to support Australian manufacturers and small-to-medium enterprises (SMEs) climate efforts and readiness for the net zero economy.
  • Environmental, social and governance (ESG) practices provides information on what ESG is and how it can help attract customers and investors.
  • Climate Change Risk Management Tool for Small Businesses contains information on climate change, the related risks, and checklists to assess these risks.
  • Small-scale Renewable Energy Scheme provides benefits for households and small businesses to help with purchase costs of small-scale renewable energy system (solar, wind or hydro) or eligible hot water system.
  • Energy Efficiency Council's tax incentives guide outlines tax incentives available to Australian businesses that can be leveraged to improve energy performance.
  • Becoming an environmentally friendly business guide outlines the benefits and process for ensuring your business is environmentally friendly, including opportunities to reduce waste and tips for saving energy and lowering energy costs.
  • Fuel Tax Credits provide businesses who have purchased fuel for their business with a credit for the tax that is included in the price of fuel.

• Defence

  • Sovereign Industry Development Fund will work with industry on strategic partnership opportunities that will accelerate industry development in priority industries – defence, biomedical and biofuels. Seeking applications from industry on significant, catalytic projects that are ready to start.
  • Defence Industry Development Grants Program will fund small to medium enterprises to build Australia’s sovereign capability, global competitiveness, technical superiority and national security. Four funding streams are available: Sovereign Industrial Priorities; Exports; Security; and Skilling. The closing dates for the current batches range from 30 June 2025 to 31 August 2025 depending on the stream.
  • Defence Jobs Queensland provides information on how Queensland businesses can become ‘defence-ready’, enabling them to access state, national and global defence supply chain opportunities.

• Digital and cyber security

  • Small Business Technology Investment Boost allows small businesses to claim a 20% bonus deduction on technology expenditure to help digitise their business.
  • Cyber Wardens Cyber Security Training provides free online courses and learning for small business owners and employees funded by the Australian Government.
  • Digital Solutions Program helps small businesses to adapt and flourish through the adoption of digital business tools that can improve productivity, effectiveness, and aid business growth. Regional Business HQ is the Queensland delivery partner and the Regional Business HQ Online Series provides workshops on digital topics including how to use AI to improve marketing; cyber security; digital design; streamlining your business with AI.
  • Cyber security online resources are available addressing information security management and the new edition of ISO 27001, the internationally used system for keeping businesses cyber secure.
  • Free ‘Munch and Learn’ digital workshops in Kuranda and Mareeba delivered by the State Library of Queensland provide hands-on learning to help small businesses build digital capability and explore new ways to grow. Session series run weekly from 16 June 2025 to 16 March 2026.

• Disaster relief

  • Queensland businesses impacted during disaster events may be eligible for low interest loans and grants to help them recover. Specific support is also available for non-profit organisations and primary producers.
  • Exceptional Disaster Assistance Recovery Grants are available for affected small businesses following the Western Queensland Surface Trough and Associated Rainfall and Flooding. Closes 7 April 2026.
  • Small business disaster hub provides information about managing a small business before, during and after a disaster.

• Energy projects and technologies

  • Grid Enhancing Technologies program provides up to $5 million funding to accelerate the uptake and deployment of grid enhancing technologies on Australia's electricity networks. Opens 15 July 2025, closes 11 August 2025.
  • Powering the Regions Industrial Transformation Stream Round 2 will support projects ranging from feasibility studies and front-end engineering and design to trials, demonstrations and deployment, in the following focus areas: innovation in industrial decarbonisation, and advancing commercial deployment. Closes 15 July 2025.
  • Solar Sunshot supports innovative solar photovoltaic (PV) manufacturing facilities in Australia across the solar supply chain. Round 1B full applications for Solar PV Manufacturing Studies (feasibility studies and FEED) close 12 November 2025.
  • Hydrogen Headstart Round 2 will support large-scale renewable hydrogen production projects. Form to register interest is available.
  • Regional Microgrids Program supports the development and deployment of microgrid technologies across regional and remote communities in Australia. Closes 19 December 2025.
  • Research and Development Tax Incentive helps companies innovate and grow by offsetting some of the costs of eligible research and development.
  • Product Stewardship for Oil Program provides financial benefit for businesses that recycle oil or use recycled oil in their operations.
  • Australian Carbon Credit Unit (ACCU) Scheme earns Australian carbon credit units for every tonne of carbon dioxide equivalent stored or avoided through adopting new practices and technologies.
  • Graphite Research and Development (R&D) Grant supports businesses to collaborate with CSIRO on innovative R&D projects, driving the development of cutting-edge technologies and processes essential for natural graphite production, especially for battery applications.
  • Future Made in Australia Innovation Fund will provide grant funding to support pre-commercial innovation, demonstration and deployment of renewable energy and low emission technologies, to support Australia’s transition to a net zero economy. Due to open over the coming months.

• Export

  • Export Finance Australia provides small to medium businesses with loans to help with the finance needed to secure export contracts or purchase orders, and bonds as security for export contracts.
  • Australian Trusted Trader provides businesses involved in importing and exporting with an accreditation to streamline and simplify customs processes.

• First Nations businesses

  • First Nations Innovation Acceleration Program aims to empower mature First Nations’ businesses to pursue innovation and to scale and grow, offering grants and advisory services.
  • Small Business Development Program is designed for operating Indigenous businesses ready to scale and create community impact. Includes the provision of tailored and structured expert business support for up to 3 years, and possible loans to support growth initiatives.
  • Export Readiness Webinar Series for First Nations Businesses to be held on 16 July 2025, delivered by the Export Council of Australia. Numbers are limited and preference will be given to businesses in the Moreton Bay, Sunshine Coast and Noosa area.
  • Invoice Finance provides Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander owned businesses with cash flow support to grow their business.
  • Business Loan Package provides loans to assist Aboriginal and Torres Strait owned businesses plan their business future.
  • One Business provides Queensland Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander entrepreneurs and business owners with access to training, support and advice to help them create pathways to participate in Queensland's innovation economy.

• Freight, transport and roads

  • Remote Communities Freight Assistance Scheme aims to reduce the amount of freight costs that are passed on to consumers of eligible goods in remote communities. Applications for Establishment Assistance close 12 January 2026. Discount Assistance and Compliance Assistance streams are open to 2028.
  • Driving the Nation Program the Trucks, Charging and Innovation focus area is currently open, supporting demonstration and deployment of heavy vehicles, charging solutions and other innovation supporting uptake of battery electric vehicles.
  • Community Road Safety Grants provides funding to deliver road safety education initiatives.

• Infrastructure and developments

  • Regional Precincts and Partnerships Program offers funding of up to $50 million to deliver infrastructure projects within regional precincts in partnership with local stakeholders to benefit regional communities. Updated guidelines have extended the program to 30 June 2027.

• Local government

  • Secure Communities Partnership Grants aims to protect small and family businesses from crime and economic losses, through the installation of vital safety and security infrastructure, creating safer public commercial precincts and business strips and improving the operating environment for small and family businesses across Queensland. Local councils can apply for grants of up to $400,000 in round 1. Applications close 11 July 2025.
  • Local Government Battery Collection Program supports the expansion of battery disposal collection points and facilitate safe disposal of problem batteries. Closes 18 July 2025.
  • urban Precincts and Partnerships Program (uPPP): stream one (precinct development and planning) provides up to $5 million in funding to develop a precinct idea through to investment-ready stage. Stream two (precinct delivery) provides up to $50 million in funding to deliver elements of a precinct.
  • Let’s Get it Sorted Partnership Program provides funding for groups of geographically aligned Queensland councils, or lead councils for a Queensland region, to engage a behaviour change coordinator to develop and deliver waste education and behaviour change intervention activities for households.
  • Snapshot Climate tool provides greenhouse gas emissions profiles for Australian councils (local government areas), regions, federal electorates, states and territories which are free to download.

• Major projects

  • Major Project Status enables strategically significant projects facing complex regulatory challenges to get extra support and coordinated approvals.

• Manufacturing

  • Women in Manufacturing event series provides an engaging discussion on Queensland manufacturers’ ability to innovate and the opportunities and importance for women to contribute to and actively shape the future of the sector. Upcoming events include Bundaberg 30/07/2025, Moreton Bay 04/09/2025, Cairns 10/09/2025, Rockhampton 17/09/2025, Mackay 18/09/2025 and Sunshine Coast 27/11/2025.
  • Manufacturing Sustainability Benchmark Program helps manufacturers understand their sustainability progress with an online benchmark assessment. The report provides detailed results and recommended actions for improvement.
  • Certain Inputs to Manufacture reduce importing costs for Australian manufacturers of eligible goods.
  • Market Development & Research Funding - Tyre Stewardship Australia grants of up to $300,000 are available for commercially focused projects that bring tyre-derived material into real-world manufacturing. Closes 28 July 2025.

• Minerals and resources

  • Low Emissions Investment Partnerships will support the reduction of emissions from Safeguard Mechanism facilities in the metallurgical coal sector, which has a critical role in producing steel for the renewable technologies to decarbonise the state.
  • Queensland Critical Minerals and Battery Technology Fund supports businesses across the critical minerals supply chain, from mining stage to the development of processing facilities and/or infrastructure.
  • Collaborative Development Program supports economy-aligned opportunities to recover and accelerate the development of Queensland’s critical minerals sector.
  • Queensland's Critical Minerals Prospectus offers insights into investment ready critical minerals projects at various stages.

• Research

  • CSIRO ON Accelerate free three-month commercialisation acceleration program for researchers ready to translate their idea into a research-driven company. Expressions of interest are now open, with full applications due to open mid 2025.
  • Green Metals Innovation Network will connect researchers and industry to advance the development of green metal production in Australia.
  • Innovate to Grow - Healthcare Innovation provides SMEs access to expert facilitators, research guidance, a self-paced learning platform, guest speakers and networking opportunities. Applications to this free 8-week online program close 13 July 2025.
  • Market Development & Research Funding - Tyre Stewardship Australia grants of up to $300,000 are available for commercially focused projects that bring tyre-derived material into real-world manufacturing. Closes 28 July 2025.

• Social enterprise

  • Social Enterprise Capability Building Grants provide funding to social enterprises to help them become more efficient and effective in delivering social benefits to vulnerable Australians. Closes 5 December 2025.

• Tourism

  • Manage sustainability in tourism provides steps to guide tourism operators on how to be more sustainable.
  • Tourism Business Digital Adaption Program provides a rebate of up to $2,500 and free support to improve businesses’ digital capabilities. Closes 21 November 2025.

Frequently Asked Questions

• How can the State Development regional offices assist me?

  The State Development regional offices can:

  • be a main point of contact within government for regional opportunities
  • ensure regional stakeholders are kept informed on current government programs, policies and other initiatives
  • provide a mechanism to engage with the regions on key issues and coordinate potential whole of government support
  • facilitate communication between local stakeholders, agencies and all tiers of government
  • identify resources, policy changes and regulatory frameworks required to seize opportunities and manage risks
  • identify major projects and diversification opportunities and provide investment facilitation and local supply chain support

• How do I keep updated?

  This webpage is updated regularly as new information becomes available, providing details of current funding programs, government initiatives and case studies.  In addition the State Development regional office for your region can provide you with specific support to navigate the information available.