The Opportunity

Queensland's Business Growth Fund Round 7 offers $50,000 to $75,000 (ex GST) for high-growth small businesses ready to scale up through specialised equipment purchases. With a 50% co-contribution requirement, this means total project values of $100,000 to $150,000.

Here's what most businesses miss about the Business Growth Fund: while applications close on 30 January, your success depends on what you do RIGHT NOW.

This is NOT a grant for everyone. It targets businesses that are:

• Already experiencing high growth (demonstrable over two years)
• Ready to scale but equipment-constrained
• Positioned to create jobs and economic impact

Why the December Deadline Matters More Than January

Two-stage assessment process means Stage 1 outcomes won't be announced until March 2026. But here's the critical timeline issue most applicants overlook:

You need competitive, detailed equipment quotes NOW for several reasons:

1. Suppliers are closing for Christmas – getting detailed quotes in early January is near impossible
2. Lead times matter – assessors want to see you've done your homework on delivery schedules
3. Price validity – quotes from December will still be valid for your March outcome
4. Application quality – rushed quotes = weak applications

Is Your Business Actually Eligible?

Don't waste time on an application if you don't meet the non-negotiables:

• Less than 20 employees (headcount, excluding owners)
• $500K-$10M turnover for 2024/25 financial year
• Queensland headquarters
• Minimum 3 years trading history
• Demonstrable high growth over past 2 years

But eligibility isn't the same as competitiveness. That's where most applications fail.

What "Specialised Equipment" Really Means

Assessors are looking for equipment that is:

• Independent or additional – not replacement or routine upgrades
• Complex – requires trained/licensed operators
• Innovative – introduces new capability to your production process
• Growth-enabling – solves a genuine bottleneck preventing expansion

Examples that typically succeed:

• Production equipment meeting otherwise unachievable demand
• Advanced manufacturing or digital systems
• Advanced logistics systems

Limited Time Strategy Session: $110 

Before you invest hours in an application, get clarity on two critical questions:

1. Are you eligible? (5 minutes to establish)
2. Are you competitive? (25 minutes of strategic analysis)

In our 45-minute customised discussion, we'll assess:

• Your growth trajectory against assessment criteria
• Equipment justification strength
• Competitive positioning against likely applicant pool
• Go/no-go recommendation with reasoning

Book before 16 December: $110 (regular price $220)

This investment gives you the confidence to either:

• Proceed with a strong application strategy, OR
• Avoid wasting time on an uncompetitive submission

The Successful Grants Track Record

With over $15 million in grants secured annually for Queensland businesses, we understand what assessors are looking for. Our team has supported businesses across manufacturing, tourism, and service sectors through similar competitive programs.

We know the difference between an eligible application and a winning one.

Next Steps

URGENT – Before 16 December:

1. Contact suppliers for detailed equipment quotes
2. Book your Strategy Session: 0418 884 264 or info@successfulgrants.com.au
3. Review the full program guidelines (link available on request)

If competitive, we can support you through:

• Full Application Management
• Set-up and strategic consulting
• Draft review services

Don't let Christmas timing sabotage a $50,000-$75,000 opportunity. The businesses that succeed in competitive grant programs are the ones that plan strategically and act decisively.

Jenny Lawson
 

Ready to discuss your eligibility and competitiveness? Book your Strategy Session before 16 December.