The Transforming Queensland Manufacturing (TQM) Grants Program Round 2 is now open, with applications closing at 1pm on 25 November 2026. We joined the recent TQM webinar, and a few numbers stood out for any manufacturer weighing up an application. They give a clear picture of how competitive this program is and what it takes to be funded.

If you're a Queensland manufacturer considering an application, here's what you need to know.

Key Insights from the TQM Webinar

Round 1 had a 15% success rate

Round 1 received 119 applications, and 18 were funded - a success rate of 15%. Demand far outstripped available funding, with $5.50 requested for every $1 allocated. The department expects to fund around the same number of projects in Round 2.

Job creation is a key outcome

Funded projects typically create around 20 jobs per $1 million received over the forecast period. If your project will create jobs, your application needs to show how many, when, and how you've arrived at those figures.

Grant writers are welcome

When asked about using grant writers, the department's response was positive.

TQM Grant Round 2 at a Glance

The TQM Grants Program is a $79.1 million Queensland Government initiative delivered over 3 years through 6 competitive rounds, with a new round opening approximately every 6 months. It's administered by the Department of Natural Resources and Mines, Manufacturing and Regional and Rural Development.

Round 2 key details:

• Funding pool: $12.5 million
• Grant amount: up to $1.5 million, matched dollar for dollar
• Who can apply: eligible Queensland-based manufacturing businesses
• Focus: innovation, advanced technology and job creation
• Closing date: 1pm, 25 November 2026 - no late applications accepted

Full eligibility and assessment criteria are in the Round 2 program guidelines, available on the Business Queensland website.

Grant agreements and security requirements

Successful applicants must sign a grant agreement with the Queensland Government, which may require a bank guarantee or security over assets. Check with your bank or financier that they're comfortable with these arrangements before you apply, as this can take time to sort out.

How to Prepare a Competitive TQM Application

With roughly 5 weeks until applications close, now is the time to get organised. A strong application is built on solid evidence, and much of that takes time to gather.

Get your quotes early

Supplier quotes underpin your project budget. Equipment suppliers, particularly overseas, can take weeks to provide detailed quotes, so request them now.

Build a thorough project plan

Assessors need to see a project that's well planned, realistic and achievable. Your project plan should cover milestones, timelines, risks, responsibilities and how the project will be delivered within the funding period.

Confirm your co-contribution

As a matched grant, you'll need to show you can fund your share of the project. Have your financials and evidence of funding ready.

Gather your supporting evidence

Strong applications back every claim with evidence - financial statements, market data, letters of support, job creation forecasts and anything else that shows your project will deliver what you say it will.

Talk to your local Manufacturing Hub Queensland Manufacturing Hubs can discuss your project and eligibility before you apply. It's a worthwhile conversation to have early.

Why Work with a TQM Grant Writer?

With only 15% of applications funded in Round 1, a good project isn't enough on its own. Your application needs to be clearly costed, well evidenced and written to score well against every assessment criterion.

At Successful Grants, we've worked with successful applicants across the Queensland Government's manufacturing programs, including:

• Made in Queensland
• Re-Made in Queensland
• Manufacturing Hubs Grants
• Transforming Queensland Manufacturing

Over the past 3 years, we've secured over $12 million for Queensland manufacturers. We understand what assessors look for and how to present your project so its strengths are clear.

Whether you'd like us to write your TQM application from scratch or review and sharpen your own draft, we can tailor our support to suit your business.

Frequently Asked Questions About the TQM Grant

When does TQM Round 2 close?

Applications close at 1pm on 25 November 2026. Late applications won't be accepted.

How much funding can I apply for?

Eligible businesses can apply for up to $1.5 million, matched dollar for dollar.

How competitive is the TQM grant?

Round 1 had a 15% success rate, with 18 of 119 applications funded. The department expects to fund a similar number in Round 2.

Can I use a grant writer for my TQM application?

Yes. The department responded positively to questions about using grant writers at the recent TQM webinar.

Will there be future TQM rounds?

The program is delivered through 6 rounds over 3 years, with a new round opening approximately every 6 months. If you're not ready for Round 2, it's worth starting to prepare for the next round now.

Get Started on Your TQM Application

Time is short, and the strongest applications take preparation. If you're considering applying for TQM Round 2, feel free to contact me to discuss your project.

Jenny Lawson, Successful Grants | info@successfulgrants.com.au | www.successfulgrants.com.au | 0418 884 264