Overview
The Business Growth Fund Program (BGF) is a competitive Queensland Government grant that supports high-growth small and family businesses to invest in innovative and specialised equipment.
The aim is to help businesses scale up, increase productivity and efficiency, grow their workforce and strengthen their market position in Queensland and beyond. Round 7 has a total program budget of up to $3.5 million, with individual grants ranging from $50,000 to $75,000 (ex GST).
By backing businesses that are ready to accelerate, the program is designed to drive economic growth, support new jobs and move high-potential businesses into their next stage of development.
Background
The Business Growth Fund targets businesses that have already demonstrated strong growth and now need a step-change investment to keep scaling.
Through Round 7, eligible small businesses can apply for funding to purchase innovative and/or specialised equipment that
- unlocks new capacity or capability
- supports automation or digital transformation
- enables entry into new markets or export opportunities
- creates sustainable employment in Queensland
The program is administered by the Department of Customer Services, Open Data and Small and Family Business (CDSB). It remains a competitive, application-based program – not all eligible applications will be funded.
Objectives
Funded businesses are expected to:
- increase confidence for growth and transition from small to the next stage of scale
- increase productivity, turnover, profit and/or employment by around 20%
- improve confidence to automate, scale up, increase market share, diversify and/or expand export opportunities.
In short, the project should meaningfully shift the business’ growth trajectory, not just maintain current operations.
Funding
Under Round 7, you may be eligible for funding of between $50,000 and $75,000 (ex GST).
Key points:
- Total project costs must be at least $100,000 (ex GST)
- You must co-contribute at least 50% of total project costs (matched funding)
- The maximum grant remains $75,000, even if total project costs are higher than $150,000
Funding is paid in three milestone payments
- 20% on approval of your application and acceptance of the Funding Agreement
- 40% on completion and assessment of your compliant 3-month progress report
- 40% on acquittal and assessment at project completion
Successful applicants must not use BGF funds as their contribution to any other State or Commonwealth program.
Eligible Activities
Funding must be used to purchase innovative and or specialised equipment that directly supports business growth, productivity, competitiveness and job creation.
Eligible projects:
- purchase of specialised equipment that is independent or additional to existing machinery
- equipment designed for a specific industrial or production function
- equipment that introduces innovation into your process and requires trained or licensed operators.
Examples of eligible equipment include
- production equipment to meet otherwise unachievable growth in demand
- advanced manufacturing or digital equipment and systems
- advanced logistics systems and equipment.
The type of equipment and the scale of its impact on both your business and the local economy will be considered in assessment.
Ineligible activities (high level)
Projects that involve general business assets or “business as usual” equipment are not supported. This includes standard ICT, office furniture, fleet vehicles, and general hospitality or retail equipment such as fridges, ovens or bain-maries, as well as any project that is already fully funded from another government source.
Eligible Applicants
To be eligible under Round 7, your business must, at the time of the application and for the duration of the funded project:
- be an established and financially sound small Queensland business with potential for high growth in the next 2 years
- have less than 20 employees (headcount)
- have an active ABN, be operating, and be registered for GST (per the ABR record)
- have a Queensland-based headquarters recorded as the principal place of business on the ABR
- have aggregated turnover between $500,000 and $10 million in the last financial year (2024–25)
- have a minimum trading history of 3 years
- have experienced 2 years of high growth (average annual 20% increase in turnover and or employment) and clearly defined growth and employment opportunities in Queensland
- not be insolvent and not have owners or directors who are currently bankrupt or undischarged from bankruptcy
- not have been approved for funding under any earlier Business Growth Fund round.
Your business must maintain this eligibility for the full duration of the funded project.
Headcount definition
Headcount includes
- all full-time, part-time and casual employees
- anyone who receives a salary or wage from your business
but does not include business owners, non-executive directors and contractors.
Merit Criteria and Assessment
The Business Growth Fund isn’t a “tick the box and hope for the best” type of grant.
It’s competitive, and the scorecard matters.
Most applicants meet the basic eligibility, but only the ones who can prove real growth (not just “we’ll be more efficient”) make it through.
To be competitive, your application needs to hit three core areas clearly and convincingly.
Criterion 1 — Will This Equipment Actually Grow Your Business?
This is where most applicants get stuck.
The assessors aren’t interested in features or glossy brochures.
They want to know one thing:
“If we give you up to $75k, what’s the actual return for Queensland?”
To score well, break it into two parts:
tangible growth + why this equipment is essential.
1A — Tangible, Measurable Growth
Explain in plain English what changes the day this equipment is installed.
Better answers quantify growth, for example:
- “This machine increases production capacity by 40%, allowing us to take on two national retailers we currently can’t supply.”
- “Automation reduces processing time from 18 minutes per unit to 7 minutes, enabling us to hire 3 new technicians and shift senior staff into higher-value roles.”
- “The system lets us launch a new product line expected to add $900k in annual revenue.”
Avoid vague lines like “improves efficiency” or “streamlines operations.” Those don’t score.
1B — Why It Won’t Happen Without the Grant
This is the “additionality test.”
Assessors need confidence that funding is unlocking growth, not subsidising something you were already planning to buy.
A weak answer:
“We plan to buy the equipment but the grant would help.”
A strong answer:
“Without the grant, we would purchase a smaller unit with lower capacity, delaying our expansion by 18 months and limiting our ability to hire new staff.”
Show that without the grant:
- you’d grow slower
- the project would be smaller
- you’d take on more financial risk
- the business benefits would be delayed
This section often decides whether you get invited to Stage 2.
Criterion 2 — Can You Deliver the Project Successfully?
Great growth potential is one thing – proving you can actually execute it is another.
Assessors are looking for reassurance that you’ve done the homework.
2A — Readiness and Resources
Show that your project is real, scoped and ready to go.
Competitive applications include:
- detailed supplier quotes
- installation or commissioning timelines
- any site readiness (space, power, compliance)
- evidence you’ve spoken to the supplier beyond a generic enquiry
Examples of strong signals:
- “We have a confirmed installation window in March, contingent on funding approval.”
- “Our supplier will train 4 production staff on commissioning and ongoing maintenance.”
2B — Team Capability
Show that the people who will operate and manage the equipment know what they’re doing.
Examples:
- “Our production manager has 15 years’ experience running CNC systems.”
- “Two staff members have already completed pre-training modules with the supplier.”
- “We’ve engaged an external technician to support installation and calibration.”
Avoid lines like “Our team is experienced.” Be specific.
2C — Risks and How You’ll Manage Them
Every project has risks – delivery delays, supplier lead times, installation issues, workforce gaps.
Assessors want to see that you’ve thought ahead, for example:
- “We have a backup supplier for consumables in case of supply disruptions.”
- “Electrical upgrades have already been scoped and costed.”
- “Two operators are cross-trained to ensure continuity.”
The more risk-aware you sound, the more investable your project looks.
Criterion 3 — What’s the Big Picture for Queensland?
This grant isn’t just about helping your business. It’s about the flow-on benefits to Queensland’s economy and workforce.
Assessors want to fund projects that make a measurable difference beyond your four walls.
3A — Job Creation and Workforce Development
Spell out the roles you’re creating — and why they matter.
Examples:
- “Creates 3 new full-time technical roles within 12 months.”
- “Upskills 6 existing staff into mid-skill manufacturing jobs.”
- “Adds a new apprenticeship pathway within the business.”
Jobs are one of the strongest scoring drivers. Be clear and confident here.
3B — Economic Impact and Market Growth
Explain how the project strengthens Queensland’s economy:
- helps local suppliers
- boosts local manufacturing capacity
- reduces reliance on interstate imports
- creates new export activity
- positions Queensland businesses to compete nationally
Example:
“This investment enables us to replace imported components with Queensland-made product, supporting two new local suppliers.”
3C — Long-Term Benefits
Show that the impact isn’t a one-off.
Examples:
- new capabilities that support future lines
- production systems that scale
- technology that enables further automation
- skill development that builds a stronger workforce pipeline
Great answers show the project is a building block — not a one-time uplift.
Timing
Key round 7 dates are
- Launch – 27 November 2025
- Stage 1 (ROI) opens – 27 November 2025
- Stage 1 (ROI) closes – 5pm, Friday 30 January 2026
- Notification of Stage 1 outcomes – from March 2026
- Project commencement – from execution of the Funding Agreement
- Project completion – up to 18 months, with all projects to be completed by November 2027 (subject to commencement date).
More Information
Latest News
The Queensland Government has unveiled a substantial boost for small businesses through the Business Growth Fund Program, offering up to $75,000 in funding. Aimed at accelerating growth, increasing production, and expanding workforces, 28 businesses across the state, from the Gold Coast to Cairns, will share in $1.9 million. The initiative is expected to instill confidence for growth, enhance diversification, and potentially lead to increased productivity and profits, facilitating the transition of these businesses from small to medium-sized enterprises.
GeoDrill Australia, a family-owned business specializing in mineral and coal exploration, stands out among the recipients. Securing a $75,000 grant, the company plans to upgrade the depth capacity of its drilling rigs, ensuring competitiveness with interstate rivals. This move aligns with the overarching “Big Plans for Small Business” strategy, reflecting the government’s commitment to supporting small enterprises as vital contributors to the Queensland economy.
