The Queensland Government has launched a new program aimed at strengthening regional small businesses, including those connected to manufacturing and local supply chains, as part of its Small and Family Business First agenda.
Announced by the Qld Govevrnment during Queensland Small Business Month, the Regional Business Gateways program will provide between $250,000 and $600,000 per initiative to eligible councils, chambers of commerce, industry groups and not-for-profit organisations across regional Queensland.
According to the Queensland Government, up to $4 million will be available in the program’s first round to support community-led projects designed to improve business capability, strengthen regional industries and support long-term economic development.
The government said projects could include initiatives that help small businesses connect with procurement and supply chain opportunities, improve operational capability, or support growth across sectors including tourism, hospitality, retail and manufacturing.
Minister for Small and Family Business Steve Minnikin said the program was intended to provide practical support tailored to the needs of regional communities.
“I am proud to launch the innovative Regional Business Gateways program during Queensland Small Business Month,” Minnikin said.
“This is not just another grants program. This is a community-led program focusing on delivering ‘Gateways’ which are flexible, high-impact access points that help small businesses connect with knowledge, tools, opportunities and networks.”
He said chambers of commerce, councils and industry organisations “know their regions best” and the funding would help deliver initiatives aimed at strengthening local business ecosystems and creating long-term economic capacity.
The Queensland Government said the program was designed to support under-represented, early-stage and micro-businesses, while also helping sectors facing long-term challenges improve resilience and operational efficiency.
Member for Mundingburra Janelle Poole said the program came at an important time for small businesses dealing with economic pressures.
“We want small and family businesses to thrive and we are providing the right support and the right time to meet the challenges facing small and family businesses,” Poole said.
Member for Thuringowa Natalie Marr said the initiative recognised the different challenges faced by regional businesses.
“Whether it’s helping small businesses connect with major infrastructure projects and supply chain opportunities, or bringing together councils, chambers of commerce and industry groups around a shared regional growth strategy, these projects will help unlock opportunities that are unique to small and family businesses in each region,” Marr said.
Member for Townsville Adam Baillie said local involvement would be important to the program’s success.
“The Crisafulli Government is putting regional communities in the driver’s seat to shape the small and family business support and economic opportunities that matter most to them,” Baillie said.
Expressions of interest for the Regional Business Gateways program are open until 17 July 2026, with projects required to be based in regional Queensland.
