Small businesses across Townsville and North Queensland are set to receive $5,000 each from the first round of the Palaszczuk Government's Business Basics grants program.
Minister for Employment and Small Business Di Farmer said the successful businesses are currently being notified.
"Backing small businesses is central to the Palaszczuk Government's $14.2 billion COVID-19 Economic Recovery Plan, and these grants are one of the ways we're doing that," Minister Farmer said.
"After listening to small business owners throughout the state at the Small Business Roadshow, we launched these Business Basics Grants as part of our Big Plans for Small Business package during Small Business month earlier this year.
"The grants were open to businesses, including non-employing sole traders, with a turnover of up to $300,000."
Member for Townsville Scott Stewart said more than 50 businesses in North Queensland had been awarded the $5,000 grant.
"The Business Basics grants are designed to help businesses in Townsville increase their core capabilities and ability to adopt current best practice," Mr Stewart said.
"They can be used for activities like training and coaching, website development and upgrades, and strategic marketing."
Member for Mundingburra Les Walker said like everywhere local businesses had been impacted by the global pandemic which is why this support is so important.
"We know that these grants were really popular, and that some regional businesses missed out," Mr Walker said.
"That's why a second round of Business Basics, exclusively for non SEQ small businesses, will open next month."
"The guidelines will be published on Wednesday 25 August and applications will open at 9am on Wednesday 8 September."
One of the businesses to receive a grant is Toolspace. Directors Jason Chester and Perry McDonald are inventors of Barrowmate, the lockable wheelbarrow lid.
The invention was realised when founder Jason Chester was forced to carry all his equipment by hand in the rain onto a ferry.
Business partner Perry McDonald said the patented invention would revolutionise how everyone used the common wheelbarrow.
"Most people use them to carry around dirt, but they can be used to store anything you wish to protect – tools, animal feed, firewood, even your end of day beers!" Mr McDonald said.
"We started designing with a wheelie bin lid and then went on to a 3D printed prototype. We are now selling them across the country and are hoping to explore the American market next year."
"We will use the grant will create a more user friendly website that enables volume orders and allows customers to sign up for sales alerts."
Member for Thuringowa Aaron Harper said Business Basics were the first of three Big Plans for Small Business Grants programs to be awarded.
"The recipients of the new Business Boost and Business Growth Fund grants will be announced in coming months," Mr Harper said.
"The different grant programs target specific groups within the sector and continue to deliver on the government's commitments under the Big Plans for Small Business Strategy.
"The Business Boost grants of up to $15,000 will help small businesses to improve their efficiency and productivity through organisational development, while the $50,000 Business Growth Fund grants will allow businesses to buy highly specialised equipment to seize and accelerate growth opportunities.
"The type of grants, business requirements and the application process are a direct result of feedback from the Small Business Roadshow."
Minister Farmer said the Business Basics Grants are in addition to the recently announced COVID-19 Business Support Grants jointly funded by the State and Federal Governments.
"Applications are now open for grants of between $10,000 and $30,000 for businesses in Townsville that have been impacted by recent lockdowns - with money already on the way to the first businesses - as well as information on the support for non-employing sole traders," Minister Farmer said.
"There's also the cleaning rebate for exposure sites and nearly $50 million in support and benefits for tourism and hospitality businesses.
"As well as financial assistance there is a range of tailored one on one support including our Mentoring for Growth program, Small Business Financial Counsellors, and the Queensland Small Business Commissioner.
"I'd encourage all businesses to head to www.business.qld.gov.au to make sure you're taking advantage of the range of support available."
