Applications open for Regional Business Gateways Program – Australia

The Regional Business Gateways Program provides funding to eligible organizations in regional Queensland to design and deliver initiatives that strengthen local business ecosystems, improve business capability, and support long-term regional economic growth. Under Round 1, a total of $4 million is available, with grants ranging from $250,000 to $600,000 (excluding GST) for projects that address regional business needs and unlock new economic opportunities.

About the Regional Business Gateways Program

The Regional Business Gateways Program is an initiative designed to strengthen the business support ecosystem across regional Queensland by funding organizations that can deliver practical, high-impact business development programs.

The program supports collaborative projects that help small businesses, family businesses, entrepreneurs, and regional industries improve their competitiveness, access new markets, build stronger networks, and respond effectively to changing economic conditions.

Rather than providing direct funding to individual businesses, the program invests in organizations that deliver services, programs, and initiatives benefiting regional business communities.

Program Objectives

The Regional Business Gateways Program aims to:

• Build the capability of small and family businesses in regional Queensland.
• Help businesses capitalize on emerging economic opportunities.
• Support businesses in responding to economic challenges.
• Strengthen long-term business sustainability.
• Improve access to business support services, networks, and expertise.
• Address gaps in regional business support ecosystems.
• Foster collaboration between industry, government, and business organizations.
• Promote regional economic development and resilience.

Program Focus Areas

Projects should align with one or more of the following streams:

Business Connectors

Projects that strengthen business networks by connecting businesses with:

• Industry experts.
• Mentors.
• Investors.
• Government support.
• Research organizations.
• Strategic partners.

Business Accelerators

Projects that accelerate business growth through:

• Business development programs.
• Innovation support.
• Market expansion.
• Skills development.
• Commercialization support.
• Industry collaboration.

Business Enablers

Projects that improve the overall regional business environment by:

• Developing support infrastructure.
• Enhancing access to resources.
• Strengthening business ecosystems.
• Addressing service gaps.
• Improving collaboration across industries.

Funding Information

Round 1 provides significant funding to eligible organizations.

Funding includes:

• Total funding pool: $4 million
• Grant amount: $250,000 to $600,000 (excluding GST)
• Co-contributions: Not mandatory but encouraged.

Eligible Project Costs

Funding may be used for:

• Project-specific contracted staff.
• Specialist consultants.
• Project management.
• Program delivery.
• Marketing and communications.
• Stakeholder engagement.
• Venue hire.
• Digital platforms.
• Educational resources.
• Training materials.
• Administrative overheads directly related to project delivery (up to 20% of the total grant).

Ineligible Project Costs

Funding cannot be used for:

• Capital works.
• Building construction or major fit-outs.
• Unnecessary equipment or asset purchases.
• Replacing existing staff positions.
• Routine operational expenses.
• Activities already funded by government.
• Projects that duplicate existing services without providing additional value.
• One-off promotional campaigns.
• Activities that do not demonstrate measurable additional outcomes.

Who is Eligible?

Eligible applicants must be based in regional Queensland and include:

• Local councils.
• Chambers of commerce.
• Industry organizations.
• Trade organizations.
• Not-for-profit business networking organizations.
• Not-for-profit business enabling organizations.
• Eligible consortiums led by one of the above organizations.

For consortium applications:

• The lead organization must satisfy all eligibility requirements.
• Consortium partners must demonstrate a regional Queensland presence or provide services within regional Queensland where appropriate.

Applicant Eligibility Requirements

Applicants must:

• Be currently operating.
• Hold an active Australian Business Number (ABN).
• Have at least one year of trading history.
• Be registered for Goods and Services Tax (GST).
• Have a registered location in regional Queensland.
• Not be insolvent or undergoing insolvency proceedings.
• Hold or obtain public liability insurance of at least $10 million before project commencement.
• Maintain appropriate governance and financial management systems.
• Comply with all applicable legal and regulatory requirements.

Why This Program Matters

Regional businesses are essential drivers of employment, innovation, and economic resilience. However, many businesses face challenges such as limited access to expertise, professional networks, investment, and business support services.

The Regional Business Gateways Program helps strengthen regional economies by funding organizations that deliver practical business support, encourage collaboration, and create long-term opportunities for sustainable economic growth throughout regional Queensland.

How to Apply

Eligible organizations should follow these steps:

1. Review the Regional Business Gateways Program guidelines.
2. Confirm organizational eligibility.
3. Identify regional business challenges or opportunities the project will address.
4. Develop a project aligned with the Business Connectors, Business Accelerators, or Business Enablers stream.
5. Prepare a detailed project plan, implementation timeline, and budget.
6. Demonstrate expected economic and business outcomes.
7. Submit the completed application before the official deadline.

Tips for a Strong Application

• Clearly identify the regional business need your project addresses.
• Demonstrate strong community and industry partnerships.
• Provide measurable outcomes and performance indicators.
• Present a realistic implementation schedule.
• Explain how the project will create lasting benefits beyond the funding period.
• Include evidence of organizational capability and governance.
• Show how the initiative complements rather than duplicates existing business support services.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Proposing projects that duplicate existing government-funded services.
• Including ineligible expenses such as capital works or routine operating costs.
• Providing unclear project outcomes.
• Submitting unrealistic budgets.
• Failing to demonstrate regional impact.
• Not meeting eligibility requirements.
• Omitting required documentation.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the Regional Business Gateways Program?

It is a Queensland funding program that supports organizations delivering business development initiatives that strengthen regional business communities and economic growth.

How much funding is available?

Round 1 has a total funding pool of $4 million, with grants ranging from $250,000 to $600,000 (excluding GST).

Are co-contributions required?

No. Co-contributions are not mandatory, although they are encouraged.

Who can apply?

Eligible applicants include local councils, chambers of commerce, industry organizations, trade associations, eligible not-for-profit business organizations, and qualifying consortiums based in regional Queensland.

What types of projects are supported?

Projects that improve business capability, strengthen business networks, address regional business support gaps, promote innovation, and enhance long-term economic sustainability.

What expenses can the grant cover?

Eligible costs include project staff, consultants, project delivery, marketing, stakeholder engagement, venue hire, digital platforms, educational resources, and limited administrative overheads.

What expenses are not eligible?

Funding cannot be used for capital works, major building upgrades, routine operating costs, replacing existing staff, duplicated government-funded activities, or projects without measurable additional outcomes.

Conclusion

The Regional Business Gateways Program is a major investment in the future of regional Queensland’s business ecosystem. By providing grants of $250,000 to $600,000, the program enables eligible organizations to deliver innovative business support initiatives that strengthen local enterprises, improve regional competitiveness, foster collaboration, and create sustainable economic opportunities for communities across regional Queensland.