The Secure Communities Partnership Program provides $5,000 to $20,000 (excluding GST) in matched funding to eligible Queensland small and family businesses to install proven security measures that deter crime. With a total round budget of $2 million, the program supports businesses impacted by crime in the last five years and requires a minimum 50% co-contribution. Eligible applicants must meet strict criteria, including fewer than 20 employees, turnover of $10 million or less (2024–25), and at least one year of trading history.
Program Overview
The Secure Communities Partnership Program is a Queensland Government initiative designed to strengthen business security and improve public safety in commercial precincts.
The program supports:
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Queensland small and family businesses impacted by crime
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Crime prevention through proven security upgrades
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Safer business strips and commercial precincts
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Economic resilience in local communities
The initiative aims to reduce the impact of crime on small enterprises while improving the overall operating environment for businesses.
Funding Details
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Total round budget: $2 million
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Grant amount: $5,000 to $20,000 (excluding GST)
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Funding model: Matched funding (minimum 50% co-contribution required)
This means applicants must contribute at least half of the total project cost.
Example:
If a security upgrade costs $30,000:
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Maximum grant funding = $15,000
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Business contribution = at least $15,000
The grant is designed to support security enhancements, not fully fund projects.
Program Objectives
The Secure Communities Partnership Program aims to:
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Deter criminal activity in business areas
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Address identified security vulnerabilities
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Protect small businesses from financial losses
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Strengthen commercial precinct safety
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Improve confidence among customers and staff
By supporting the installation of security infrastructure, the program contributes to safer, more vibrant business environments across Queensland.
Who Is Eligible?
To qualify, applicants must meet all eligibility criteria.
Business Size Requirements
Applicants must:
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Employ fewer than 20 employees
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Have a turnover of $10 million or less in the 2024–25 financial year
Businesses cannot be subsidiaries of larger groups with 20 or more total employees.
Trading and Registration Requirements
Businesses must:
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Have at least one year of trading history
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Operate with an active ABN
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Be registered for GST
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Have a registered Queensland headquarters
Financial and Legal Requirements
Applicants must:
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Not be insolvent
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Not have owners or directors who are bankrupt or undischarged from bankruptcy
Crime Impact Requirement
Businesses must:
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Have been directly impacted by crime, or
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Operate in areas affected by crime within the last five years
What Can the Grant Be Used For?
Funding supports proven security measures and equipment designed to deter crime and address vulnerabilities.
Examples may include:
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CCTV systems
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Alarm systems
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Security lighting
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Access control systems
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Physical security barriers
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Other approved safety infrastructure
All projects must demonstrate clear crime prevention benefits.
Why This Program Matters
Small and family businesses are often disproportionately impacted by crime.
This program:
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Reduces financial and operational risks
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Strengthens business resilience
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Encourages local economic stability
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Improves safety in commercial areas
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Builds community confidence
Safer business precincts benefit not only business owners but also employees, customers, and surrounding communities.
How to Apply: Step-by-Step Guide
Follow these steps to prepare a competitive application.
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Confirm eligibility (employee count, turnover, trading history, ABN, GST registration).
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Identify security vulnerabilities in your business.
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Obtain quotes for eligible security equipment or upgrades.
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Calculate total project cost and confirm your 50% co-contribution capacity.
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Prepare documentation proving crime impact (if required).
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Submit the application through the official program portal (as per program guidelines).
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Await assessment and funding decision.
Applications are assessed against program objectives and eligibility criteria.
Assessment Considerations
Applications may be evaluated based on:
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Demonstrated crime impact or risk
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Strength of proposed security solution
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Value for money
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Business eligibility compliance
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Contribution to safer commercial precincts
Funding is competitive and subject to available budget.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
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Applying without meeting employee or turnover thresholds
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Failing to demonstrate crime impact or vulnerability
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Not budgeting for the required 50% co-contribution
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Submitting incomplete financial or registration documentation
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Applying as a subsidiary of a larger ineligible group
Ensure all eligibility requirements are fully met before applying.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How much funding can a business receive?
Eligible businesses can receive between $5,000 and $20,000 (excluding GST), depending on project scope.
2. Is co-contribution mandatory?
Yes. Applicants must contribute at least 50% of total project costs.
3. Who qualifies as a small business under this program?
Businesses with fewer than 20 employees and turnover of $10 million or less in the 2024–25 financial year.
4. Does the business need to be GST registered?
Yes. Businesses must have an active ABN and be registered for GST.
5. Can new businesses apply?
No. Businesses must have at least one year of trading history.
6. What types of businesses are excluded?
Businesses that are insolvent, have bankrupt directors, or are subsidiaries of larger groups with 20 or more total employees.
7. What is the total program budget?
The total round budget is $2 million.
Conclusion
The Secure Communities Partnership Program provides targeted matched funding to help Queensland small and family businesses strengthen security and reduce crime risks. With grants of up to $20,000 and a $2 million total budget, the program supports practical safety upgrades that create safer, more resilient commercial precincts.
Eligible businesses should assess their security needs, confirm compliance with all criteria, and prepare a well-documented application to improve their chances of securing funding.
For more information, visit Queensland Government.
