Swag of Business Support Programs for Local Small Businesses In Budget
Chris Whiting MP wants local businesses to take advantage of the new and continuing business support programs announced in the 2018-2019 State Budget from the Palaszczuk Government.
“I want local businesses to know how Labor is actively supporting small business in our communities,” said Chris Whiting.
“Small business provides most of our local jobs and small business is at core of communities in Deception Bay and North Lakes.
“We have more small home-based businesses and start-ups in North Lakes than anywhere else in the region, and I am always championing them.
“The first of the good news for small business in North Lakes and Deception Bay is that the EcoBiz program now has an extra $4 million allocated to it this Budget.
“This program provides help to small and medium business to lower their operating costs and lessen their environmental impact.
“It is a great program for helping small businesses reduce their water and electricity costs.
“More than 1,000 Queensland businesses have already got help thru EcoBiz and made electricity savings of 17% on average and water savings of about 14%.
“For those businesses in Deception Bay, North Lakes, Burpengary East and Rothwell looking to put on new people, I can tell you we will extend the 50% payroll tax rebate for apprentices and trainees.
“That is a real financial incentive that I hope will tip your decision to employ more young people.
“Also, if you have an idea you want to make a commercial reality, the Business Development Fund is there to help you.
“There is an extra $40 million in this fund over the next years to help develop your business.
“And Advance Queensland has a range of programs that offer all kinds of opportunities to innovative local businesses.
“That includes the Small Business Digital Access Grants which allocated a total of $16,000 recently to two North Lakes Businesses
“FlowBiz and Australian Nurserymen’s Fruit Improvement are two of the 220 Queensland small businesses who receive combined funding of more than $1 million under the program.
“Advance Qld is building up our entrepreneurs, helping small and medium businesses innovate and grow.
“We are investing an extra $123 million into Advance Qld this year – that is a total of about $650 million since the Palaszczuk Government was elected,” said Chris Whiting.
For more information on business support programs call the Bancroft Electorate Office on 3448-2100.
