Ignite+ Program QLD (Business Development Support)

Purpose and Program Overview

The Ignite+ Program QLD is a business development initiative offered by Advance Queensland. Its primary purpose is to provide tailored business support to founders, helping them expand the commercial skills required to take their innovations to market readiness and commercialisation stages.

The program aims to accelerate growth and drive the creation of new businesses and sustainable jobs for Queenslanders. It supports Advance Queensland’s objectives to strengthen key industries in Queensland, diversify the Queensland economy, and enable Queensland businesses to compete in domestic and global markets.

Ignite+ also works to engage and benefit regional Queensland. It provides a suite of tailored support services, wrapping around recipients of Ignite funding and selected high-growth enterprises in the Queensland innovation ecosystem.

Key Grant Details

• Grant amount or funding range: This program does not offer direct monetary grants. It provides business development support services.
• Application open and close dates: Expressions of Interest for this program are now closed.
• Eligible industries or business types: Selected businesses within the Queensland innovation ecosystem and recipients of Advance Queensland Ignite Ideas funding or Ignite Spark Program funding.
• Required co-contributions: Not applicable, as this is a non-monetary support program.
• Location/state/territory applicability: Queensland. The program aims to engage and/or benefit regional Queensland.

Priority Sectors

The Ignite+ Program QLD is available to innovative businesses across the Queensland innovation ecosystem. It broadly supports enterprises that contribute to strengthening key industries and diversifying the Queensland economy.

Funding Scope

• Minimum and maximum amounts per stream: Not applicable, as the program offers non-financial business development support.
• Categories or streams of funding: Ignite+ is made up of three streams, providing tailored support services:
  • Ignite+ Spark: Supports recipients of the Advance Queensland Ignite Spark Program funding. It aims to enhance the development, testing, and market validation of a pre-market-ready product or service, helping participants plan for future commercialisation.
  • Ignite+ Commercialisation and Growth: Supports recipients of the Advance Queensland Ignite Ideas Fund and selected commercial-ready and early commercialisation phase enterprises. It helps founders and senior managers develop skills required to commercialise innovations and establish business growth models.
  • Ignite+ Scale: Offers bespoke, agile, and advanced scale-up support to Queensland’s most ambitious, high-growth potential, and innovation-driven enterprises.
• Project timeline or eligible funding duration: The duration of support varies by stream and is tailored to each plan.

Eligibility Criteria

• Business structure or size: Eligible entities are selected businesses in the Queensland innovation ecosystem and recipients of Advance Queensland Ignite Ideas funding or Ignite Spark Program funding.
• Registered business location: Not explicitly stated for this specific support program, but generally implies a presence within Queensland based on its objectives.
• Minimum/maximum turnover: Not specified.
• Insurance or compliance obligations: Not specified in the provided information.
• ABN/GST status: Not specified, but standard for businesses operating in Australia.
• Other requirements: Participants are either direct recipients of related Advance Queensland grant funding or selected high-growth enterprises.

Eligible Activities and Expenses

The Ignite+ Program QLD provides business development support rather than funding for specific activities or expenses. The support helps businesses with:

• Investment readiness.
• Sales and marketing strategies.
• Financial literacy.
• Other key business skills required for market readiness and commercialisation.

It does not cover capital equipment, hiring or training staff, or R&D costs directly.

Assessment Process

The Ignite+ Program operates through an Expression of Interest (EOI) process, which has recently closed. Selection is competitive, based on a business’s potential for growth and alignment with the program’s objectives.

Key evaluation criteria will likely include:

• The business’s position within the Queensland innovation ecosystem.
• Receipt of Advance Queensland Ignite Ideas or Ignite Spark Program funding.
• The potential for the business to achieve market readiness and commercialisation.
• The business’s contribution to job creation and economic diversification in Queensland.

Recent Program Updates

Expressions of Interest for the Ignite+ Program QLD are now closed. A recording of the Ignite+ Scale information session is available on YouTube.

Application Tips

Consider these points for future opportunities related to similar programs:

• Focus on developing a strong, innovative product or service that aligns with Queensland’s economic priorities and objectives.
• Aim to secure funding from related Advance Queensland grant programs, as this may provide a pathway to Ignite+ support.
• Be prepared to demonstrate your business’s high-growth potential and commitment to commercialisation.
• Attend any available information sessions or webinars related to Advance Queensland programs.

Where to Get Help

Consider consulting with a professional grant specialist, such as Pattens Group. We offer initial assessments to review your business’s eligibility and evaluate how well your project aligns with the grant’s objectives. You can also visit relevant government websites for application templates and further guidance.