Ignite+ Scale QLD

Purpose and Program Overview

The Ignite+ Scale QLD program is offered by the Queensland Government’s Advance Queensland initiative, in partnership with Deloitte. The program’s core intent is to provide bespoke, agile, and advanced scale-up support to high-growth Queensland businesses. It targets companies past the initial commercialisation phase and preparing for or already in the early scale-up phase.

The program’s main objectives are to accelerate business growth into national and global markets. It aims to increase capital investment and create high-value jobs within Queensland. This supports the broader goal of attracting and retaining innovative businesses in the state.

Ignite+ Scale QLD is a business development support program. It is not a direct monetary grant. It provides non-monetary assistance to equip founders and senior managers with the strategies and connections needed to scale successfully.

Key Grant Details

• Grant amount or funding range: This is a non-monetary support program. It provides tailored scale-up support, mentoring, and masterclasses, not direct funding.
• Application open and close dates: Expressions of Interest (EOI) opened on 13 October 2025. They close on Friday 21 November 2025 at 2:00 pm (AEST).
• Eligible industries or business types: Innovative, high-growth Queensland businesses across a broad range of sectors.
• Required co-contributions: Not applicable, as this is a non-monetary support program.
• Location/state/territory applicability: Businesses must be registered and headquartered in Queensland (QLD).

Priority Sectors

Ignite+ Scale QLD program is open to a broad range of innovative industries.

The focus is on businesses that are:

• Innovation-driven, with unique products or services.
• In the advanced growth or early scale-up phase.
• Ready to expand nationally and globally.

Funding Scope

The program provides tailored, high-value business support, not direct financial grants.

• Minimum and maximum amounts per stream: Not applicable, as no money is provided.
• Categories or streams of funding: The program involves two support tiers:
  • UpScale Intensive Lab: A three-day intensive lab for 30 shortlisted businesses.
  • 10-Month Program: Ten businesses from the lab are chosen for a full 10-month program. The remaining businesses receive 10 months of mentoring and coaching.
• Project timeline or eligible funding duration: The main support program runs for 10 months. The Intensive Lab is scheduled for 18–20 February 2026.

Eligibility Criteria

Businesses must be registered and headquartered in Queensland. They must meet at least four of the five following criteria:

• Be driven by innovative products or services.
• Have a well-established market for their innovative product or service.
• Be in an advanced growth or early scale-up phase and have, or be developing, a scale-up strategy.
• Have generated revenue of between $3 million and $50 million in the previous or current financial year.
• Have achieved average three-year growth rate of more than 20% per annum in either revenue or job numbers.

Eligible Activities and Expenses

The program provides bespoke support services and resources. It does not fund business expenses.

Support provided includes:

• Export market development: Access to Australian and international trade and investment connections.
• Hiring or training staff: Mentoring, specialist deep dive coaching, and masterclasses.
• R&D or tech upgrades: Tailored support to refine business capabilities and development of scale-up strategies.
• Other: Networking events, business showcase, and graduation events.

Assessment Process

The program involves a competitive Expression of Interest (EOI) process.

The selection process is multi-staged: EOI submission, shortlisting, interview, and final selection. Assessment focuses on the business’s scale-up potential and eligibility.

Key evaluation criteria focus on the demonstration of:

• Innovative Products/Services.
• Market Establishment.
• Growth Phase (with a clear strategy).
• Revenue Generation and Growth Metrics.

Favourable consideration is given to businesses from underrepresented cohorts, including female-founded, regional, and First Nations businesses.

Recent Program Updates

The EOI period for the current round opened on 13 October 2025. It closes on 21 November 2025. The program runs from February to November 2026, starting with the three-day UpScale Intensive Lab.

Application Tips

• The EOI is the critical first stage. Ensure your submission is clear, concise, and focused.
• Double-check you meet at least four of the five financial and growth eligibility criteria. Focus on the innovative nature of your product and your market establishment.
• Align your EOI with the program’s goal to accelerate national and global growth. Clearly demonstrate that your business is beyond the early growth phase and ready to scale.
• Be prepared to back up all claims. Shortlisted applicants may be asked to provide documented evidence of revenue, growth, and Intellectual Property (IP).

Where to Get Help

Consider consulting a grant specialist for a personalised eligibility assessment and expert assistance in preparing a strong, compliant and competitive application. Contact Pattens Group today, and we will connect you with Australia’s best grant specialist, boasting over 35 years of experience in the industry and a 100% success rate. For official guidelines, key dates, and the online application form, visit the Advance Queensland Ignite+ Scale QLD webpage.