QLD Business Growth Fund Program Round 7 (2025–26)

Purpose and Program Overview

The QLD Business Growth Fund (BGF) – Round 7 is a competitive Queensland Government grant designed to support established, high-growth small and family businesses in Queensland. Its primary objective is to drive business expansion, increase productivity, enhance efficiency, and stimulate job creation by providing targeted financial support for the acquisition of specialised equipment that directly contributes to business growth and competitiveness. The program forms part of broader Queensland economic initiatives aimed at bolstering private sector capacity, technological adoption, and export potential within the state.

This funding opportunity is aimed at businesses that demonstrate potential to transition from small to medium scale, achieve significant growth in productivity and turnover, and foster sustainable employment opportunities. Successful applicants receive milestone-based funding that enables them to scale operations, increase market share, and strengthen operational resilience.

Key Grant Details

• Funding range: $50,000 to $75,000 (excluding GST) per eligible business.
• Application open date: Round 7 announced 27 November 2025; open now.
• Application close date: 5:00 pm AEST, 30 January 2026 (Stage 1: Registration of Interest).
• Eligible business types: Established small and family businesses with high-growth potential.
• Required co-contribution: Minimum 50% of total project costs (matched funding).
• Geographic applicability: Queensland, Australia (Queensland headquarters required).

Priority Sectors

The QLD Business Growth Fund Program does not specify priority sectors; instead, it is open to a broad range of industry sectors provided the business meets eligibility criteria and demonstrates growth outcomes.

Funding Scope

• Minimum/Maximum grant per project: $50,000 (min) and $75,000 (max) (GST exclusive).
• Funding structure: Paid in three milestone payments throughout the project upon achievement of key deliverables.
• Eligible project timeframe: Typically aligned with grant milestones; applicants are expected to plan and complete project objectives within the funded period (details provided in program guidelines).
• Project categories: Purchase and implementation of specialised equipment that directly enables business growth, productivity and competitiveness.

Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible at the time of application and for the duration of the funded project, a business must:

• Be an established and financially sound small Queensland business with high-growth potential.
• Have fewer than 20 employees by headcount (excluding owners, non-executive directors and contractors).
• Operate and maintain an active ABN.
• Be registered for GST.
• Have a Queensland headquarters listed on the Australian Business Register.
• Report a turnover between $500,000 and $10 million in the 2024-25 financial year.
• Have a minimum of 3 years of trading history.
• Demonstrate two years of high growth, defined as an average annual increase of 20% in turnover and/or employment.
• Not be insolvent, and not have owners/directors currently bankrupt or undischarged from bankruptcy.
• Not funded in earlier BGF rounds.

Eligible Activities and Expenses

Funding may be used for:

• Specialised equipment acquisition that enhances production capacity, efficiency and operational capability.
• Technology or equipment that expands market reach or supports export development.
• Equipment that introduces innovation, automation or competitiveness into the applicant’s business operations.

💡 Typical ineligible expenses include general operating costs, non-specialised equipment, or costs incurred before signing the funding agreement (refer to the official guidelines).

Assessment Process

• The QLD Business Growth Fund grant uses a competitive, two-stage process:
  • Stage 1: Registration of Interest (ROI) – Applicants submit high-level project information demonstrating eligibility and proposed growth impacts.
  • Stage 2: Full Application – Selected applicants are invited to submit comprehensive project details, which are competitively assessed against other proposals.
• Assessment criteria typically consider:
  • The ability of the proposed equipment to deliver measurable growth outcomes.
  • Contribution to productivity, competitiveness, and efficiency.
  • Project feasibility, value for money, and employment outcomes.

Recent Program Updates

• Round 7 has opened for applications, with announcements made on 27 November 2025.
• The program is backed by a broader funding pool (not always stated on all summaries), with government commentary indicating support of around $3.5 million for eligible businesses.

Application Tips

• Carefully review the eligibility criteria and use the official eligibility checker before applying.
• Prepare detailed project documentation, including equipment quotes, growth projections, and employment outcomes.
• Align the submission with Queensland Government economic priorities, such as productivity, innovation and job creation.
• Ensure all supporting documentation (ABN, GST registration, financials) is current and accurate.

Where to Get Help

Consider consulting a grant specialist for a personalised eligibility assessment and expert assistance in preparing a competitive application. Contact experienced advisers like Pattens Group today to strengthen your submission and navigate compliance requirements. For official documents, application details, templates and further information, visit the Business Queensland website or the official grant portal.