Local economic opportunities and initiatives

• Agriculture and forestry

  • Agrifutures Australia RD&E Investment provides funding to organisations to deliver research and innovations that aim to strengthen and future-proof established and emerging rural industries.
  • Queensland Smart Farms supports AgTech providers, producers and supply chain businesses to trial technology and accelerate development, testing and adoption through use of available smart farms.
  • Support Plantation Establishment program supports the establishment of new long-rotation softwood and hardwood plantation forests in Australia and assists the sector in responding to the projected growth in demand for domestically sourced timber resources. Batch 5 closes 24 September 2025 and batch 6 will be open from 24 September 2025 to 5 November 2025.
  • Farm Management Grants offer primary producers a 50% rebate on the cost of eligible professional advice to produce a Farm Business Resilience Plan for their property.
  • Drought grants and assistance provides information and support to prepare for and manage the effects of drought.
  • Farm Household Allowance Program provides farming families experiencing financial hardship with assistance through planning and training for long-term financial improvements as well as income support for up to 4 years.
  • Sustainability Loan provides loans for primary producers and commercial fishers to help them improve their productivity and sustainability.
  • First Start Loan provides finance of up to $2 million in the first years of establishing a primary production business.
  • Primary Producer Disaster Assistance provides low interest loans and grants to eligible entities that have suffered direct damage as a result of an eligible disaster, including Special Disaster Assistance Recovery Grants (Primary Producers)
  • Farm Management Deposits Scheme provides primary production businesses with tax deductions on farm management deposits to help manage inconsistent income from natural disasters, climate and market changes.
  • Get Your Business CN30 Ready outlines how meat operators can take action towards carbon neutrality.
  • Renewable Energy Landholder Toolkit assists landholders reflect on the various potential benefits and risks associated with on-farm renewable development, as they respond to and negotiate with energy industry representatives about accessing land and developing renewable energy projects.
  • Energy savings ideas for agricultural businesses guide provides energy savings advice and tips to reduce energy use and save costs.
  • Accelerated Depreciation for Primary Producers provides a tax deduction for assets used in primary production.

• Biofuels and biofutures

  • Biofutures industry information provides industry insights to support the development and manufacturing of innovative products from sustainable resources.
  • Sovereign Industry Development Fund will work with industry on strategic partnership opportunities that will accelerate industry development in priority industries – defence, biomedical and biofuels. Strategic and Catalytic Investment Partnerships is open to applications until funds are fully allocated.

• Biomedical

  • Biomedical Translation Fund provides companies with venture capital through licensed private sector fund managers.
  • Biomedical industry information provides industry insights and outlines support available to help Queensland biomedical businesses.
  • Sovereign Industry Development Fund will work with industry on strategic partnership opportunities that will accelerate industry development in priority industries – defence, biomedical and biofuels. Strategic and Catalytic Investment Partnerships is open to applications until funds are fully allocated.
  • Medical Device Partnering Program fosters collaborations between researchers, industry, end-users and government and develop medical technologies with global market potential.
  • Medical Research Future Fund provides support for medical research initiatives by the Australian Government.
  • Biomedical industry support and attraction incentives lists further support available.
  • MRFF 2022 Frontier Health and Medical Research Grant Opportunity is a grant program to support researchers to pursue big ideas to develop new products and interventions and implement these into clinical practice, benefiting patients, clinicians, and the health system.
  • MRFF 2025 Research Data Infrastructure Grant Opportunity provides funding for researchers to support projects using existing data infrastructure types to create or apply new approaches for an unmet medical need. Closes 11 December 2025.
  • MRFF 2025 Genomics Health Futures grant opportunity closes 4 February 2026.
  • MRFF 2025 Maternal Health and Healthy Lifestyles grant opportunity closes 3 December 2025.
  • 2025 Equipment Grants open to National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) approved administering institutions. Closes 24 September 2025.

• Business performance, sustainability and energy efficiency

  • ATO masterclass webinar: supporting small businesses in Queensland free online session for businesses to speak with experienced tax officers from the ATO about all things taxation, online 26 September 2025.
  • Business Queensland provides information on starting, growing and operating a business in Queensland.
  • Business events calendar lists events (online and in-person) that provide advice and assistance to Queensland businesses.
  • Mentoring for Growth provides free mentoring sessions with experienced business mentors.
  • Female Founders Co-Investment Fund provides funding to female founded businesses to help them scale and build business capacity.
  • Workforce Evolve Program assists employers in developing a recruitment strategy to attract and retain a new segment of jobseekers. Workforce Evolve Workshop Series 3 is providing 7 free weekly workshops to support businesses with workforce planning and managing change, from 18 August- 29 September 2025.
  • Free Apprenticeships for Under 25s provides fee-free apprenticeships to businesses when they employ an existing or new apprentice or trainee who is under 25. Program extended until 30 June 2027.
  • Back to Work Program provides businesses with support to employ eligible unemployed jobseekers.
  • Local Jobs Program - Local Jobs, Local People Grant The Australian Government is inviting organisations through an open competitive process to apply to deliver services under the Local Jobs Program over 2 years. Applications close 24 September 2025.
  • Skilling Queenslanders for Work funding applications are now open, closing 9 October 2025.
  • Real Jobs Real Wages offers up to $15,000 for employers to hire an eligible employee into a permanent job on a part-time or full-time basis. The program gives tailored support to help businesses support people with greater challenges into secure work, open to small, medium and large employers across any industry.
  • Small Business Wellness Coaches help small business owners with unique and personal business challenges, needs and opportunities in a free one-on-one, supportive environment.
  • NewAccess for Small Business Owners provides free and confidential mental health coaching for small business owners. Closes 30 June 2026.
  • Business performance assessment tools provide interactive tools to analyse current business processes and find opportunities to improve business performance.
  • Private Sector Pathways Program provides funding to Queensland small to medium enterprises and scaleups to help them find solutions to corporate challenges.
  • CSIRO Kick-Start provides matched funding for start-ups and small to medium enterprises to support: research of a new idea with commercial potential; development of a novel or improved product or process; testing for a novel product or material.
  • Industry Growth Program and Advisory Service supports innovative small and medium enterprises undertaking commercialisation and/or growth projects within priority areas of value-add in resources; value-add in agriculture, forestry and fisheries; transport; medical science; renewables and low emissions technologies; defence capability; enabling capabilities. National Reconstruction Fund provides debt finance, equity finance and guarantees for businesses with compelling proposals in these priority areas.
  • ecoBiz assists small to medium sized businesses develop an action plan to improve their resource efficiency and environmental sustainability and reduce operational costs. Free sustainability sessions are available under the program, in Goondiwindi on 15-16 September, Toowoomba on 17 September, the Gympie region on 24 September, the Daintree and Cape Tribulation region from October 21-22 October and Rockhampton on 21-23 October.
  • Sustainability sells – how to position your business for work free online webinar on 24 September 2025 outlining how to get your sustainability achievements in front of decision makers, to better position your business to win work including having your sustainability achievements independently verified and communicating them to potential customers.
  • Industry Capability Network (ICN) has launched a Net Zero Readiness Assessment online tool to support Australian manufacturers and small-to-medium enterprises (SMEs) climate efforts and readiness for the net zero economy.
  • Cheaper Home Batteries Program provides households and small businesses with a discount on the upfront cost of installing a small-scale solar battery.
  • Environmental, social and governance (ESG) practices provides information on what ESG is and how it can help attract customers and investors.
  • Climate Change Risk Management Tool for Small Businesses contains information on climate change, the related risks, and checklists to assess these risks.
  • Small-scale Renewable Energy Scheme provides benefits for households and small businesses to help with purchase costs of small-scale renewable energy system (solar, wind or hydro) or eligible hot water system.
  • Energy Efficiency Council's tax incentives guide outlines tax incentives available to Australian businesses that can be leveraged to improve energy performance.
  • Becoming an environmentally friendly business guide outlines the benefits and process for ensuring your business is environmentally friendly, including opportunities to reduce waste and tips for saving energy and lowering energy costs.
  • Fuel Tax Credits provide businesses who have purchased fuel for their business with a credit for the tax that is included in the price of fuel.

• Construction, major projects and supply chains

  • Meet the Brisbane 2032 Buyer the launch of the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games Procurement Program will be held on 8 October 2025 at the Star Brisbane, supported by Business Chamber Queensland and will include international expert guests providing first-hand Games procurement insights.
  • Brisbane 2032 Games business opportunities provides information on procurement opportunities related to the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
  • An introduction to Australian Government procurement for suppliers workshop provides tips and advice to better understand how to sell to the Australian Government. Free webinars on 25 November 2025 and 5 March 2026.
  • Building your best tender response (supplier workshop) will provide businesses with practical steps for developing stronger tender responses and build their understanding of the process for lodging a tender submission to the Australian Government. Free webinars on 2 December 2025 and 12 March 2026. 
  • Major Project Status enables strategically significant projects facing complex regulatory challenges to get extra support and coordinated approvals.
  • Regional Precincts and Partnerships Program offers funding of up to $50 million to deliver infrastructure projects within regional precincts in partnership with local stakeholders to benefit regional communities. Updated guidelines have extended the program to 30 June 2027.
  • Key Apprenticeship Program offers up to $10,000 in financial support to apprentices commencing or recommencing their careers in the clean energy or housing construction sectors.

• Defence and aerospace

  • Sovereign Industry Development Fund will work with industry on strategic partnership opportunities that will accelerate industry development in priority industries – defence, biomedical and biofuels. Strategic and Catalytic Investment Partnerships is open to applications until funds are fully allocated.
  • Defence Industry Development Grants Program will fund small to medium enterprises to build Australia’s sovereign capability, global competitiveness, technical superiority and national security. Four funding streams are available: Sovereign Industrial Priorities; Exports; Security; and Skilling. The closing dates for the current batches range from 31 August 2025 to 31 October 2025 depending on the stream.
  • QDSA Collaborative Research Grants supports collaboration between QDSA member universities (Griffith University, James Cook University, University of Queensland and Charles Darwin University), industry partners and other Australian Defence Science and Universities Network (ADSUN) universities, to foster academic and Defence industry partnerships within Queensland and the Northern Territory. Detailed applications close 20 October 2025.
  • Defence Jobs Queensland provides information on how Queensland businesses can become ‘defence-ready’, enabling them to access state, national and global defence supply chain opportunities.
  • Joint Strike Fighter Industry Support Program Sustainment Grants provides Australian businesses with funding to develop new or improved capabilities to win work in the sustainment phase of the Joint Strike Fighter Program.
  • Space Concession helps companies wanting to develop high technology for the space sector; encouraging the transfer of technology and expertise by providing duty-free tariff on eligible imported goods.

• Digital and cyber security

  • Cyber Wardens Foundations - construction industry 30 minute free webinar providing a short introduction to cyber security, identifying key cyber security red flags that pose a risk or threat to businesses operating in the construction industry. Online 23 September 2025.
  • Data-Driven Circularity: AI-Powered Innovations Redefining Product Reuse free webinar will outline how data-driven technologies are transforming the circular economy, including how AI can improve product tracking, enable reuse and repair at scale, and optimise recovery pathways - extending product lifecycles and reducing waste. Online 23 September 2025.
  • Email Marketing Essentials: Mastering Email for Small Business Email marketing remains one of the most effective and affordable ways to connect with your audience, build trust, and drive sales. Hosted under the Digital Solutions Program online 25 September 2025.
  • Cyber Wardens - Safe AI 30 minute free webinar outlining how artificial intelligence can help your business, and how to protect yourself from AI-powered cyber security threats. Online 30 September 2025.
  • Free digital tools for business marketing success hosted by Regional Business HQ, providing an overview of essential tools including Google My Business, Bing Places, Chat GPT, Invideo AI, YayText, and Vimeo. Free event to be held in Noosa on 30 September 2025.
  • Digital Future of Work Launch, hosted by the Business Chamber Queensland, providing an in-depth exploration of the opportunities and challenges facing Queensland businesses as they embrace new technologies and digitally transform their operations. Event to be held in Brisbane 30 September 2025 and Cairns 16 October 2025.
  • Leveraging the Holiday Season for Your Small Business Success hosted by Regional Business HQ, free 2-hour interactive workshop, online on 4 November 2025.
  • Small Business Technology Investment Boost allows small businesses to claim a 20% bonus deduction on technology expenditure to help digitise their business.
  • Cyber Wardens Cyber Security Training provides free online courses and learning for small business owners and employees funded by the Australian Government.
  • Digital Solutions Program helps small businesses to adapt and flourish through the adoption of digital business tools that can improve productivity, effectiveness, and aid business growth. Regional Business HQ is the Queensland delivery partner and the Regional Business HQ Online Series provides workshops on digital topics including how to use AI to improve marketing; cyber security; digital design; streamlining your business with AI.
  • Cyber security online resources are available addressing information security management and the new edition of ISO 27001, the internationally used system for keeping businesses cyber secure.
  • Free ‘Munch and Learn’ digital workshops in Kuranda and Mareeba delivered by the State Library of Queensland provide hands-on learning to help small businesses build digital capability and explore new ways to grow. Session series run weekly from 16 June 2025 to 16 March 2026.
  • AI Leadership Summit for anyone looking to drive real impact in their organisation, department or industry around the rapidly evolving AI-driven economy, featuring Australian and international speakers, breakout sessions, networking opportunities, a research exhibition, and an AI Discovery Stage to be held 21-22 October 2025 in Brisbane.

• Disaster relief

  • North Queensland Restocking, Replanting and On-Farm Infrastructure Grants provides funding to primary producers impacted by northern and central Queensland monsoon and flooding, 20 December 2022–30 April 2023, to help with recovery costs. Closes 31 December 2025.
  • Queensland businesses impacted during disaster events may be eligible for low interest loans and grants to help them recover. Specific support is also available for non-profit organisations and primary producers.
  • Exceptional Disaster Assistance Recovery Grants are available for affected small businesses following the Western Queensland Surface Trough and Associated Rainfall and Flooding. Closes 7 April 2026.
  • Small business disaster hub provides information about managing a small business before, during and after a disaster.
  • Transport-related Drought Assistance provides transport-related drought assistance measures to primary producers whose property has been drought-declared.
  • AgBiz Drought Loans provide loans for small businesses located in a drought affected region that directly supply goods or services relating to primary production to farm businesses.
  • Freight Subsidies for Disaster Affected Primary Producers provides primary producers with freight subsidies for moving materials, including emergency fodder.
  • Drought Relief from Electricity Charges Scheme provides relief from supply charges on electricity accounts that are used to pump water for farm or irrigation purposes.

• Energy projects and technologies

  • Green Iron Investment Fund - National Development Stream will support the growth of Australia's green iron industry, accessible for both existing facilities and greenfield projects that can supercharge Australia’s world-leading iron ore industry. Applications open 28 October 2025 and close 16 January 2026.
  • Queensland Decarbonisation Hub Forum 2025 to be held in Townsville on 5–6 November 2025 featuring a strong regional focus, providing knowledge brokering and strategic partnerships, helping to position Queensland as a leader in inclusive decarbonisation.
  • Ultra Low-Cost Solar PV R&D Funding Round ARENA is continuing its support for research and development and commercialisation of Australian solar PV, with a new $60 million funding round to push innovation and take solar to ultra low-cost levels. Applications due 21 October 2025.
  • Battery Breakthrough Initiative supports projects that contribute to one or more of the following program outcomes: enhance Australia’s battery manufacturing capability to improve supply chain resilience and support emissions reduction; commercialise battery manufacturing processes and technologies that can contribute to emissions reduction.
  • Solar Sunshot supports innovative solar photovoltaic (PV) manufacturing facilities in Australia across the solar supply chain. Round 1B applications for Solar PV Manufacturing Studies (feasibility studies and FEED) close 12 November 2026. Round 2 (Inputs to Modules and Deployment) expressions of interest are due 23 September 2025.
  • Solar Sunshot Round 1B (Solar PV Manufacturing Studies) closing date has been extended to 12 November 2026.
  • Hydrogen Headstart Round 2 will support large-scale renewable hydrogen production projects. Form to register interest is available.
  • Regional Microgrids Program supports the development and deployment of microgrid technologies across regional and remote communities in Australia. Closes 19 December 2025.
  • Advancing Renewables Program provides businesses with funding or finance to develop renewable energy technologies.
  • Research and Development Tax Incentive helps companies innovate and grow by offsetting some of the costs of eligible research and development.
  • Product Stewardship for Oil Program provides financial benefit for businesses that recycle oil or use recycled oil in their operations.
  • Australian Carbon Credit Unit (ACCU) Scheme earns Australian carbon credit units for every tonne of carbon dioxide equivalent stored or avoided through adopting new practices and technologies.
  • Graphite Research and Development (R&D) Grant supports businesses to collaborate with CSIRO on innovative R&D projects, driving the development of cutting-edge technologies and processes essential for natural graphite production, especially for battery applications.
  • Future Made in Australia Innovation Fund will provide grant funding to support pre-commercial innovation, demonstration and deployment of renewable energy and low emission technologies, to support Australia’s transition to a net zero economy. Due to open over the coming months.
  • Clean Energy Innovation Fund a specialist climate technology venture capital investor, focused on emerging technologies and businesses with the potential for growth.
  • Powering the Regions Industrial Transformation Stream supports a range of industrial decarbonisation solutions, including but not limited to electrification, energy efficiency, low emissions processing and fuel switching. Round 3 is due to open over the coming months.

• Export and trade

  • Landing Pads and Dealroom provide tailored advice to support technology scaleups to expand into new markets and find international investors.
  • Export Finance Australia provides small to medium businesses with loans to help with the finance needed to secure export contracts or purchase orders, and bonds as security for export contracts.
  • Australian Trusted Trader provides businesses involved in importing and exporting with an accreditation to streamline and simplify customs processes.

• First Nations businesses

  • Indigenous Business Australia provides free workshops to start or grow your business on 30 October 2025, with topics including marketing, procurement, business planning, finance and budgeting.
  • First Nations Innovation Acceleration Program aims to empower mature First Nations’ businesses to pursue innovation and to scale and grow, offering grants and advisory services. Closes 4 February 2027.
  • Small Business Development Program is designed for operating Indigenous businesses ready to scale and create community impact. Includes the provision of tailored and structured expert business support for up to 3 years, and possible loans to support growth initiatives.
  • Invoice Finance provides Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander owned businesses with cash flow support to grow their business.
  • Business Loan Package provides loans to assist Aboriginal and Torres Strait owned businesses plan their business future.
  • One Business provides Queensland Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander entrepreneurs and business owners with access to training, support and advice to help them create pathways to participate in Queensland's innovation economy.
  • Indigenous Advancement Strategy provides funding for projects or activities which promote equal opportunities for Indigenous Australians.
  • Performance Bonds provide bonds as security to help Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander owned businesses fulfil contracts.
  • Start-Up Finance Package provides Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander start-ups with access to loans to help new businesses get off the ground.
  • First Nations Tourism Mentoring Program provides free mentoring support to eligible First Nations tourism businesses.
  • Our Country Advisory Service provides targeted support, advice, toolkits and voice to emerging and established Indigenous tourism operators, sectoral aligned businesses, and community owned organisations, helping businesses to establish and grow their tourism products and services.

• Freight, transport and roads

  • Remote Communities Freight Assistance Scheme aims to reduce the amount of freight costs that are passed on to consumers of eligible goods in remote communities. Applications for Establishment Assistance close 12 January 2026. Discount Assistance and Compliance Assistance streams are open to 2028.
  • Driving the Nation Program the Trucks, Charging and Innovation focus area is currently open, supporting demonstration and deployment of heavy vehicles, charging solutions and other innovation supporting uptake of battery electric vehicles.
  • Community Road Safety Grants provides funding to deliver road safety education initiatives.

• Local government and community groups

  • Gambling Community Benefit Fund provides grants to not-for-profit community groups that provide services, leisure activities and opportunities for Queensland communities. Closes 31 October 2025.
  • Grassroots Environmental Grants assist communities across Queensland’s towns, rural centres, and cities, in addressing grassroots environmental protection and preservation concerns within their local areas. Closes 8 October 2025.
  • urban Precincts and Partnerships Program (uPPP): stream one (precinct development and planning) provides up to $5 million in funding to develop a precinct idea through to investment-ready stage. Stream two (precinct delivery) provides up to $50 million in funding to deliver elements of a precinct.
  • Let’s Get it Sorted Partnership Program provides funding for groups of geographically aligned Queensland councils, or lead councils for a Queensland region, to engage a behaviour change coordinator to develop and deliver waste education and behaviour change intervention activities for households.
  • Snapshot Climate tool provides greenhouse gas emissions profiles for Australian councils (local government areas), regions, federal electorates, states and territories which are free to download.

• Major projects and supply chains

  • Meet the Brisbane 2032 Buyer the launch of the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games Procurement Program will be held on 8 October 2025 at the Star Brisbane, supported by Business Chamber Queensland and will include international expert guests providing first-hand Games procurement insights.
  • Brisbane 2032 Games business opportunities provides information on procurement opportunities related to the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
  • An introduction to Australian Government procurement for suppliers workshop provides tips and advice to better understand how to sell to the Australian Government. Free webinars on 25 November 2025 and 5 March 2026.
  • Building your best tender response (supplier workshop) will provide businesses with practical steps for developing stronger tender responses and build their understanding of the process for lodging a tender submission to the Australian Government. Free webinars on 2 December 2025 and 12 March 2026. 
  • Major Project Status enables strategically significant projects facing complex regulatory challenges to get extra support and coordinated approvals.
  • Regional Precincts and Partnerships Program offers funding of up to $50 million to deliver infrastructure projects within regional precincts in partnership with local stakeholders to benefit regional communities. Updated guidelines have extended the program to 30 June 2027.
  • QLD Environmental Approvals & Nature Impact Forum will provide an overview of the pathways to streamline approvals that strengthen environmental protections, providing greater certainty for industry and preparing projects for the anticipated federal reforms. Event in Brisbane on 12 November 2025.

• Manufacturing

  • Integrated Manufacturing Systems Masterclass providing tools to streamline operations and enhance data accuracy, online 26 September 2025 and in person at the University of the Sunshine Coast 15 October 2025.
  • Food and Beverage Manufacturing Event will outline how Australia’s Food and Beverage Accelerator (FaBA) could assist your business to value add to your products. FaBA is a unique industry-government-university alliance, that is paving the way for its participants to broaden their offerings, diversify their markets and improve their bottom lines. Location: University of Sunshine Coast on 9 October 2025.
  • Women in Manufacturing event series provides an engaging discussion on Queensland manufacturers’ ability to innovate and the opportunities and importance for women to contribute to and actively shape the future of the sector. Upcoming events include Rockhampton 17/09/2025, Mackay 18/09/2025 and Sunshine Coast 27/11/2025.
  • Manufacturing Sustainability Benchmark Program helps manufacturers understand their sustainability progress with an online benchmark assessment. The report provides detailed results and recommended actions for improvement.
  • Tyre Stewardship Australia Market Development & Research Funding provides financial support up to $300,000 to projects that demonstrate how end-of-life tyres can be transformed into high-value products and infrastructure.
  • Certain Inputs to Manufacture reduce importing costs for Australian manufacturers of eligible goods.

• Minerals and resources

  • Innovate to Grow: Critical Minerals free 8-week online program provides SMEs access to expert facilitators, research guidance, a self-paced learning platform, guest speakers and networking opportunities. Applications close 21 September 2025.
  • Low Emissions Investment Partnerships will support the reduction of emissions from Safeguard Mechanism facilities in the metallurgical coal sector, which has a critical role in producing steel for the renewable technologies to decarbonise the state.
  • Queensland Critical Minerals and Battery Technology Fund supports businesses across the critical minerals supply chain, from mining stage to the development of processing facilities and/or infrastructure.
  • Collaborative Development Program supports economy-aligned opportunities to recover and accelerate the development of Queensland’s critical minerals sector.
  • Queensland's Critical Minerals Prospectus offers insights into investment ready critical minerals projects at various stages.

• Research

  • Cooperative Research Centres Projects (CRC-P) Grants Round 18 is open to all industry sectors with a focus on supporting projects in line with Government priorities including the National Reconstruction Fund priority areas and National Science & Research Priorities. Applications with a focus on robotics and automation are particularly encouraged. Closes 7 October 2025.
  • Innovate to Grow: Critical Minerals free 8-week online program provides SMEs access to expert facilitators, research guidance, a self-paced learning platform, guest speakers and networking opportunities. Applications close 21 September 2025.
  • R&D Tax Incentive information session online 20 November 2025.
  • Green Metals Innovation Network will connect researchers and industry to advance the development of green metal production in Australia.
  • Graphite Research and Development Grant for projects that focus on developing innovative technologies and processes essential for natural graphite production, particularly for battery applications. Closes 30 March 2026.
  • AEA Ignite support early-stage research commercialisation through competitive grants of up to $500,000 for a maximum period of 12 months. These grants are available for researchers at Australian universities to complete basic research, laboratory testing and establish proof-of-concept in an industry-relevant environment.

• Social enterprise

  • Social Enterprise Capability Building Grants provide funding to social enterprises to help them become more efficient and effective in delivering social benefits to vulnerable Australians. Closes 5 December 2025.

• Tourism

  • Regional Tourism Infrastructure Fund: Round 1supports regional tourism projects that showcase the best of Queensland, including new attractions, upgrades to enhance visitor facilities, eco-lodges, glamping, agritourism, ecotourism, and stargazing adventures. Applications open1 October 2025 and close 12 November 2025.
  • Tourism Icons Investment Fund: Round 1 will support the development of infrastructure, attractions and experiences that exceed expectations, create jobs and help more tourism-related businesses to grow. Expressions of interest close 8 October 2025.
  • Tourism Business Digital Adaption Program provides a rebate of up to $2,500 and free support to improve businesses’ digital capabilities. Closes 21 November 2025.
  • Engaging Science Grants support teachers, scientists, organisations, citizen science groups and community groups to deliver STEM-based (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) events or educational and engagement activities or projects. This round will prioritise projects that integrate science participation or STEM education into nature-based tourism, supporting Queensland's goal to be Australia's leading ecotourism and nature-based tourism destination. Applications close 22 September 2025.
  • Rail Heritage Grants of up to $20,000 will be awarded to rail heritage operators that can demonstrate a clear need for financial support for maintenance and repairs to rollingstock or community rail infrastructure.​ Closes 17 October 2025.
  • Connecting Queensland Fund will help unlock new international and domestic air routes, more frequent services, better connections to the regions and thousands of new jobs. This fund will build on the Attracting Aviation Investment Fund.
  • Manage sustainability in tourism provides steps to guide tourism operators on how to be more sustainable.
  • Our Country Advisory Service provides targeted support, advice, toolkits and voice to emerging and established Indigenous tourism operators, sectoral aligned businesses, and community owned organisations, helping businesses to establish and grow their tourism products and services.

Frequently Asked Questions

• How can the State Development regional offices assist me?

  The State Development regional offices can:

  • be a main point of contact within government for regional opportunities
  • ensure regional stakeholders are kept informed on current government programs, policies and other initiatives
  • provide a mechanism to engage with the regions on key issues and coordinate potential whole of government support
  • facilitate communication between local stakeholders, agencies and all tiers of government
  • identify resources, policy changes and regulatory frameworks required to seize opportunities and manage risks
  • identify major projects and diversification opportunities and provide investment facilitation and local supply chain support

• How do I keep updated?

  This webpage is updated regularly as new information becomes available, providing details of current funding programs, government initiatives and case studies.  In addition the State Development regional office for your region can provide you with specific support to navigate the information available.