Get a digital boost with the Government Grants Program 2018
There’s some fantastic digital tools available for businesses to increase their productivity, improve their marketing, and just be all-round more efficient in their everyday operations. But for many fledgling small businesses and startups, these tools come at a cost that just isn’t in the budget. Or is it? Queenslanders, take note. The Government’s Digital Grants Program is opening soon, and it’s going to make your dreams of efficiency and digital prowess come true.
What is it?
The Queensland Government’s Small Business Digital Grants Program aims to help you access digital technologies and tools that will help you grow and improve your digital marketing efforts.
What’s on offer?
The Grant operates on a matched funding scheme, and offers eligible businesses $1,000 to $10,000. Think of it like you’re splitting the cost: if you put up $2,500 to invest in a digital technology or service, the Government Grant Program will match it, giving you a total of $5,000.
What can I buy with it?
You must use the Grant funds (and your matched contribution) to purchase hardware, software, and/or services (like a digital marketing training course, or help with improving content on your website). However you use it, you’ve got to prove that you’re enhancing the digital capabilities of your business, which in turn will help you with growth and will better position you in the market.
How can I make the most of it?
If you’ve always wanted to make the move to the cloud, now’s your chance. You could use the Grant to purchase Microsoft Office 365, a comprehensive online software package that’s all about helping companies improve their productivity. Office 365 is a full-service solution that encompasses email; document creation, sharing, and storage; video conferencing; project management tools; and more. It’s brilliant for teams who are spread out over different offices, as collaboration is made easier with document version control, video calls, and chat messaging. It even includes 1TB of secure storage per user, so you could do-away with costly servers.
What are the next steps?
To apply, your business must have fewer than 20 employees; be based in Queensland; and have a turnover of $2 million or less in the last financial year. There are a few other conditions, too – check out the guidelines and application form here.
If you’d like more information about how Office 365 can help your business, contact us – we have assisted with lodging successful applications for our clients.
