Deadline Date: July 17, 2026
The Regional Business Gateways Program offers funding to local business communities to design and deliver initiatives that unlock regional opportunities and build long-term economic capacity.
The program focuses on Business Connectors, Business Accelerators, and Business Enablers. Its objectives are to build the capability of small and family businesses in regional Queensland, support businesses to capitalise on emerging opportunities and navigate economic challenges, promote long-term sustainability through improved access to resources and networks, and address identified gaps in the regional business support ecosystem.
A total funding pool of $4 million is available under Round 1 of the program. Eligible applicants can apply for funding between $250,000 and $600,000 (excluding GST). Co-contributions are not required but are encouraged.
Eligible project costs include project-specific contracted staff and specialist consultants, project management and delivery, marketing and stakeholder engagement, venue hire, digital platforms, educational materials, and a proportional share of administrative overheads directly related to project delivery, capped at 20% of the total grant awarded.
Funding cannot be used for capital works, major fit-outs, unnecessary asset purchases, backfilling existing staff roles, routine business operations, activities already funded by government, projects that duplicate existing services without additional value, one-off promotional campaigns, or activities that do not demonstrate additional outcomes.
To be eligible, organisations must be based in regional Queensland and be a local council, chamber of commerce, industry or trade organisation, not-for-profit business networking or enabling organisation, or a consortium led by one of these eligible organisations. The lead organisation in a consortium must meet all eligibility requirements, while other consortium members must demonstrate a presence in or provide services to regional Queensland where appropriate.
Applicants must be currently operating with an active Australian Business Number (ABN), have a minimum trading history of one year, be registered for Goods and Services Tax (GST), have a registered regional Queensland location, not be insolvent or subject to insolvency proceedings, hold or obtain public liability insurance of at least $10 million before the project start date, maintain appropriate governance and financial management systems, and comply with all relevant legal obligations.
For more information, visit Queensland Government.
