Small Business Support

Banana Shire Council, in conjunction with the Office of the Queensland Small Business Commissioner has compiled the following links and support services to assist local businesses, entrepreneurs, and small business owners. These programs provide access to business advice, mentoring, financial counselling, workforce planning assistance, digital support, sustainability initiatives, and wellbeing services to help businesses navigate challenges and identify opportunities for growth. 

  • Next funding round now OPEN for the Crisafulli Government’s Skilling Queenslanders for Work initiative:
     - Community-based not-for-profit organisations can apply for funding to deliver projects that support unemployed and underemployed Queenslanders to gain the qualifications and skills they need to enter and stay in the workforce.
    - Local councils, peak body associations, and registered training organisations may also apply under some programs.
    Applications for the second-round CLOSES 5pm on Thursday October 22, with funding available under three core programs:
         - Community Work Skills
         - Work Skills Traineeships
         - Get Set for Work
    Email sqwapps@dtet.qld.gov.au
     Phone 1300 369 935
  • Business short courses and micro-credentials | Business Queensland
    This includes an expression of interest for AI, Cyber Security and Procurement micro -credential courses commencing in October – including online options. The micro-credential program is funded by statement government and gives business owners and their staff free, targeted training to help adapt, grow and strengthen resilience in a changing economy.
  • Small Business Wellness Coaches | Business Queensland – Free support from Business Wellness Coaches to help small business owners with unique and personal business challenges, needs and opportunities in a free one-on-one, supportive environment. Wellness coaches are available across Queensland to work with you or any of your family members who are employed in your business.

  • Small Business Financial Counselling Service - Southern Queensland – Free confidential, and impartial service to small business. The counsellors’ goal is to work with small business owners, providing the support they need, to manage financial difficulties and move forward with a plan. They can work with you to review your business situation and offer ideas about business growth or exit opportunities and pathways. 

  • Industry Workforce Advisor program – provides support to small-to-medium employers with workforce planning across a wide range of industries. Its goal is to identify solutions to address workforce challenges, connect employers to relevant programs, funding, and initiatives, promote diversity, and facilitate workforce growth. This includes strategies for recruiting underrepresented groups like migrants, young people, women, First Nations individuals, and those with disabilities. You can contact an Industry Workforce Advisor for assistance. 

  • Mentoring for Growth (M4G) – Free access to volunteer business experts who provide insights, options and suggestions relating to challenges and opportunities you are experiencing in your business. 45-minute mentoring sessions are available to support any business challenge you might have. Register here. 

  • Digital Solutions Program – For $110, businesses will receive up to 4 hours support from a Digital Advisor. They can help business owners develop a Digital Action Plan to support the business’s own digital requirements and develop a path for implementing digital technology. The plan will include recommendations for digital tools or any training the business may need. Register here.

  • ecoBiz program – a free program for small-to-medium business to develop an action plan to help your business save money on utilities and increase efficiencies. Watch this quick video to see how ecoBiz can save your business money, while also making your operation more sustainable. For more information including where to register for the program, visit the website or contact 1300 731 988. 

  • The Griffith Tax Clinic offers free tax assistance to people who don't have access to professional help. It's run by students from Griffith University who are supervised by experienced tax experts. They can help you with tax advice, dealing with the tax office, understanding your tax return, and more. You can apply online here. They also have free tax education seminars and useful videos about superannuation and cash flow on YouTube. 

  • Small Business Debt Helpline – free, independent, and confidential service for small business owners in financial difficulty. The team of qualified financial counsellors will listen and give practical advice to help you get back on track. You can reach them on 1800 413 828. 
  • 1 October Card Surcharging Changes - From 1 October 2026, businesses will no longer be able to apply surcharges to eftpos, Mastercard, Visa and American Express payments. 
     For more information about pricing displays, payment method discounts and consumer pricing requirements, visit the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) pricing guidance. The guidance explains how businesses can clearly communicate prices and surcharges to customers before they make a purchase. Click here for card surcharging frequently asked questions. 
    For further information visit asbfeo.gov.au/card-surcharging.
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