Business in Western Downs

Business Basics Grant

Small businesses with five employees or less can now apply for up to $7,500 for professional advice to support sustainability and other business initiaves such as strategic marketing services or website builds/upgrades.

Applications close 11 October.

Vena Energy Community Sponsorship Program

Applications for Vena Energy Community Sponsorship Program are currently open to facilitate local initiatives supporting Wandoan, Miles and surrounding communities.

Applications close 31 October.

Extended - Dulacca Wind Farm Community Benefit Fund

Applications for the Dulacca Community Benefits Scheme have been extended. Organisations located within 40km from the Dulacca Wind Farm are encouraged to apply for up to $20,000.

Applications close end of October.

Export Market Development Grants

The EMDG program provides grants to Australian small and medium enterprises and their representative bodies to market and promote their goods and services globally and undertake export training.

Applications open from 6 November.

Strengthening Multicultural Queensland Grant

One-off funding of up to $100,000 will be available for multicultural projects that engage culturally and linguistically diverse people and the wider community.

Applications close 12 November.

Tourism Business Digital Adaption Program

Tourism industry businesses can apply for a rebate of up to $2,500 and free support to improve digital capabilities, including online booking platforms, social media management tools and payment gateways.

Applications close 30 November.

Tenders with Council

Are you interested in working with Council on large scale projects? Keep an eye out on Council's website for the current tenders or find out more at the link below.

Digital Marketing Workshops (Various locations)

(Business Navigator Western Downs)
14-17 October

Ensure your business is set up for marketing success and learn about the latest social media trends and best practices to stay relevant to your customers at these free, small business workshops. Sessions will be held at Wandoan, Miles, Chinchilla, Tara, Jandowae and Dalby.
Find out more

Indigenous Business Expo (Chinchilla)

(TSBE)
Thursday 24 October

Celebrate Indigenous entrepreneurship and assist in building a thriving community of support at TSBE's Indigenous Business Expo, featuring networking opportunities and showcasing the diversity of Indigenous businesses.
Find out more

Wind Turbine deliveries to commence in October

The Wambo Wind Farm team are preparing to receive the first deliveries of wind turbine components this month. Test runs were scheduled to take place overnight from 30 September, with regular deliveries commencing shortly thereafter and operating up to six nights per week. Transport vehicles are expected to travel through the Jimbour, Jandowae and Diamondy area between 5-6.30am. 

Find out more

EcoBiz Program

Register for the free EcoBiz program to get your business started on its sustainability and cost-saving journey with the support and guidance of a sustainability coach.

Running a Side Hustle

Business.gov.au have released helpful resources and answer frequently asked questions about running a side hustle, including tax implications and required registrations. 

Voluntary AI Safety Standard

Australian businesses using AI systems and services can utilise the Voluntary AI Safety Standards for practical guidelines to achieve innovative and responsible AI deployment.

 Have your say on the Australian Government's related proposals paper. 

Consultation closes 4 October

QLD Government Supplier Portal

The new procurement platform VendorPanel has been launched by the Queensland Government to simplify the tendering process for businesses and making it easier to access opportunities across government agencies and local councils. Create a free profile to receive real-time notifications for tenders and ensure your business is visible to government buyers.

Western Downs Regional Council is committed to being a Small Business Friendly Council.