Regional Business Gateways Program

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 supports collaborative, community-led projects that identify a specific challenge or opportunity for regional small businesses and put in place a plan to deliver improved capability.

Examples include projects which support local small and family businesses to connect into supply chains and procurement opportunities, accelerate capability and growth for emerging businesses, or improve operational capability and coordination across sectors.

Available funding

A total of $4 million is available for round 1 of the program.

Funds ranging from $250,000 to $600,000 (excluding GST) are available to eligible applicants for collaborative, community-led and designed projects that respond to local small business needs.

Co-contribution is not required but is encouraged.

Eligible projects

Funding can be used towards projects that align to one or more of the following streams:

  • Business connectors: Projects that strengthen local supply chains and business-to-business collaboration.
  • Business accelerators: Projects that support under-represented, early-stage, and micro businesses.
  • Business enablers: Projects that build resilience and operational efficiency in sectors facing long-term challenges, to sustain growth and regional development.

Also, projects must:

  • be new initiatives or expand existing activities
  • address gaps in the current business support ecosystem in regional Queensland
  • not duplicate existing services or activities.

Read more about eligible projects and activities in the program guidelines.

Eligibility criteria

Your organisation 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 at least one of the above.

*For the purposes of this program, regional Queensland includes all areas outside the Brisbane City Council local government area.

Your organisation must also:

  • be currently operating, and have an active Australian Business Number (ABN)
  • have a minimum trading history of 1 year
  • be registered for the Goods and Services Tax (GST)
  • have a registered regional Queensland location
  • not be insolvent
  • hold or obtain a minimum $10 million public liability insurance
  • have appropriate governance and financial systems in place to manage the project
  • comply with all relevant legal obligations.

Read the full eligibility criteria in the program guidelines.

How to apply

The Regional Business Gateways Program uses a 2-stage application process.

Before applying, make sure you have read the program guidelines.

Stage 1: Expression of interest

You must provide a short-form application detailing:

  • a brief description of the project
  • why the project is needed and how it aligns with the program's eligibility criteria and objectives
  • the key proposed activities that will be undertaken
  • an outline of anticipated project costs
  • details of any partners involved in project delivery.

Stage 2: Invitation only application

If you successfully progress to stage 2, you'll be invited to submit an application, providing additional information and supporting evidence to demonstrate the feasibility, impact and readiness of your proposed project.

Learn more about stage 2 in the program guidelines.

How to submit your application

Submit your application through the SmartyGrants portal.

You must apply for a SmartyGrants applicant account (if you don't already have an account).

Expressions of interest are now open and close at 5pm, 17 July 2026.

Apply now

How you can find out more

Prospective applicants are encouraged to contact the Department of Customer Services, Open Data and Small and Family Business (CDSB) to discuss project ideas, eligibility, consortium arrangements, and application requirements prior to submission.

CDSB may also provide webinars and information sessions during the application period, with details published on this page.

Email regionalbusinessgateways@desbt.qld.gov.au to arrange a discussion regarding your prospective application.

Key documents

More information

You can access interpreter and translator services if required.

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