Business Support and Grants

Starting and running a business in the Cassowary Coast region just got easier! Whether you’re launching a new venture or growing an existing one, we’re here to help with tools, resources, and support to make your journey smoother.

There are various programs, grants and initiatives available to assist business owners who are already in or planning to move to the Cassowary Coast Region.

Council Programs, Grants and Support

Biz Support - running a business comes with challenges, but you don’t have to navigate them alone. Biz Support offers free one-on-one sessions to connect you with the right services, resources, and advice to help your business succeed.

Small Business Friendly Initiative - Cassowary Coast Regional Council is a Small Business Friendly Council. In April 2022, Council officially signed the Small Business Friendly Charter, a significant step towards supporting small businesses. This charter is designed to make your business operations smoother by facilitating better communication, engagement, and explanation of complex documentation. With over 3,000 small businesses across the region, this charter commitment means support, resources, and additional tools to help your business thrive. View the 2023 Small Business Friendly Annual Report(PDF, 4MB).

The Shopfront Improvement Program aims to support local businesses in enhancing the appearance and functionality of their shopfronts to create a more vibrant and attractive streetscape. By offering matched funding, the program encourages investment in shopfront upgrades, accessibility enhancements and lighting, all aimed at driving increased foot traffic, customer engagement, and economic activity across the Cassowary Coast.

 Funding can be used for a range of improvement projects, including painting, signage, windows, doors, lighting, awnings, and accessibility upgrades. Businesses may also apply for a grant to cover professional cleaning services, such as carpet, air-conditioning, or window cleaning.

 This year’s program will prioritise the Mission Beach CBD Precinct, but businesses across the region are encouraged to apply.

 2025 Applications Closed.

 The 2025 assessment period took place from 23 September – 30 September 2025

 Shopfront Improvement Guidelines 2025-26(PDF, 7MB)

Shopfront Improvement Program Checklist & Frequently Asked Questions(PDF, 1MB)

 

 

Queensland Government programs and initiatives

  • Advance Queensland– delivered by nine Queensland Government departments working in partnership with industry, business, universities, startups, investors and the Queensland Chief Entrepreneur to help entrepreneurs, innovators and researchers turn ideas into commercial success.
  • Mentoring for Growth (M4G) – offers eligible businesses free access to volunteer business experts who provide insights, options and suggestions about your business challenges and opportunities.
  • Business Growth Fund - provides funding between $50,000 and $75,000 to assist businesses in implementing growth projects.
  • Business Basics Grant - offers grants of $5,000 to support businesses in implementing projects that enhance their operations.
  • Business Boost Grant - provides grants of up to $20,000 to assist businesses in implementing projects that drive growth and innovation.
  • Better Local Business Grants - offers grants up to $2,500 to associations, industry groups, chambers of commerce, and local councils to host activities supporting small and family businesses.
  • Workforce Connect Fund - Provides funding up to $5,000 for Queensland small businesses to implement new and innovative human resources solutions.
  • Backing Business in the Bush Fund - a $50 million investment program supporting Queensland SMEs in undertaking projects that drive economic growth in regional areas.

 

Australian Government programs and initiatives

  • Industry Growth Centres – focused on increasing the innovation, productivity and competitiveness of six key growth industries, including advanced manufacturing and food and agribusiness.
  • Cooperative Research Centres – supports Australian industries’ ability to compete and produce by helping industry to partner with the research sector to solve industry-identified problems.
  • Grants and Programs Finder - a free tool to help businesses find grants, funding, and support programs across federal, state, and local governments.
  • GrantConnect - the Australian Government's grants information system, providing details of current and forthcoming grant opportunities.
  • Business.gov.au - a central resource offering information on grants, funding, and support programs to help businesses grow and succeed.
  • Workforce Connect Fund - provides funding up to $5,000 for Queensland small businesses to implement new and innovative HR solutions.
  • Energy Efficiency Grants - various programs available to assist businesses with funding energy efficiency projects.

 

 

Chambers of Commerce and Industry Groups

Your Local Contacts

Innisfail Chamber of Commerce, Industry & Tourism

Cardwell Chamber of Commerce

Tully and District Chamber of Commerce

Cassowary Coast Tourism (CCT)

The local tourism organisation for the Cassowary Coast region.

CCT promotes the region as a travel destination in Australia and around the world.

Cassowary Coast Business Womens Network

Australian Banana Growers Council

  • PO Box 309
    Brisbane Market QLD 4106
  • Phone: +61 7 3278 4786
  • Email: info@abgc.org.au

Canegrowers

Growcom

Agforce Queensland

Queensland Aquaculture Industries Federation

Queensland Seafood Industry Association

Steve Howe

Glen Murray

Tourism Tropical North Queensland (TTNQ)

The regional tourism organisation for Tropical North Queensland, Cairns and the Great Barrier Reef.

TTNQ promotes Tropical North Queensland as a travel destination around the world.

 

Connect with Council

Need assistance? Contact our Econonic Development Team at:

 

 

 

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