The Advance Queensland initiative is a comprehensive program by the Queensland Government designed to foster innovation, support entrepreneurs, and accelerate the growth of startups across the state.
Here is a summary of some of the grants and programs currently on offer from the Queensland Government:
Accelerating Female Founders Program – Founders
This program supports female founders and leaders of innovative businesses at various stages of their startup journey. Delivered in partnership with eleven leading education and industry organizations, the program offers subsidized access to expert-led initiatives designed to help women grow and scale their ventures. Participants can apply to join tailored programs that provide practical support, mentorship, and resources. Open to eligible female founders, the initiative aims to foster a more inclusive entrepreneurial ecosystem.
Private Sector Pathways Program
This program is designed to foster collaboration between Queensland-based small-to-medium enterprises (SMEs) and large corporate partners to develop and commercialize innovative solutions. Through this initiative, corporates present specific business challenges, and selected SMEs receive co-funding of up to $200,000 from Advance Queensland and the corporate partner to trial their solutions over 6–12 months. The program supports SMEs by offering funding, access to new markets, and the opportunity to retain their intellectual property while building credibility through partnerships with major corporations. Corporates benefit by gaining access to cutting-edge technologies, solving operational challenges, and diversifying their supply chains.
The PSP Program follows a structured process: identifying challenges, releasing them to the market, engaging applicants, selecting viable solutions, and funding the implementation. To be eligible, corporates must be Queensland-based, financially capable, and ideally operate in priority sectors such as advanced manufacturing or biomedical. SMEs must also be Queensland-based, registered for GST, have fewer than 200 employees, and possess a product at or beyond the minimum viable product stage. The program excludes applicants with prior commercial contracts with the participating corporate, ensuring new opportunities for collaboration and innovation.
Female Founders Co-Investment Fund
This is a targeted initiative supporting Queensland-based, women-founded and led innovation-driven enterprises that are preparing for early-stage capital raises. It aims to close the gender investment gap by helping female entrepreneurs secure critical funding to grow their businesses. The fund offers matched grants ranging from $50,000 to $200,000 (excluding GST) at a 1:3 ratio, meaning applicants must raise at least three times the grant amount from eligible investors. Provisionally approved applicants have 180 days to secure the required investment, making this a valuable opportunity for startups ready to scale with external backing.
To be eligible, businesses must be majority female-owned and led, headquartered in Queensland, and have fewer than 50 full-time-equivalent employees. They must also be engaging in or planning a capital raise with a clear innovation focus and a product or service beyond proof of concept. The fund not only provides financial support but also helps build a stronger pipeline of female-led ventures in the Queensland innovation ecosystem. Entrepreneurs can access additional resources through Advance Queensland’s support programs, LinkedIn groups, and grant writing tools to enhance their readiness and success in securing investment.
Australian Government Self-Employment Assistance Program
This program helps people start, develop and grow a small or micro-business through 12 months of free mentoring, workshops, accredited training and financial support. The Self-Employment Assistance Program is a free Australian Government initiative and is funded by the Department of Employment and Workplace Relations.
First Nations Innovation Acceleration Program, managed by First Australians Capital
This program is designed to support established Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander businesses in Queensland that are ready to scale. This initiative is part of the Queensland Government’s broader innovation strategy and aims to empower mature First Nations businesses by providing access to funding, strategic advice, and influential financial networks including QIC, QIBN, Queensland Treasury, and CSIRO. The program helps businesses attract investment, expand their market reach, and create jobs, showcasing the vital role of First Nations enterprises in the state’s economy.
The program follows a staged approach, offering tailored support to help businesses grow while honoring and leveraging Indigenous cultural knowledge in emerging industries. Its core goals include bridging the economic gap, fostering a more inclusive economy, supporting regional development, and generating sustainable employment. Participants can access up to $100,000 in impact investment grants to drive innovation and growth, along with strategic advisory services covering essential areas such as legal, finance, marketing, mentoring, and grant writing. A dedicated project leader ensures that each business receives personalized guidance to succeed and thrive.
The Advance Queensland initiative regularly updates their incentive grants and programs. If you are a Queensland start-up or entrepreneur it pays to keep an eye out at on what is available at https://advance.qld.gov.au/.
If you would like more information or help in learning what options are available reach out to our R&D Tax, & Grant consultants to book a free no obligation session today.
