The Small Business Support Pool is one component of the suite of programs delivered under the revitalised Back to Work initiative, which is designed to give businesses the confidence to employ Queenslanders who have experienced a period of unemployment and help workers facing disadvantage in the labour market.

Under the revitalised Back to Work program, there is a stronger focus on supporting employers to keep or retain their employees on a long-term and ongoing basis.

The Small Business Support Pool is one component of the suites of programs delivered under the revitalised Back to Work initiative, which is designed to give businesses the confidence to employ Queenslanders who have experienced a period of unemployment and help workers facing disadvantage in the labour market.

Eligible businesses can access a payment of up to $2,000 to support the retention of a Back to Work supported employee.

Funding can be used for a range of categories including training, digital upgrades, mentoring and coaching and workforce development. All applications must demonstrate how the funding being sought is linked to the retention of the Back to Work supported employee.

Applications

Applications can be made through QGrants after the initial 12 weeks of employing a Back to Work-supported employee.

Who can apply?

Business Eligibility:

To be eligible to apply, the business must:

• have an active Back to Work agreement for an employee who is currently employed with the business and whose employment commenced on or after 1 July 2021;
• have employed the Back to Work employee for at least 12 weeks;
• employ less than 20 people; and
• detail, to the Departments satisfaction, how the funding will help the business retain the employee.

Funding cannot be used for:

• any item that does not clearly enable or support the retention of the Back to Work employee;
• any costs relating to marketing, advertising or promotions, or associated activities and materials;
• business operating costs (rental leases, utilities, stock, tax);
• support already funded through the Australian Government*;
• retrospective payments for goods or services already purchased;
• personal and corporate business/debt;
• costs associated with employing (payment of wages, superannuation, WorkCover and other tax); or
• fees for services and/or goods provided by related parties (such as companies with common shareholdings or directorship with the applicant, and employees or immediate family of the applicant).

*For instance, where the Back to Work-supported employee is a person with a disability and the employer is seeking funding to renovate their workspace that has been previously funded under the Australian Government’s Employment Assistance Fund.

• Email: backtowork@desbt.qld.gov.au