A few of my clients today contacted me very excited over some fantastic news that the Queensland Government has offered to assist small to medium-size business with up to a $10,000 grant to them for $10,000, to assist them in their digital services needs. That was where we were to come it since our integrated point of sale with its digital marketing website and social media services seems to fit the guidelines for this grant, which then would allow them to take their online marketing efforts to the next level. As this grant can include in part their own labour charges and is EX GST with an expenditure of $8,000 they could get a $22,000 grant for a website. I said it sounds too good to be genuine and I told them you are probably listening too much to a piper. Still, I immediately took it up with our legal R&D; expert. The offer is true.
The big problem I see is in the fine print which states that approximately 200 applications will be approved each year, distributed over the three rounds. That means out of this roundabout 66 applications will be accepted. I have no idea how many intend to apply, but I am certain the number applying is going to be well over 66, and I am confident that many of those applications will be very strong.
The other issue I did not like is that the offer is so broad that many business proposals could apply, you can use the money on online marketing audit, plan and implementation. Search Engine Optimisation, Pay Per Click Advertising (Google AdWords in Search Advertising, Display Advertising YouTube Advertising or Shop Advertising), Social media management and marketing plans, optimised landing pages, creating mobile-specific pages, content creation and infographics, implementing an online payment system for your website and more. That is a very broad range of products nor is it really a lot of money for some of these activities, SEO alone costs about a $1,000 to $2,000 a month and rarely works in my experience. Google AdWords can be about the same.
The rest does not appear to be unreasonably hard to achieve.
Your business must have fewer than 20 employees now.
The company must have an Australian Business Number (ABN) and be registered for GST;
The business operations must have a strong Queensland connection.
Still I do feel that for many, it can be a very good offer, we certainly I think could help you make a strong case that would fulfil the criteria and if anyone of our clients in Queensland has an interest in having a shot at it, I am also sure we could together create a truly strong application.
However, if you do want to proceed, we must move now as your application must be in by 9 December 2016.
