Funding for Small Business (And How You Can Get Bang for Your Buck)

funding for small business

Funding Options for Small Business Training in Queensland

Running a small business means managing rapid change, limited time and competing priorities. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to build capability within your team, skills development can make a significant difference to how your business operates. Queensland offers several subsidised training pathways that help reduce the cost of nationally recognised qualifications, making it easier for business owners and their staff to gain the skills they need.

Asset College delivers flexible, practical training solutions tailored to the needs of small businesses across Queensland. Many of our business, entrepreneurship, project management and safety courses attract government funding for eligible participants, providing accessible development opportunities for new and established operators.

Career Start Funding for Certificate III Qualifications

Career Start provides subsidised training for Queenslanders undertaking Certificate III level qualifications in priority industries. This funding is particularly valuable for individuals seeking to strengthen foundational business skills, including small business owners and staff responsible for day-to-day operations.

Eligible Asset College programs include:

The Certificate III in Business supports staff working across administration, customer service, digital communication and general office operations. It is also a useful qualification for business owners who want to develop stronger systems and processes.

The Certificate III in Entrepreneurship and New Business is suited to people starting a business or growing their early-stage enterprise. It introduces practical skills in planning, finance, marketing and compliance – key capabilities for launching and maintaining a sustainable venture.

Both qualifications can be completed online, giving small businesses the flexibility to train without affecting daily operations.

Career Boost Funding for Certificate IV in Entrepreneurship and New Business

Career Boost supports learners ready to progress to Certificate IV level study. For business owners and staff stepping into expanded responsibilities, this funding makes higher-level business capability more affordable.

The Certificate IV in Entrepreneurship and New Business offers a deeper understanding of business planning, financial management, digital strategies, customer experience and sustainability. It is ideal for people transitioning from start-up to growth, or for employees taking on leadership, coordination or business development roles.

Learners often find that applying coursework directly to their workplace delivers immediate improvements in structure, efficiency and long-term planning.

Traineeships for Small Business

Traineeships for Small Business Owners and Staff

Traineeships remain one of the most effective ways for small businesses to upskill staff. A trainee can be a new hire or an existing employee who needs structured development. Eligible employers may also receive government incentives while accessing subsidised training.

Asset College offers traineeship pathways for:

Traineeships provide a structured combination of on-the-job learning and formal training. This helps small businesses:

  • Build internal capability in a planned and consistent way
  • Strengthen digital, administrative and customer-focused skills
  • Improve staff retention through professional development
  • Support succession planning in small teams

Small businesses benefit greatly from traineeships because they can tailor the workplace component to suit real business needs, ensuring learning is immediately relevant and practical.

CSQ Funding for Queensland Building and Construction Businesses

Small businesses operating within Queensland’s building and construction sector may be eligible for subsidised training through Construction Skills Queensland (CSQ). CSQ funding supports workers, supervisors, contractors and business owners to build stronger project management, leadership and safety capability.

Asset College delivers CSQ-funded programs suited to a range of roles across the sector, including those supporting or supplying construction activities.

Diploma of Project Management
This qualification is ideal for business owners, project coordinators and supervisors responsible for scheduling, budgets, stakeholder communication and risk management. Strong project management skills help small businesses deliver work efficiently, meet client expectations and maintain safe and compliant work environments.
CSQ funding reduces the cost for eligible learners, making this diploma an accessible professional development pathway for construction-focused businesses.

Health and Safety Representative (HSR) Course
The HSR course equips elected Health and Safety Representatives with the skills to consult with workers, support incident prevention and contribute to risk management processes. WHS capability is essential in all construction settings, and CSQ funding can help eligible participants complete this mandatory training at a reduced cost.

Eligibility criteria vary across CSQ programs, but usually require learners to be employed in, or actively providing services to, the Queensland building and construction industry. Asset College can assist with confirming eligibility and guiding businesses through the enrolment process.

Choosing Training That Supports Your Business Goals

The ideal training pathway depends on where your business is at and what capability you want to strengthen.

Starting or developing a new business

The Certificate III in Entrepreneurship and New Business provides early-stage planning, marketing, financial literacy and operational skills.

Building capability in administration or customer service

The Certificate III in Business gives staff the practical digital and organisational skills needed to support efficient day-to-day operations.

Working within the building and construction sector

The Diploma of Project Management and HSR course offer industry-relevant development that supports compliance, workforce safety and effective project delivery. Many of these qualifications can be completed online, providing small businesses with flexibility and minimal disruption to daily operations.

Why Choose Asset College

Asset College supports small business owners and their teams across Australia with practical, flexible and industry-aligned training.

Businesses choose to train with Asset College because we offer:

We understand the unique challenges that small businesses face and tailor our training to meet real operational needs.

Getting Started

If you’re considering training for yourself or your staff, our team can help you choose the right qualification and confirm available funding options. Whether you’re building capability, supporting growth or preparing your business for future opportunities, we can guide you through each step.

Contact Asset College to discuss your goals and explore the subsidised training pathways available to you.

Disclaimer: Funding programs, eligibility criteria and subsidy amounts change regularly and may be updated or discontinued without notice. The information provided above is correct as at January 2026. For the most current details, please contact Asset Colle
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