Queensland Govt investing $180 million into IT and digital innovation
The Queensland Government's 2016 budget has introduced $180 million worth of a number of innovation and digital expansion benefits for businesses in the region, including Advance Queensland, an innovation package, and digital capability grants.
$44.5 million will go towards the establishment of an Office of Small Business as well as the delivery of the Business and Industry Portal.
Digital capability grants at up to $10,000 will be matched by recipients to allow small businesses to enter the digital economy, or build their digital capabilities including website development, new tools and technologies, training and social media.
The Entrepreneurs of Tomorrow Program will provide grants of up to $5000, matched by recipients, for home-based startups. The program will be more accessible, as it was oversubscribed in its first year of operation.
The Queensland Department of Science, Information Technology and Innovation has also increased funding in five different areas focused on telecommunications and technology.
One-Stop Shop
Increased funding of $10.9 million to support developments to frontline services, innovation and better services for residents and businesses.
Accelerate Advance Queensland
Increased funding of $25 million over three years for Accelerate Advance Queensland, with $9 million to industry accelerators, $6 million for regional innovation and $10 million for the Platform Technology Program.
Mobile Phone Coverage
Increased funding of $15 million over two years to improve regional mobile coverage.
Smart Service Queensland Customer Experience
Increased funding of $12 million over four years, $2.1 million of which will be for a new telephony system to ensure call centre services to Government and residents, particularly in disasters and major events.
Whole-of-Government Cyber Security
Increased $9.9 million in funding over four years for cyber security initiatives and formation of cyber security capability in the department. $1.1 million over four years has been reprioritised from current resources to support cyber security development.
