First Start Loans QLD

About this grant

First Start Loans provide loans for primary producers and commercial fishers to start or establish a viable commercial enterprise.

Eligibility requirements

All of the following criteria must be met:

• Queensland primary producers and commercial fishers.
• Provides commercial fishers with low interest loans of up to $2 million to help in the early years of establishing a commercial wild-catch fishing enterprise.
• Acquire and operate a commercial wild-catch fishing business on a staged basis as part of defined longer-term plans
• Upgrade or build up an existing non-viable commercial fishing business.
• Have resided in queensland for 6 months
• Have sound prospects for the long term viability of your enterprise
• Have capacity to service the loan
• Demonstrate a clear need for the loan
• Have equity of 50% in relation to the purchase, or 50% of set up costs for leasing and share farming.
• Tailored support for sa small businesses
• Loans for aboriginal and torres strait islander start-ups
• Tax deductions for primary producers

What the funding covers

• Low-interest loan of up to $2 million.

How to apply

1. 1Confirm readiness: Ensure you meet criteria (e.g., ABN, turnover limits, GST registration), align project objectives with grant goals, and estimate time for evidence gathering and writing.
2. 2Gather evidence: Collect documents like financials, business plans, market research, project budgets, resumes, risk analysis, and support letters to prove capability and impact.
3. 3Register/log in: Obtain an Australian Business Number (ABN) if needed, sign into the relevant portal (e.g., Business Grants Hub portal), and note any prerequisites like advisory service reports.
4. 4Prepare and write application: Address all selection criteria clearly (project details, government alignment, costs, outcomes, benefits); keep concise, factual, and compelling; validate for completeness.
5. 5Review, approve, and submit: Proofread, get stakeholder sign-off, submit online via the portal before deadline (no late entries); expect eligibility check, merit assessment, and outcome notification.
6. 6Visit https://business.gov.au/grants-and-programs/first-start-loans-qld for application details

Application tips