Funding of up to $5,000 for small artisan producers

The Small Business Artisan Producer Grants Program will provide assistance to artisan producers of gourmet food (including non-alcoholic beverages) to help them grow their businesses, access new market opportunities and enhance their gourmet food expertise.

Queensland is home to a growing number of local producers and the Palaszczuk Government wants to support more purveyors of tasty treats to get their products to market.

Minister for Employment and Small Business Shannon Fentiman launched the Supporting Artisan Producers plan at the Brisbane City Markets alongside local stall holders.

“Whether its honey or macadamia nuts, chocolates or jams, cheeses or gluten-free goodies, Queensland’s artisan producers are creating one of a kind food and beverage products,” Ms Fentiman said.

“We are committed to supporting artisan food and beverage producers and assisting them to grow and reach their goals and this is what the Supporting Artisan Producers plan will do.

“We want more artisan businesses to start, grow and employ more Queenslanders and that’s why we have detailed a range of measures including the new Artisan Producer Grants.

“These grants will provide up to $5,000 that can be used for professional advice to take their business to the next level or develop a website or digital marketing campaign to help them work smarter and enhance their online presence.”

“We are also working to tailor our fantastic Mentoring for Growth program to cater to the needs of artisan producers to ensure we are helping businesses reach their full potential.

“As part of our commitment to support artisan producers, I have also asked the Better Regulation Taskforce to conduct a review of how we can streamline licensing and process requirements for artisanal food and non-alcoholic beverage producers to sell their product.”

Mark Power, founder of Goodwill Projects who operate a variety of iconic Brisbane farmer’s markets – including The Beenleigh Town Square Markets – welcomed the launch of the plan to promote and assist the growing artisan community.

“Queensland is home to so many incredible producers and it’s fantastic initiatives are in place to plan for the future growth of the industry,” Mr Power said.

“Local stall holders such as Darren and Jo Molloy from Old Cossack Kifir Beverages are already stocking their beverages in stores across Australia and we want to help other local producers like them to expand locally, and internationally.”

Applications for the Artisan Producer Grants opened on July 11.

“By working in collaboration with our stakeholders, we will continue to support Queensland’s diverse range of artisan food and beverage producers,” Ms Fentiman said.

For more information about how the Artisan Producers Action Statement is assisting food and beverage producers in Queensland visit https://desbt.qld.gov.au/artisanproducers or call 1300 654 687.