SBA Grants for five small businesses

Two Mudgeeraba small businesses were among five Gold Coast companies to receive grants through the Small Business Accelerator (SBA) program

INNOTEK Australia has scored $4,000 to develop a marketing and communication plan, while Signart Creations was granted more than $1,000 to develop a growth plan and undertake a training analysis.

Innotek manufactures and distributes electronic dog training aids in the Asia Pacific region.

Signart Creations is a graphic design and sign creation company that also provides logo and artwork needs, as well as design and hosting of websites.

Small Business minister Chris Cummins announced more than $58,000 funding for 13 Queensland small businesses - including five from the Gold Coast.

Mr Cummins says companies would use the funding to develop growth plans, target new markets and create jobs.

"The SBA program was introduced by the Beattie Government in 2004 to help well managed, fast growing, small businesses in Queensland," says Mr Cummins.

"The program has three elements, including three stages of grants, and so far a total of more than $1.6 million has been provided through the program to support small businesses across the state."

Mr Cummins says the SBA program was a $7 million Beattie Government election commitment responsive to the individual needs of businesses.

"More than 96 per cent of all business in Queensland is small business," he says.

"Small businesses employ more than half the private sector workforce and 70 per cent of the growth of most regions is estimated to come from their small business base.

"We're promoting an entrepreneurial culture in the sector, making sure planning and growth opportunities are well managed and providing support to help people develop export potential and overseas markets.

"We're also working with the sector to make sure businesses make the most of the benefits of information and communications technology."

Other Gold Coast grants were received by mobile automotive paint company, Accelerate Enhancements, to develop a growth plan. The company specialises in paint restoration and maintenance, offering a comprehensive chip and scratch repair, paint restoration and protection, full car make overs and interior protection and detailing.

Currumbin-based Kelly Lane Design Art was given $5,500 to develop a growth plan to help expand its export markets. Kelly Lane is Australia's leading manufacturer of hand painted designer picture frames, homewares, ceramics, vases, mirrors, clocks and other giftware. The company distributes its products in all Australian states and is expanding its export sales into the New Zealand, European and South East Asian markets.

Blue Shadow Group, a company specialising in audio visual equipment hire and sales, video production and DJ services, was granted $5000.