Economic Development

The Longreach Regional Council's Economic Development Charter sets forth a framework aimed at fostering sustainable economic growth and improving the quality of life for residents. This Charter is designed to address both longstanding and emerging challenges within the region.

Economic Development Charter(PDF, 1MB)

Small Business Friendly Grant

In association with the Economic Development Charter(PDF, 1MB), Council has launched a new bi-annual Small Business Friendly Grant. For more information, you can read the Small Business Friendly Grant Policy(PDF, 94KB).

Round 2 – Strategic Consulting

The goal of this round is to support small businesses in the Longreach Regional Council area by funding short-term strategic consulting projects. These projects are designed to help businesses address a defined challenge or opportunity in a strategic area of their choosing.

Businesses can apply for up to $2,000 in funding, which must be matched by the applicant at an equal or greater value. This round helps small businesses in the Longreach region access short-term, strategic consulting services. You can use the funding to engage a consultant for help with:

  • HR or recruitment strategy
  • Legal advice (contracts, compliance, IP)
  • Marketing and digital strategy
  • Financial planning or modelling
  • Preparing your business for sale or investment
  • Succession planning
  • Website creation or redesign
  • Anything you need!

Projects must be strategic and one-off in nature—not for day-to-day or ongoing business expenses.

Applications must be received by 30 May 2025. Late applications will not be accepted.

  • Applications open: Monday 28 April 2025
  • Applications close: Friday 30 May 2025
  • Funding awarded: At Council’s June ordinary meeting

View the guidelines(PDF, 117KB)

Download the application form and checklist(PDF, 148KB)

Completed application forms and supporting documents can be submitted:

If you have any questions or need assistance completing your application, please contact the Governance and Economy Team on (07) 4658 4111 or via email at council@longreach.qld.gov.au.

Small Business Update

Council has launched a new initiative: a monthly Small Business Update, as part of our commitment to the Small Business Friendly program. This is something we're trialling on a monthly basis, going out via email to small businesses in our region. We'd like to share useful information about resources and opportunities designed to support and empower small businesses in our region.

We don't want to bombard readers - we're hoping a monthly update in your inbox is enough to be useful, without being an annoyance. Small business is the backbone of our economy, and we want to help provide them with the tools and information they need to thrive.

Monthly Small Business Update - Subscribe

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Previous Small Business Updates - 2025

 

Previous Small Business Updates - 2024

Edition 7 - December

Edition 6 - November

Edition 5 - October

Edition 4 - September

Edition 3 - August

Edition 2 - July

Edition 1 - June

Small Business Friendly program

Council is proud to a be a member of the Queensland Small Business Commissioner's Small Business Friendly program. Find out more about the program or view some of our initiatives under the program below.

About the Small Business Friendly Program

Quarterly Business Breakfast

Join us for our first Quarterly Business Breakfast of the year!

Are you a small business looking to attract and retain the right workforce? This is your chance to hear from Victoria Hansen, one of Queensland’s Industry Workforce Advisors, about the free support available to help you plan for and secure the team you need!

Date: Friday, 28 February
Time: 7:00 AM
Venue: Birdcage Hotel, Longreach
FREE Event

This is a Small Business Friendly Networking Event, so come along, connect with other local businesses, and gain valuable insights over a delicious breakfast!