Advocacy

Free Resources for Brisbane-Based Businesses

Starting, running, or growing a business can be one of the most rewarding — and at times overwhelming — journeys you’ll take. Whether you’re launching a passion project, navigating growing pains, or planning for long-term sustainability, you’re not alone.

We’ve gathered a list of 20 free, trusted online resources specifically for Brisbane and Queensland businesses. These tools, guides, and programs offer expert advice, downloadable templates, funding opportunities, and local support to help you thrive.

Take your time to explore. Each of these resources has something unique to offer, depending on where you’re at in your journey.

20 Free Online Resources for Brisbane Businesses

  1. Business Queensland
    State government portal offering guides on starting, managing, and growing a business in Queensland.
    🔗 https://www.business.qld.gov.au
  2. Brisbane City Council – Business Hub
    Local resources, networking events, and mentoring programs for businesses operating within Brisbane.
    🔗 https://www.brisbane.qld.gov.au/brisbane-business-hub
  3. Brisbane Business Hub (powered by CCIQ & Brisbane City Council)
    Free workshops, mentoring, and coworking spaces for small business owners and entrepreneurs.
    🔗 https://businessinbrisbane.com.au
  4. Mentoring for Growth (M4G) Program
    Free access to experienced volunteer business mentors through the QLD Government.
    🔗 https://www.business.qld.gov.au/running-business/growing-business/business-mentoring
  5. Australian Small Business Advisory Services (ASBAS)
    Offers free and low-cost digital solutions and business advisory services.
    🔗 https://www.business.gov.au/Grants-and-Programs/Australian-Small-Business-Advisory-Services
  6. Queensland Small Business Commissioner
    Offers dispute resolution, leasing guidance, and small business advocacy.
    🔗 https://qsbc.qld.gov.au
  7. Startup Onramp
    Free programs and advice for early-stage startups and entrepreneurs.
    🔗 https://www.startuponramp.com
  8. GrantGuru Queensland
    A free search tool for local, state, and federal grants available to Queensland businesses.
    🔗 https://www.grantguru.com.au
  9. Advance Queensland
    Innovation-focused programs, grants, and collaboration opportunities for business growth.
    🔗 https://advance.qld.gov.au
  10. Australian Business Licence and Information Service (ABLIS)
    Find permits, licences, and compliance requirements for your business.
    🔗 https://ablis.business.gov.au
  11. Regional Development Australia – Brisbane
    Support and resources for regional business development and investment.
    🔗 https://rdabrisbane.org.au
  12. Business.gov.au
    The federal government’s main portal with planning tools, grants, tax info, and checklists.
    🔗 https://www.business.gov.au
  13. Australian Taxation Office – Small Business Hub
    Free resources on tax, super, and business record-keeping, including webinars.
    🔗 https://www.ato.gov.au/Business
  14. Queensland Government TAFE Small Business Solutions
    Offers subsidised and some free short courses and mentoring for micro and small businesses.
    🔗 https://smallbusinesssolutions.qld.gov.au
  15. Digital Solutions Program (Regional Development Australia – Brisbane)
    Government-backed one-on-one mentoring and workshops on digital marketing, websites, and more.
    🔗 https://digitalsolutions.business.gov.au
  16. Chamber of Commerce & Industry Queensland (CCIQ)
    While some content is member-only, they offer free resources like templates and webinars.
    🔗 https://www.cciq.com.au
  17. IP Australia – Intellectual Property Hub
    Learn how to protect your brand, design, or innovation for free.
    🔗 https://www.ipaustralia.gov.au
  18. Australian Competition & Consumer Commission (ACCC) – Business Portal
    Free guidance on fair trading, consumer law, and pricing.
    🔗 https://www.accc.gov.au/business
  19. LinkedIn Learning (via Brisbane Libraries Membership)
    Brisbane Library cardholders get free access to thousands of online business courses.
    🔗 https://www.brisbane.qld.gov.au/things-to-see-and-do/libraries/library-services/linkedin-learning
  20. Future Females Brisbane
    Free community events and online learning for female entrepreneurs and founders.
    🔗 https://www.futurefemales.co

Here to Support You

Navigating business isn’t just about having the right tools — it’s about having the right people in your corner. If you’d like help making sense of these resources or you’re feeling stuck on the next step in your business journey, we’d love to hear from you.

As your local South East Brisbane Chamber of Commerce, we’re passionate about helping purpose-driven people like you turn vision into impact.