Most security grants fund one business at a time. Queensland's new Shared Security Grants stream does the opposite: it funds a single project that protects a group of small businesses, such as a row of shops, a light industrial estate or a shared trade yard.[1] It was announced on 23 October 2026 as part of Round 3 of the Secure Communities Partnership Program.[2]
How much is on offer
Grants run from $20,000 to $200,000, excluding GST.[1] You fund 50% of eligible costs, so total projects run from $40,000 to $400,000.[1] Unlike the small business stream, this one is competitive: funding is limited and not every eligible application will be funded.[1]
Who can apply
There are two routes.[1]
Business-led. A small business applies on behalf of the group. It must have 19 or fewer employees, turnover of $10 million or less in 2025-26, an active ABN, GST registration, at least a year of trading and a Queensland headquarters on its ABR record.
Property or precinct-led. A commercial property owner, lessor, trustee, property manager or similar entity applies. It must have authority to do the works, show a direct and material security benefit to the eligible small businesses on site, and meet the program's small business occupancy test and precinct size requirements, which are set out in the guidelines.
Either way, the project must deliver a direct and material security benefit to at least two eligible Queensland small and family businesses.[1]
Government departments and local councils can't apply. Nor can projects that mainly benefit residential, recreational, sporting, social, community or member-only activities,[1] so this is not a route for clubhouses.
What it pays for
- physical security and site-hardening infrastructure
- access control, alarm and monitored security systems
- security lighting and environmental security improvements
- surveillance and detection infrastructure[1]
Think perimeter fencing and gates for an estate, shared CCTV covering a car park and laneway, or lighting along a strip of shops.
How applications are ranked
Because it is competitive, how you make the case matters. Applications are prioritised on demonstrated security need, the benefit to Queensland small and family businesses, project design and deliverability, value for money, and readiness to deliver.[1]
That points to the evidence worth gathering now:
- incident history, such as police event numbers, insurance claims and photos of damage
- a list of the businesses that benefit, with each one's ABN and confirmation it meets the small business tests
- itemised supplier quotes, ideally more than one
- site plans showing where the works go
- proof of ownership or authority, and tenancy or occupancy details
- any approvals the works need, such as landlord, body corporate or council approval
How to apply
Read the guidelines and FAQs, complete the witnessed 100-point identification form, get quotes, register with SmartyGrants and lodge before 5pm on 29 January 2027.[1]
That deadline falls just after the Christmas shutdown, when suppliers, landlords and body corporates are hard to reach. If you are pulling a group of businesses together, start the conversations now.
Individual businesses that only want to protect their own premises or work vehicles should look at the Small Business Security Grants stream instead: $1,500 to $20,000, open until 23 April 2027.[3]
This summary reflects Business Queensland's program page as at 29 October 2026. It doesn't replace the program guidelines.