Open for Business - COVID 19 Hotline
A hotline and referral service for Indigenous businesses in Queensland during the disruption of the COVID 19 pandemic.
About the project
In 2020, IM Agency won a competitive tender to develop and deliver for the Queensland Government’s Department of State Development, Tourism and Innovation (DSDTI) a hotline and referral service for Indigenous businesses in Queensland.
The challenge
During the height of the COVID-19 crisis, Indigenous businesses across Queensland faced unprecedented disruption, complex safety regulations and immediate financial uncertainty. To support this vital sector, the Queensland Government’s Department of State Development, Tourism and Innovation required a dedicated, six-month hotline and referral service to deliver targeted guidance and crisis relief pathways.
The solution
IM Agency launched the "Open for Business" initiative, featuring an Indigenous-to-Indigenous helpline that provided peer advisory support, grant guidance and network referrals. We produced interactive webinars showcasing resilience strategies, designed branded campaign assets and actively promoted local Indigenous businesses to maintain market visibility throughout the challenging economic period.
The results
The initiative successfully connected dozens of Indigenous enterprises with critical financial aid and regulatory information. The team created and published 53 business micro-stories and educational posts on tax and grant resources, fostering strong peer connections and helping regional businesses pivot and sustain operations through the crisis.
Project services: learning, communication, engagement
