Palaszczuk Government helping Sunshine Coast businesses do better business

Sunshine Coast small businesses are being supported to start, grow and employ under the Palaszczuk Government’s new Advancing Small Business Queensland Strategy 2016-20.

Speaking from the Caloundra Chamber of Commerce Better Business Breakfast this morning Small Business Minister Leeanne Enoch said the strategy would provide opportunities for local small businesses to innovate, diversify and enter the digital economy.

“The Sunshine Coast region is home to approximately 35,000 small businesses that are a big part of the local community and economy – providing goods, services and jobs,” Ms Enoch said.  

“This strategy will provide Caloundra’s small businesses with stronger advocacy, connect businesses to each other to help them succeed and empower them to work smarter.

“This strategy has a strong focus on regional small businesses through programs like the Small Business in a Day event held earlier this month in partnership with the Innovation Centre Sunshine Coast.

“The day focused on helping small businesses to improve their digital capability and included a mini expo, forums, workshops and opportunities for small businesses to network and chat with business mentors and learn about government grants and services.

“Small businesses will be further assisted to enter the digital economy through our Small Business Digital Grants program, which will be launched soon.

“Under the strategy we’ll also be fostering our future entrepreneurs through the New Business for Tomorrow program and assisting businesses to grow and employ through the Accelerate Small Business grants program, an expansion of the Mentoring for Growth program.”

The strategy is being delivered by the new Office of Small Business which coordinates services across Queensland Government, works with stakeholders, and will oversee the appointment of a Small Business Champion to represent Queensland on small business issues.

Minister Enoch said the Palaszczuk Government recognised the importance of the state’s 406,000 small businesses to the economy and local communities.

“The Palaszczuk Government is committed to creating a supportive environment that assists businesses from when they start through to growth and employment,” Minister Enoch said.

“That is our vision for small business in Queensland and what our Advancing Small Business Queensland Strategy will achieve.”

For more information visit www.dtesb.qld.gov.au/small-business.

Media contact: Daniel Lato 0438 830 201