Palaszczuk Government extends support to Townsville

The Palaszczuk Government will hold a Small Business Ideas Forum in Townsville as part of its response to the recent job losses at Queensland Nickel and to help stimulate the North Queensland economy.

Former employees of Queensland Nickel – as well as members of the broader Townsville community – will be invited to the forum to hear about, and discuss, opportunities for starting a small business.

Minister for Small Business Leeanne Enoch said that the forum was another way the government planned to assist affected workers.

“The Palaszczuk Government is committed to providing the local Townsville community with a wide range of support,” Ms Enoch said.

“Many of the workers who have been made redundant are highly skilled and experienced and, provided with relevant information and mentoring, I have no doubt many of them would make excellent small business owners.

“Small businesses employ approximately 43 per cent of all private sector workers in Queensland and are a vital part of our state’s economy.

“The Palaszczuk Government’s Advance Queensland initiative also provides a range of funding opportunities for small businesses and start-ups.”

Ms Enoch paid tribute to the input and hard work of her government colleagues from Townsville and surrounding areas who played key role in securing the forum for the region.

The Ideas Forum will include presentations from experienced small business experts and introductions to support programs and resources.

Participants will also have access to one-on-one mentoring to test the strength of their business ideas.

Ongoing digital skills training will also be provided to participants to set up tools such as websites and email, as well as promotional opportunities on social media.

The forum will be held at Riverway Arts Centre between 12.15 and 3pm on Friday 26 February 2016.

To pre-register for the event visit http://townsvilletickets.com.au/event/townsville-small-business-ideas-forum-2301

Media contact: Daniel Lato 0438 830 201