Small business ideas put to test in Townsville

North Queensland’s next small business success story could be unearthed at the Palaszczuk Government’s Small Business Ideas Forum to be held in Townsville today.

Small Business Minister Leeanne Enoch will attend the Riverway Arts Centre with the Member for Thuringowa Aaron Harper to meet with potential entrepreneurs and said she was encouraged by the positive interest in the forum.

“This forum is also about supporting anyone who has the next great idea for a new local business – whether that is working as a self-employed tradie, creating a startup or running a home-based business,” Ms Enoch said.

“We also want to grow small businesses that are already operating in the North Queensland region.

“Townsville is a city that has always shown resilience and creativity in tough times and the Palaszczuk Government wants to tap into these qualities.”

The ideas forum will include presentations from experienced small business experts and introductions to support programs and resources, as well as one-one-one mentoring.

A range of small businesses as well as education and training organisations have registered to attend.

“I am looking forward to hearing some great ideas from North Queenslanders and optimistic that together we can work towards creating new opportunities for people in this region,” Ms Enoch said.

Minister Enoch said the Palaszczuk Government’s $180 million Advance Queensland initiative also provided a range of funding opportunities for small business and startups.

“Our Advance Queensland innovation plan focuses on creating the jobs now and jobs of the future,” she said.

“We are positioning Queensland as a knowledge economy with innovation as a key driver for small business.”

Media contact: Daniel Lato 0438 830 201