Small Business Expo drives innovation and growth

Small Business Minister Leeanne Enoch today encouraged small business owners and operators to tap into the latest ideas on how to innovate and grow their business.

Attending the Expo at TAFE Queensland Southport Campus, Minister Enoch said the event was a great opportunity for small business to network and gather new ideas.

“The Expo is a fantastic opportunity for anyone thinking about starting a small business to come and get advice on how to get it off the ground and make it a success,” Ms Enoch said.

“Innovation is a key theme of the Expo, which aligns closely with the Palaszczuk Government’s agenda to prepare our state for the jobs of the future through our Advance Queensland initiative.

“Advance Queensland is helping small business be part of the innovation conversation, by providing opportunities to foster innovative ideas and commercialise them to keep the benefits and jobs in Queensland.

“We will have Queensland Government representatives available to talk about the tools and funding we have to help small businesses as the economy diversifies.

“There will also be information on other key ways Queensland Government can help small business connect with networks and programs such as Mentoring for Growth.”

Commonwealth Games Minister Stirling Hinchliffe said small businesses will also be able to find out more about opportunities around the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games (GC2018) at the Expo.

“The Games will inject $2 billion into the economy, which is why the Palaszczuk Government is focused on making sure local businesses are Games-ready, just like our athletes will be ready for the sporting competition,” Mr Hinchliffe said. 

“Events like the Gold Coast Small Business Expo are a great forum to ask questions and learn more about what’s on offer.

“Already, venue contracts valued in excess of $325 million have been awarded to Queensland businesses, but there will be more opportunities for small businesses coming in the pipeline with demand growing for a whole range of services including catering, security and cleaning. 

“Small businesses should make sure they’re informed about procurement processes and that they plan ahead to capitalise on the exciting opportunities on offer.

“When it comes to the medal tally for procurement, Gold Coast and Queensland businesses are performing well.

“But my message to small business going forward is make sure you register on the Business and Industry Portal because you’ve got to be in it to win it.

“The website ICN Gateway also has information about registering a business and available work packages, and helps to connect suppliers to potential buyers and partners. To date, 2,967 business have registered 19,061 expressions of interest in Commonwealth Games work packages.”

For more information on procurement around the Commonwealth Games and to register on the Business and Industry Portal, visit www.business.qld.gov.au or www.icn.org.au/qld_home.  

For information on Advance Queensland go to www.advanceqld.initiatives.qld.gov.au.

The Expo will continue through until 4pm Sunday, 28 March, for more information visit http://www.thesmallbusinessexpo.com.au/.

Media contacts: Daniel Lato 0438 830 201 (Enoch) | Jessica Hill 0475 950 772 (Hinchliffe)