Capturing Gold Coast small business success

A Gold Coast company behind a product especially aimed at footballers suffering from cramps will be one of thousands of small businesses taking part in this year’s Queensland Small Business Week (2017 QSBW).

Crampfix has been used extensively by AFL club, Greater Western Sydney Giants for the past two years.

Company spokesman Jan Buchegger said 2017 QSBW (May 15 – 20) will help take his business to the next level.

“The week is vital because it raises the profile of small businesses and puts their ideas and products in the spotlight,” Mr Buchegger said.

“In addition to supplying the Giants, I want the public to be able to purchase Crampfix. The week will allow me to network and discuss strategies with other small business owners, so my dream becomes a reality.”

Another small business participating in 2017 QSBW will be Wet Noses Mobile Vet, the only business of its type on the Gold Coast.

Co-founder Kara Roberts said she was looking for more vets to join the business.

“Small businesses run the economy. It’ll be brilliant to shine the spotlight on small business and discuss growth opportunities and tactics at 2017 QSBW, Ms Roberts said.

“I can’t wait to network and discover what other small businesses are doing and if I can learn anything. We all have different backgrounds and skill sets, it’s great to share information and discuss what works, what doesn’t, and how we could help each other.”

Minister for Small Business Leeanne Enoch said operators like Mr Buchegger and Ms Roberts helped make Queensland the nation’s leader for small business success.

“They are among more than 414,000 Queensland small businesses injecting $100 billion into the state’s economy,” Ms Enoch said.

“The Palaszczuk Government actively supports the small business sector through grants and other business support services.

“The $22.7 million Advancing Small Business Queensland Strategy 2016-20 is designed to help small businesses get a better start, survive the tough first four years, increase their digital capabilities and employ Queenslanders.”

In partnership with Vodafone Australia and Australia Post, 2017 QSBW will provide business owners, managers and small business advocates with the opportunity to network, learn new skills and discover support programs to help their businesses thrive.

More than 5000 people are expected to participate in 2017 QSBW, with key events in Brisbane, Gold Coast, Cairns, Townsville, Bundaberg and Mackay already locked in.

Queensland small business owners and operators aged 16 years and above also have the chance to win $10,000 via the 2017 QSBW social media challenge, sponsored by Australia Post.

To enter, small business owners need to film an innovative, unique and efficient idea that details ‘how you can make your business thrive’. Videos should be no longer than one minute in length and no more than 4GB in size.

Entries are to be uploaded to Facebook, Instagram or Twitter, and include two hashtags: #QLDsmallbiz #Time2thriveQLD.

To be eligible for the prize, applicants are also required to follow Business Queensland on either Facebook (@businessqldgov), Instagram (@businessqld) or Twitter (@businessqldgov).

Entries close Friday 5 May, with the winner announced in Brisbane on Friday 19 May. Full details about the competition, including terms and conditions, can be found on the2017 QSBW web app.

For further information regarding Queensland Small Business Week, or to register your interest in hosting a QSBW event, visit the 2017 QSBW website or download the 2017 QSBW app.

ENDS

MEDIA 0412 393 909