Queensland Parliament to host Small Business Week reception

Queensland small businesses are spoilt for choice this year, with more than 100 events, workshops, webinars and seminars on offer during Queensland Small Business Week, starting Monday.

At a reception at Parliament on Tuesday night, Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk and Small Business Minister Leeanne Enoch will salute the small businesses employing about 43 per cent of the state’s private sector workforce, and generating around $100 billion for the economy.

“My government is supporting small businesses with targeted investments being made under our $405 million Advance Queensland package,” Ms Palaszczuk said.

“This includes $22.7 million for implementing the Advancing Small Business Queensland Strategy 2016-20.

“Based on the Sensis Business Index results for the March quarter, confidence among Queensland small and medium business owners is at its highest level in seven years.

“The Palaszczuk Government understands that by supporting small business, it is supporting state-wide economic growth. This has never been more important than now, in the wake of those who were impacted by the devastation of Cyclone Debbie.

“Through the ‘Go Local’ campaign, we must continue to raise awareness about the importance of supporting local businesses as part of the recovery from Cyclone Debbie.”

In recognition of the role of small business to Queensland, Queensland Small Business Week (2017 QSBW) – in partnership with Vodafone Australia - is a perfect opportunity to honour the more than 414,000 small business operators across the state.

Ms Enoch said 2017 QSBW will champion the importance of technology, promote a culture of entrepreneurship and reinforce to small business owners it’s their Time to Thrive.

“More than 5000 people are expected to attend a Queensland Small Business Week event. Many events are hosted by local councils, local chambers and small businesses seeking to assist others,” she said.

“Each year, the week continues to grow and get stronger – giving small business owners and operators the opportunity to network, connect with government, and to learn new skills and tools that will help them succeed now and in the future. “But at its heart, the week is about celebrating the vital contribution small business makes to our economy, and to every community across our vast state.

“Small businesses are not only key economic drivers in our cities, but they also stand as the lifeblood of our towns – especially in regional areas,” Ms Enoch said. Time is also running out for Queenslanders, small business owners and current small business operators aged 16 years and above to enter the $10,000 social media challenge sponsored by Australia Post.

Entries (up to 60 seconds in length and no more than 4GB in size) must 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).

A panel of judges will determine the winning entrant, who will be awarded $10,000 on Friday, 19 May.

To learn more about 2017 QSBW or to search for an event near you, visit www.business.qld.gov.au/smallbusinessweek or download the 2017 QSBW app.

Media Contact

Premier's Office:              Geoff Breusch   0417 272 875

Minister Enoch's Office:   Neil Doorley     0412 393 909