Bounce Back Better the focus of Small Business Month

Small businesses throughout the state are set to ‘Bounce Back Better’ during Queensland’s Small Business Month 2021, with a calendar of events that focuses on economic recovery across the state.

Minister for Employment and Small Business and Minister for Training and Skills Development Di Farmer said our plan for economic recovery is underway and Queensland is leading the way when it comes to job creation.

“This month-long celebration in May will focus on ways to assist the small business sector’s economic recovery from COVID-19, creating employment across the state,” Minister Farmer said.

“Our Small Business Roadshows, which wrapped up in March, provided direct feedback from small businesses who were eager to tell us what they needed to recover from the past 18 months, how to create jobs and keep our communities strong.

“Following on from their recommendations, the Palaszczuk Government is investing more than $100,000 to sponsor these activities, connecting small businesses with the information and support to help them to come back even better.

“Through our new Partnership Program, 17 organisations will host a range of events to help their local small businesses.”

Minister Farmer welcomed the diversity of events which cover a range of business skills from applying for grants to digital capability.

“There are activities targeting specific industries, hardest hit by COVID-19 such as tourism and the arts sector,” Ms Farmer said.

“In Townsville, a business workshop will be held for art sector professionals and educators, to share their stories and how they pivoted their businesses against the challenges during 2020.

“The local Chamber of Commerce in St George will assist local small businesses to capitalise on the major tourism events in the Balonne Shire.

“Expert speakers will be outlining how to attract events, effectively use social media, host major cultural festivals, and train in the benefits of business promotion.

Among the conferences, expos, seminars, workshops, forums, webinars and trade shows, throughout the state there are also events for targeted groups, such as rural and regional Queensland and female small business owners.

“In Goondiwindi, a Regional Women in Business Long Lunch will bring together women from rural communities in South West Queensland for local networking,” Ms Farmer said.

“Similarly in Mission Beach, the Women's Business School will host The Reimagine, Reinvent & Recover Conference covering topics for small businesses such as planning, leadership, digital marketing, scaling up, producing profit and economic connections,” Ms Farmer said.

Queensland Small Business Month 2021 is an important part of the Palaszczuk Government’s commitment to deliver networking, awareness, promotion and collaboration opportunities that enable small business to build strategic partnerships and connect with government, industry and each other.

To register an event or find out more about Queensland Small Business Month events visit www.business.qld.gov.au/starting-business/advice-support/support/small-business/qsbm/about

ENDS 

Media Contact:  Debbie Turner  0439 346 402