Business Launchpad to set small businesses up for success

A new digital tool released by the Palaszczuk Government is making it easier to start a small business, helping deliver Queensland’s plan for economic recovery and setting up Queensland for our future.  

Minister for Employment and Small Business and Minister for Training and Skills Development Di Farmer said The Business Launchpad is an exciting new tool to help small businesses reduce the red tape and access the licences, permits and regulatory information to start their small business, all in a one-stop shop.

“Small businesses are the heart and hub of our local communities and are crucial to Queensland’s plan for economic recovery,” Minister Farmer said.

“They are our families, our friends, our neighbours and they create jobs and keep our communities strong.

“That is why we want to make it easier for Queenslanders to help realise, and easily launch, their small business dream.

“During the recent Small Business Roadshow, I spoke with thousands of people from Small Businesses and heard first-hand about the challenges they face and how we can help make doing business easier.

“Small Businesses told us they needed help navigating regulatory and licencing requirements at all levels of government. 

“We listened and responded.”

The Business Launchpad will initially be rolled out in Townsville and Logan.

Minister for Resources and Member for Townsville, Scott Stewart said the Business Launchpad was developed by the Palaszczuk Government to provide much needed support to those wanting to easily transform their business ideas into a reality.

“Small businesses play a huge part in Townsville’s economy so it’s important people have the knowledge and support to launch their own ideas,” Mr Stewart said.

“The Business Launchpad is for the food and beverage and residential construction industries and it will help this sector continue to grow in Townsville.”

Member for Logan, Linus Power said locating and completing forms can be time consuming for a small business owner, so we are making this as easy as possible, so that businesses can open their doors and start trading.

“The Business Launchpad identifies the appropriate information and relevant forms, saving the business owner time and effort,” Mr Power said.

“As an example, it would help a business intender wanting to open a restaurant or bar and who might not be aware of the various liquor licenses required to operate in their intended location.”

Townsville City Council Mayor Jenny Hill is pleased to see prospective business owners in Townsville benefit from the Business Launchpad.

“After a rough couple of years with natural disasters and the global pandemic, many indicators point to a period of strong economic growth in our city and region,” Cr Hill said.

“Now is the ideal time for anyone with a dream of establishing a small business to take steps to realise that dream and the Launchpad may be able to help.” she said.

Logan City Council Mayor Darren Power also sees the benefits for the local Logan community.

“This is an innovative idea that will help to kick-start small business ideas in the City of Logan,” Mayor Power said.

“Logan residents will be some of the first to benefit from this initiative and it’s a great opportunity to build on the work we’re doing to encourage and support these important sectors.”

Licensing requirements and permits can seem insurmountable especially when businesses are starting out, but now owners can find information across federal, state and local government.

The Business Launchpad allows business owners to:

• create personalised guides with curated content specific to the business type, location and services.
• sign in to save progress and access accounts from any device.
• pre-fill, complete, sign and submit some licensing forms online.

The trial is the first stage of the Business Launchpad, which is being funded through the Australian Government’s Small Business Regulatory Reform Agenda.

To access the Business Launchpad visit www.business.qld.gov.au/launchpad

Media contact: Debbie Turner 0439 346 402