Business Launchpad tool coming to Toowoomba

Published Thursday, 22 July, 2021 at 02:22 PM

Minister for Employment and Small Business and Minister for Training and Skills Development
The Honourable Di Farmer

Business Launchpad in Toowoomba

Business Launchpad in Toowoomba

The Palaszczuk Government is supporting Toowoomba small businesses to start and grow with a new online tool that makes understanding regulatory requirements of starting a residential construction or hospitality business a piece of cake.

Minister for Employment and Small Business Di Farmer said the Palaszczuk Government is delivering on the COVID-19 Economic Recovery Plan’s commitment to back small business.

“During my Small Business Roadshow earlier this year I spoke to thousands of businesses right across Queensland,” Minister Farmer said.

“One of the things raised with me was that making sure you’re ticking all the different regulatory boxes when starting a new business can be confusing and time consuming.

“That’s why we created the Business Launchpad: a one stop shop online tool for small businesses to find what they need to do, instead of having to search multiple websites from a range of government agencies.”

“The Business Launchpad provides all the information people need to know about federal, state and local government regulatory requirements for Toowoomba to start a residential construction or food and beverage hospitality business.

“The tool also prefills standard details, which means people don’t have to repeatedly enter the same information each time they start a different application. This saves on time and frustration!”

Toowoomba Region Mayor Paul Antonio said he encouraged residents who wished to establish small businesses in the hospitality or residential construction industries to use the Business Launchpad.

“This is a great collaboration between multiple levels of government, all designed to help make establishing new businesses in the Toowoomba Region easier,” Mayor Antonio said.

“Council’s involvement in the expanded Business Launchpad is more evidence of our commitment to supporting small businesses, and a practical example of how we are a Small Business Friendly Council.”

Minister Farmer said other support was available from the Palaszczuk Government, and that more established Toowoomba small businesses should get ready to apply for Business Boost grants that are opening soon.

“Toowoomba small businesses should get ready to apply for the new Business Boost grants of up to $15,000 each which can be used for upgrades and organisational improvements for more established businesses,” Minister Farmer said.

“Information is already available online to help businesses prepare their applications in readiness for the opening of applications at 9am on 30 July.”

“There is a range of other support for small businesses. We have new online resources for businesses thinking about recruiting an apprentice or trainee which help businesses sign up and understand their training contracts, which includes receiving personalised SMS reminders for employer obligations.

“Time is also running out for small businesses to put their hand up and be part of our Queensland Small Business Advisory Council, so they can guide and advise government on the implementation of the Big Plans for Small Business Strategy.

“EOIs close this Tuesday 27 July at 5pm.”

Over 1,700 people have accessed the existing Business Launchpads in Townsville and Logan.

The Business Launchpad project is funded through the Australian Government’s Small Business Regulatory Reform Agenda and is available from launchpad.business.qld.gov.au

To apply visit www.advisoryboardcentre.com/qsbadvisorycouncil/ and complete the online nomination form before 5pm Tuesday 27 July.

For further information on support for small business visit www.business.qld.gov.au or call the Small Business Hotline on 1300 654 687. 

To access information to manage apprentices and trainees visit www.business.qld.gov.au/running-business/employing/taking-on-staff/apprentices-trainees/manage

Information about the Business Boost Grant program is available at business.qld.gov.au/business-boost

Media contact: Kate Talbot 0439 803 211