2nd Annual Small Business Friendly Conference helps small businesses to make change

The 2^nd Annual Small Business Friendly Conference being held in Townsville today was officially opened by Minister for Employment and Small Business Di Farmer, who also co-signed the Small Business Friendly charter with Cassowary Coast Regional Council.

Minster Farmer said it was heartening to see a strong attendance of delegates and small business advocates at the conference.

“This year’s conference theme is Change Making, which is particularly relevant given the challenges businesses have faced in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic and more recently the flooding events,” Minister Farmer said.

“Small businesses are at the heart of our local communities and crucial to our $14.5 billion COVID-19 Economic Recovery Plan.

“It is pleasing to co-sign the Small Business Friendly charter with Cassowary Coast Mayor Mark Nolan, making them the 32^nd council to join the Small Business Friendly Councils initiative in Queensland.

“I look forward to seeing how small businesses will directly benefit from the commitment Cassowary Coast Regional Council has made to their small business community.

“Small businesses are run by our families, friends, neighbours and they keep our communities strong. It’s great to see so many local councils becoming Small Business Friendly Councils.

“When a council joins the Small Business Friendly Councils initiative, they are pledging their commitment to support small businesses in their communities and help the local economy thrive,” Minister Farmer said.

“The commitment each council makes when they become a member of the Small Business Friendly Councils is another step closer to achieving this,” Minister Farmer said.

Cassowary Coast Regional Council Mayor Mark Nolan said joining the Small Business Friendly Councils demonstrated his council’s continued commitment to support and encourage growth among small businesses within the region.

“Our council is committed to the growth of existing and development of new small businesses in the Cassowary Coast,” Mayor Nolan said.

“Small businesses are the heart of our small towns, helping to shape our communities and drive our economy.

“By signing on as Small Business Friendly Council, more than 3000 small businesses across the Cassowary Coast region will benefit from the charter through the support, resources and additional tools available.”

Queensland Small Business Commissioner Maree Adshead said the conference was an excellent opportunity for attendees to walk away with the tools and resources they needed to drive real change within their small business communities.

“Today attendees have listened to a variety of speakers including change and transformation specialists, councils, peak industry bodies and business groups who are all experienced, passionate, and committed to improving their small business communities,” Ms Adshead said.

“We hope this conference has empowered and equipped attendees with the tools, knowledge, resources, and connections to embark on their own change making journey within their organisations.

“Our Small Business Friendly Councils family is made up of a group of passionate councils who share their knowledge and key learnings and work together to troubleshoot problems and find innovative ways to support their small business communities across Queensland.

“Attending the annual Small Business Friendly conference is just one of the many benefits members enjoy when they join the network.”

The Small Business Friendly charter has been developed by the Queensland Small Business Commissioner and aims to recognise and encourage councils to actively support small businesses to recover and build resilience following disaster and economic challenges.

There are now 32 Small Business Friendly Councils across Queensland. When a council signs the Small Business Friendly charter they are pledging a commitment to:

• communicate and engage
• raise small businesses profile and capability
• support resilience and recovery
• simplify administration and regulation (red tape reduction)
• ensure fair procurement and prompt payment terms
• promote place-based activities.

To find out more about the Small Business Friendly Councils initiative visit www.business.qld.gov.au/qsbc or contact 1300 312 344.

ENDS

Media contact: Joe Begley 0482 914 103