Small businesses in the Bulloo Shire are set to benefit from a new Small Business Friendly Councils (SBFC) commitment made by the Bulloo Shire Council.
Minister for Employment and Small Business Di Farmer congratulated Bulloo for joining the growing network of councils that have signed the SBFC charter.
"As Minister for Small Business I see first-hand how central small businesses are to their local communities and they are crucial to our $14.5 billion COVID-19 Economic Recovery Plan," Minister Farmer said.
"As I travel across Queensland, I am constantly humbled by the resilience of small businesses and how much they contribute, not only supplying goods and services but also as employers and friends – they truly do keep our communities strong.
"It's fantastic to see so many councils have recognised the importance of supporting their local small businesses by committing to the Small Business Friendly Councils Charter.
"When a council joins the Small Business Friendly Councils family, they are pledging their commitment to put small businesses at the centre of everything they do to help the local economy thrive."
Bulloo Shire Council Deputy Mayor Shirley Girdler said prioritising the needs of small business was imperative to ensure the viability of the local community.
"Council has been supportive of small business by adopting a procurement policy that enables locals to provide goods and services relevant to their area," Deputy Mayor Girdler said.
"I have been practicing and advocating "Live Local, Work Local, Buy Local" - there is a big effort to encourage a "buy local" culture within Council through local preference to support local contractors.
"I'm keen to work with Queensland Government to bring more businesses and encourage investors to provide new services in town.
"I admire the courage of these small businesses who are taking risks, borrowing money, and employing people - all to benefit and improve the community."
Queensland Small Business Commissioner Maree Adshead co-signed the SBFC charter with Minister Farmer, Bulloo Shire Council Deputy Mayor Shirley Girdler, and Cr Vaughan Collins said she is looking forward to working with all to enable more growth and prosperity for small businesses in the southwest corner.
"I recognise that small businesses in this area are facing common problems such as wanting to employ more staff, but not necessarily having the accommodation options available to do so," Ms Adshead said.
"It is my hope that by joining the SBFC family and accessing the SBFC network, Council can connect with and leverage off experiences and key learnings from other councils who have faced similar obstacles."
The SBFC Program has been developed by the Small Business Commissioner and aims to recognise and encourage councils to actively support small businesses.
There are currently 38 SBFC across Queensland who have signed the SBFC charter and pledging the following to their small business communities:
• 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.
