23 August, 2021
Western Downs Regional Council will join a state-wide movement to formally recognise and support small businesses and their role in the local community.
At its August Ordinary Meeting, Council endorsed the organisation's involvement in the Queensland Government's Small Business Friendly Councils Initiative which has been established to back Councils in Queensland that are actively supporting small businesses in their area.
Western Downs Regional Council Mayor Paul McVeigh said Council offered a range of support options to local traders and signing on to the Small Business Friendly Council Initiative was the right decision.
"Council is a proud advocate for our local businesses, and aggressively attracts investment opportunities to grow our great region," Cr McVeigh said.
"We offer a range of support programs and events throughout the year to support our businesses, and only recently wrapped up our COVID-19 Recovery Package support initiatives which was taken up by 93 businesses.
By signing the Small Business Friendly Charter, Council outlines its commitment to continue to support small business through several key areas:
- Communication and engagement
- Raising small business profile and capability
- Supporting resilience and recovery
- Simplifying administration and regulation
- Ensuring fair procurement and prompt payment terms
- Identifying two or more current or planned activities that bring benefits to local businesses
Cr McVeigh said that by officially becoming a Small Business Friendly Council, Council would have the opportunity to work collaboratively with the Queensland Small Business Commissioner and other Councils to ensure small businesses are receiving the best support possible.
"This initiative gives us the tools, knowledge, and support to back our small businesses now, and into the future.
"We are proud to be a Small Business Friendly Council and we are excited to explore new and exciting outcomes for our fantastic local businesses."
Queensland Small Business Commissioner Maree Adshead said she was looking forward to working with Council and the broader small business community to create more beneficial opportunities.
"The power of this initiative lies in the collaboration between councils to inspire each other with ideas, motivate each other with their successes, and attract vibrant and prosperous businesses into their regions.
"I look forward to continuing to work with all concerned to bring real benefits to the local small business community," the Commissioner said.
Look out for the small business friendly identifier for participating councils.
