Small businesses across the Murweh Shire are set to benefit from council joining the Small Business Friendly Councils (SBFC) Program.
Minister for Employment and Small Business Di Farmer welcomed Murweh to the growing network of councils that have joined the Small Business Friendly Councils Program and congratulated them on their commitment to prioritise their local small businesses
"We know small businesses are the heart and soul of our local communities and are crucial to the Palaszczuk government's $14.5 billion COVID-19 Economic Recovery Plan," Minister Farmer said.
"We all know a small business owner – be they a family member, friend, or neighbour and just how hard they work to contribute to keeping our communities strong.
"One of the best things about being the Minister for Small Business is travelling across Queensland to talk to local small businesses and I am delighted when I can tell them their council is a Small Business Friendly Council.
"Then they know their local government is committed to making it easier to do business with them and helping the local economy thrive.
"I am delighted that so many local governments have joined the Small Business Friendly Councils family, with many more lining up to be a part of this fantastic program."
Murweh Shire Council Mayor Shaun (Zoro) Radnedge said he is pleased to welcome the Small Business Friendly Councils family to the Murweh Shire and to sign the charter on behalf of the Shire community to show our commitment to small business in our region.
"As a small business owner myself, I know first-hand the importance of small business in our community," Mayor Radnedge said.
"Small business plays an important role in the current and future development of our economy of the region, and it is important that the Shire Council shows our support and commitment to this industry driving our future economic prosperity and employment opportunities."
Murweh Shire Council CEO Neil Polglase said the signing of the charter by the Council enhances Council's support and continued relationship with small businesses in their community.
"Council looks forward to working closely with the small business community in creating future opportunities for business growth," Mr Polglase said.
Queensland Small Business Commissioner Maree Adshead, who today co-signed the SBFC charter with Minister Farmer, Murweh Shire Council Mayor Shaun (Zoro) Radnedge and Murweh Shire Council CEO Neil Polglase said the co-signing of the charter marks a commitment to a collaborative journey.
"The co-signing of this charter between Council and the state government will ensure all are working together to ensure small businesses are at the forefront when decisions are being made," Ms Adshead said.
"I look forward to continuing to work with all concerned to bring real benefits to the local small business community across the Murweh Shire."
The Commissioner said the Small Business Friendly Councils Program aims to build a community of like-minded people who want to ensure their small business community is flourishing.
"When a council joins the SBFC family they learn what other organisations are doing to support their small business community.
"We facilitate a network of collaboration, showcase small business friendly activities and support a variety of communities of practice – all of which are helping our SBF family to share their experience and learnings, and to fortify their connections."
The SBFC Program has been developed by the Small Business Commissioner and aims to recognise and encourage large organisations to actively support small businesses to recover and build resilience following disaster and economic challenges.
There are currently 39 SBFC across Queensland. When a council signs the SBFC 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.
