Small businesses across the Quilpie Shire are set to benefit from council joining the Small Business Friendly Councils (SBFC) Program.
Minister for Employment and Small Business Di Farmer welcomed Quilpie as the latest council to join the Small Business Friendly Councils Program.
"I am delighted at the number of Queensland local government's that have signed the SBFC Charter and recognised how important it is to their local economy to ensure their small businesses are supported to thrive.
We know that Queensland mall businesses are the heart and hubs of our local communities and are crucial to our $14.5 billion COVID-19 Economic Recovery Plan," Minister Farmer said.
"Supporting small business is not only good business but it also supports our families, friends and neighbours through local jobs, good and services and a prosperous local economy.
"It's fantastic to see so many councils appreciate this and have committed to the Small Business Friendly Councils Program, with many others lining up to join them.
"When a council joins the Small Business Friendly Councils family, they have the opportunity to share their successes and learn from the successes of others to enhance the ecosystem for all small businesses across Queensland."
Quilpie Shire Council Deputy Mayor Jenny Hewson recognised the impact small business contributes to the shire.
"Small businesses are the driver of the Quilpie Shire's economy whether through our rural enterprises, our small miners or the town based, hospitality, trucking and service businesses," Deputy Mayor Hewson said.
"Not only do small businesses drive our economy, but they set the culture and social licence of our community and always have. The council recognises this and proactively seeks to support and nurture our small business community at every opportunity. We are a small business shire!"
Queensland Small Business Commissioner Maree Adshead, who today co-signed the SBFC charter with Minister Farmer, Quilpie Shire Council Deputy Mayor Jenny Hewson, and Quilpie Shire Council CEO Justin Hancock said the co-signing of this charter marks a commitment to a collaborative journey to benefit small businesses across the region.
"The signing of this charter between all parties ensures greater connectivity will be fostered to enhance the operating environment for small businesses and to provide the opportunities small businesses need to thrive," Ms Adshead said.
"It is encouraging to hear Council is supporting new and existing businesses through the small business innovation grant and I look forward to hearing more about how Council is supporting and enhancing the agricultural and resource sectors for businesses."
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 SBFC family 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 41 SBFC across Queensland. When an organisation 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.
