The Queensland Small Business Month wrapped up with a grand finale as the 4th annual Small Business Friendly Program conference and the inaugural awards ceremony took place in Cairns.
This event marked the culmination of a month dedicated to celebrating and supporting Queensland’s vibrant small business sector, which encompasses over 482,000 enterprises.
The conference, which united representatives from 49 councils across the state, highlighted the achievements and innovations of small businesses from the Gold Coast to Burke.
Initiated in 2020 by the Queensland Small Business Commissioner, the Small Business Friendly Program aims to foster a collaborative environment for small business growth.
Minister for Employment and Small Business Lance McCallum officially opened the event and presented the Innovator of the Year award to Ipswich City Council.
The Ipswich City Council’s 12-month Street Patio trial aimed at increasing foot traffic and supporting local businesses received overwhelmingly positive feedback, with 90% of participants supporting the initiative.
In his address, McCallum emphasised the economic significance of small businesses in Queensland.
“Small businesses are vital to Queensland’s economic wellbeing, contributing more than $117 billion each year and fueling the cycle of growth by providing employment for over one million Queenslanders,” McCallum stated.
“The new Miles Government is committed to supporting our small business sector, reflected in the $250 million Queensland Small Business Strategy 2024-27 designed to help businesses grow and thrive.”
McCallum also highlighted the importance of the inaugural Small Business Friendly Awards in recognising the efforts of local councils in supporting their business communities.
“Congratulations to all the winners. As the Member for Bundamba, I’m particularly proud to see Ipswich City Council in this year’s winner’s circle as part of Queensland Small Business Month.”
Ipswich City Council Mayor Teresa Harding expressed her pride in receiving the Innovator of the Year award, underscoring the council’s pioneering initiatives.
“As Queensland’s first small business-friendly council, Ipswich City Council continues to explore new and innovative solutions to support our more than 12,000 small businesses,” she said.
“This includes our Queensland-first street patio program which offers local restaurants and cafes an attractive outdoor dining space.”
The Small Business Friendly Program, championed by the Queensland Small Business Commissioner, Dominique Lamb, serves as a critical platform for collaboration and learning.
“Queensland small businesses are the heart and soul of our communities from our remote towns to our metropolitan cities,” she said.
“The conference and the workshops allow members to share their success stories and learn together. This is about supporting councils and chambers with economic development.”
