The Tasmanian Government is making it easier for small businesses to thrive as it slashes red tape and backs in business and jobs.
Minister for Hospitality and Small Business, Jane Howlett, said a big part of our 2030 Strong Plan for Tasmania’s is to ensure Tasmanian small businesses have the confidence they need to grow.
“This year, we have been busy slashing red tape and making doing business easier,” Minister Howlett said.
“We have now cut 86 per cent of the 198 red tape issues identified during a recent review to reduce the unnecessary burdens on business owners.
“We are backing in businesses by providing grants that enables them to invest in equipment and undertake capital upgrades.
“Grants have also been made available for the hospitality sector, supporting them to attract visitors to their regions, grow their business, recover from unexpected events.
“We recently opened a second round of the Enabling Small Business Grant program offering grants to up to $10,000 for equipment and capital upgrades, and the Hospitality Business Boost Program providing grants of up to $5000, which were well subscribed.
“Looking to the future, we are supporting our tourism and hospitality businesses, and local councils, to prepare for the arrival of the new Spirit vessels by investing an additional $5 million in a Spirit Preparedness Fund.
“This Fund will support the development of new products and offerings, enhance existing attractions, and support councils to deliver key infrastructure such as signage and EV charging stations.
“Boosting tourism isn’t just about bringing visitors here from interstate or overseas – it’s about getting locals out, too; a strong learning from the COVID-19 period.
“A new voucher scheme – Eat Local, Stay Local – is on its way in 2025, encouraging Tasmanians to travel and eat out during the cooler months, providing 100,000 vouchers, valued at $100 each.
“Previous voucher schemes have been hugely successful in encouraging people to get out and explore everything wonderful that Tasmania has to offer.
“Our draft 2025-26 Small Business Growth Strategy Implementation Plan has been released and sets out the actions the Government and private sector is taking towards achieving the strategy’s objectives.
“This will provide certainty and confidence for small businesses in Tasmania.
“We are also working to upskill our multicultural small businesses, with grants of between $700 and $5,000 to that provide support to grow – including building a website, developing strategic marketing plans or seeking professional advice, coaching or training.
“It has been a fantastic year in Tasmania for our businesses. There is much to celebrate from our top restaurants and tourist attractions to the many winemakers and vineyards which have received accolades on a local and international stage.
“I look forward to continuing to support Tasmania’s small business community which punches above its weight and encourage all Tasmanians to get out and about and support our small businesses and hospitality sector.
