Small businesses on the Sunshine Coast are set to benefit from the local council joining the Small Business Friendly (SBF) program.
Minister for Employment and Small Business Di Farmer welcomed the Sunshine Coast Regional Council to the growing list of councils that have joined the program.
“Small 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.
“They are our families, our friends, our neighbours and they keep our communities strong.
“When an organisation joins the Small Business Friendly family, they are pledging their commitment to support small businesses in their communities and help the local economy thrive.”
Member for Caloundra, Jason Hunt said that it is fantastic to see so many organisations have committed to the Small Business Friendly program.
“This is a great success for businesses here on the Sunshine Coast, and will provide better local employment opportunities as our small businesses develop.
“Small Businesses are the driving force of our economy and providing the right environment for them will help them grow.”
Sunshine Coast Regional Council Mayor Mark Jamieson said small businesses were integral to the region’s prosperity and a major employer within our local communities.
“They help shape our communities and business centres and are the economic backbone of our region,” Mayor Jamieson said.
“I am incredibly proud to be putting pen to paper to signal to everyone that Sunshine Coast Council is unwavering in our ongoing support for small business.
“We are committed to keeping small business front-of-mind during our decision making for the benefit of our entire healthy, smart and creative community.”
Queensland Small Business Commissioner Maree Adshead, who today co-signed the SBF charter with Member for Caloundra Jason Hunt and Sunshine Coast Council Mayor Mark Jamieson, said co-signing the charter marks a commitment to a collaborative journey between all parties to help the local small business community thrive.
“Local businesses are the backbone of the Sunshine Coast’s strong and resilient regional economy. The
signing of this charter marks a commitment to a journey to ensure all local businesses have the help they need to continue to grow, employ and prosper,” Ms Adshead said.
“I look forward to working together with council and all the local business groups to support and grow small businesses on the Sunshine Coast.”
The Commissioner said the Small Business Friendly 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 SBF 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.
“Congratulations to the Sunshine Coast Council for signing the charter and for joining this growing family of like-minded councils committed to working with us, and with each other to benefit small business.”
The SBF charter 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 30 SBF organisations across Queensland. When an organisation signs the SBF 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.
