Mayor Asks Moreton Bay Businesses to Level-Up
Published 16 July 2021
Following the successful creation of a local business taskforce in June to drive Council’s new Regional Economic Development Strategy (REDS), local economic leaders are now being asked to help advise the State Government.
Mayor Peter Flannery has urged local businesses to make sure Moreton Bay Region is represented in the Queensland Small Business Advisory Council.
“We are the third largest Council in the country, we’re one of the fastest growing regions in Queensland and we’re proudly home to more than 29,000 local business - so I want to ensure their voices are heard on a state level,” Mayor Flannery said.
“The Queensland Small Business Advisory Council (QSBAC) focuses on the significant challenges facing the sector to provide government with advice and suggested solutions on issues like small business growth, sustainability, and employment.
“They are currently seeking eight to ten small business owners, including social enterprises, to join the QSBAC to be a voice for small business and ensure the government’s Big Plans for Small Business Strategy is delivering results for Queensland small businesses.
“I think at least one of those places should be held by a Moreton Bay Region business owner, and I know they’re specifically looking for diverse representation from emerging industries and entrepreneurs to women, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and regional Queensland businesses.
“Following the launch of our new Regional Economic Development Strategy last year, with the ambition of making our economy bigger, bolder, and brighter - having a voice in the QSBAC could only help to accelerate our ambitions.”
Minister for Employment and Small Business Di Farmer encouraged people running businesses in Queensland to submit an expression of interest by 5pm Tuesday 27 July 2021.
“Small businesses employ more than one million Queenslanders in our state: they’re our friends, our neighbours, and the lifeblood of our communities," Minister Farmer said.
“That’s why we put backing small business at the heart of our COVID-19 Economic Recovery Plan, underpinned by $14.2 billion of investment.
“And that’s why I travelled across Queensland earlier this year and spoke to thousands of businesses as part of our Small Business Roadshow.
“We took the clear and unambiguous feedback given on that roadshow to develop our Big Plans for Small Business Strategy.
“The Strategy includes a $100 million Business Investment Fund, $30 million in grants to increase skills and capability, and will make the Queensland Small Business Commissioner a permanent position.
“Now we want small businesses to sit on the QSBAC, to be our eyes and ears on the ground to ensure that Strategy is being delivered effectively.
“We already have regular contact with industry associations and peak bodies, but what we are looking for here is individual small businesses owners to sit on this council and speak directly to myself as the Minister about how the Strategy delivery is going.
"In this fast-changing environment we want to hear about the opportunities and challenges as and when they present themselves.
“We want to create a well-informed, dynamic and energetic QSBAC that is current and responsive.”
To submit an Expression of Interest to join the Queensland Small Business Advisory Council visit www.advisoryboardcentre.com/qsbadvisorycouncil.
For further information visit www.business.qld.gov.au or call 1300 654 687.