Queensland's Small Business Month 2022 celebrations will get underway next month to mark the sector's resurgence after the impacts of COVID-19 and flood events.
Minister for Employment and Small Business Di Farmer said the focus will be on encouraging Queenslanders to support small business that are the heart and soul of local communities.
"Just as they were getting back on their feet and feeling a sense of normality, the recent flooding events in the south east have many needing to start again," Minister Farmer said.
"After a tough two years our small businesses deserve to celebrate and to welcome more customers through their doors.
"Queensland Small Business Month highlights to communities across the state that small businesses are an important factor in the state's economy."
There are more than 448,000 small businesses in Queensland, which account for 97 per cent of the business sector, contributing around $117 billion to the state's economy.
"This year's celebrations include showcasing small businesses that drive our economy, create local jobs and build strong communities.
"A '#love your small business' campaign will promote the buy local message across the state throughout May," Minister Farmer said.
"We will be asking Queenslanders to show their appreciation for their favourite local small business by posting videos, photos and heart-shaped hands on social media with the hashtag '#loveyoursmallbusiness' whenever they go local, buy Queensland-made or shop small during May.
"We want to draw attention to the thousands of small businesses at the heart of Queensland's economy and showcase their amazing work, spirit and successes."
"During Small Business Month there will be expos, networking opportunities and procurement workshops, Indigenous and multicultural business events and forums along with a celebration of the Mentoring for Growth program's 20th anniversary.
I encourage business owners to keep an eye on the Business Queensland website for updates."
Mainstreet Australia plans a national campaign 'Main Streets of Australia Week' from Monday 16 May to Sunday 22 May to highlight the important role of main streets and town centres.
Queensland Small Business Month 2022 is an important part of the State Government's commitment to deliver networking, awareness, promotion and collaboration opportunities that enable small business to build strategic partnerships and connect with government, industry and each other.
In the lead up to and during May, we will have packs available to upload through our Business Queensland site to assist businesses and other stakeholders to start planning and host their own Queensland Small Business event or project.
For businesses that want to share in the celebration of Queensland Small Business Month visit: www.business.qld.gov.au/qsbm
