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Small businesses in Mount Isa are set to benefit from less red tape and more opportunities thanks to the latest Small Business Friendly Council (SBFC) signing today.
Minister for Employment and Small Business Di Farmer welcomed Mount Isa as the twenty-fifth on a growing list of councils that have joined the Small Business Friendly 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.
"It's fantastic to see so many councils have committed to the Small Business Friendly program, with many others lining up to join them.
"When a council joins the Small Business Friendly family, they are pledging their commitment to support small businesses in their communities and help to reduce red tape."
Mount Isa City Council Mayor Danielle Slade said Council was excited to join the Small Business Friendly family.
"Mount Isa City Council is proud to officially become a Small Business Friendly council," Mayor Slade said.
"Small businesses are at the heart of their communities and now more than ever, particularly given the current economic climate, it's crucial that councils such as ours get behind them.
"They create local employment opportunities and attractive, liveable communities, provide essential goods and services, and play a critical role in the social fabric of the region."
Commerce North West President Emma Harman said signing the Small Business Friendly charter will create a successful partnership between council and business groups to support the wider Mount Isa small business community.
"Small businesses are a key part of the region's strength and growth, so council's pledge to be more Small Business Friendly is to be welcomed and supported," Ms Harman said.
"We look forward to working with Mount Isa City Council and the Queensland Small Business Commissioner to support the existing business community and to encourage new businesses to the city."
Queensland Small Business Commissioner Maree Adshead said the co-signing of the charter marks a commitment to a collaborative journey.
"The co-signing of the SBF charter is an example of what the SBF program is all about – councils working closely with local businesses which ultimately benefits the whole community," Ms Adshead said.
"The signing of this charter marks a commitment to put small business needs and priorities front of mind when making policy and regulatory decisions."
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 councils are doing to support their small business community.
"We've recently set-up our communities of practice, which is helping all SBF members share their knowledge and key learnings, and to fortify their connections."
The SBF charter has been developed by the Queensland Government in conjunction with councils and aims to recognise and encourage councils to actively support small businesses to recover and build resilience following disaster and economic challenges.
There are currently 25 SBF organisations across Queensland. When a council 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.
