Finding and applying for licences and permits and meeting other government requirements when starting or running a retail trade, accommodation or non-residential construction business is set to become a faster and easier process in Queensland.
Minister for Employment and Small Business Di Farmer said Business Launchpad, a free online tool, was being expanded to cover three more sectors of business operations.
"Currently, Business Launchpad provides information for residential construction and food and beverage businesses.
"Since being launched in April last year it has assisted more than 9000 users, with benefits in terms of the amount of time saved estimated to be worth tens of millions of dollars.
"Over coming months, the service will be progressively rolled out to help thousands more business owners understand and apply for the licences and permits they need.
"The retail trade, accommodation and non-residential construction sectors and the businesses involved are vitally important to our economy.
"I look forward to Business Launchpad being expanded to cover them."
Minister Farmer said Business Launchpad provided licensing and other information tailored to each business and its location.
"This tool covers the requirements of all three levels of government, including licences, codes of practice, development approvals, taxation, employment and much more.
"Business Launchpad also informs businesses of the support services available to them.
"People who use Business Launchpad can save the tailored guide to work through, securely sign-in to take advantage of different options including pre-filling some forms, submitting online and can track the progress of applications.
"Bringing together all the licensing requirements of different agencies and different levels of government into one place takes away the time-consuming running around business owners and entrepreneurs face when starting a business and pursuing their goals.
"Small businesses are vital to our communities, building our economy and growing our workforce. That's why the Queensland Government is continuing to develop and expand the information, services and support it offers.
"It is exciting to see Business Launchpad grow from its initial offerings for residential construction and food and beverage businesses.
"Supporting more businesses to start and grow can help drive our recovery and supports strong, long-term economic growth."
Currently Business Launchpad is available for local government areas covering more than 98 per cent of Queensland's population, with a number of smaller councils remaining to be added.
Five councils are scheduled to be added next month – Cloncurry Shire Council, Croydon Shire Council, Doomadgee Aboriginal Shire Council, Torres Strait Island Regional Council and Yarrabah Aboriginal Shire Council.
