- Queensland Small Business Month officially kicks off today, providing support to the State's more than 508,000 small and family businesses.
- This year's program features hundreds of events statewide, including three flagship expos in Cairns, the Gold Coast and Brisbane.
- The inaugural Collaboration Partner Program brings together more than 50 partners to deliver tailored events throughout May.
- The Crisafulli Government is delivering a better lifestyle through a stronger economy after a decade of decline under Labor.
Queensland Small Business Month starts today, delivering a packed program of activity supporting small and family businesses across the state to build resilience, embrace innovation, and seize opportunities.
This year's program features hundreds of events, including expos, workshops, networking sessions, and tailored regional events designed to address the unique challenges faced by small and family business owners.
The program recognises the impacts that the fuel crisis and a shifting global economic landscape is having on Queensland small and family businesses.
It also puts a stop to the previous Labor Government-funded, champagne cork popping, red carpet celebrations that failed to deliver the tools small and family businesses needed to grow.
Headlining the month are three flagship expos in Cairns (19 May), the Gold Coast (21 May) and Brisbane (26 May), offering advice, tools, workshops and networking opportunities to attendees to build resilience now for future opportunities.
Small business owners can attend a range of sessions at the expos, including:
- introduction to the transformative potential of artificial intelligence (AI), providing practical information to thrive in the digital age.
- practical insights and updates on tax obligations, compliance and enforcement priorities from the ATO, and how to avoid common mistakes.
- understanding and accessing government procurement opportunities, including work packages for the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
For small business owners strapped for time or unable to travel, a wide variety of online sessions are available this month, offering support to all parts of Queensland.
Online workshops include simple graphic design skills for marketing, using artificial intelligence to streamline tasks and strategies to reduce burnout.
Adding to the month of recognition and support for small business is the inaugural Collaboration Partner Program, which will see more than 50 partners delivering tailored events and initiatives across the state throughout May.
Minister for Small and Family Business Steve Minnikin said Queensland Small Business Month is focused on delivering practical support to help businesses navigate global challenges and build resilience for long-term success.
"Small and family businesses are the backbone of the Queensland economy, and now more than ever they need the support of Queenslanders, and I encourage everyone to shop locally," Minister Minnikin said.
"Queensland's Small Business Month offers a fantastic range of support, from sessions on harnessing AI to unlocking opportunities in Queensland's procurement market.
"This year, we've designed a tailored program for Queensland Small Business Month to deliver practical, relevant resources that support business owners to build resilience, embrace innovation, and seize opportunities.
"From our flagship expos in Cairns, Gold Coast and Brisbane to a diverse range of in-person and digital events as well as tailored one-on-one support offered across the State, there is something for everyone in our 508,000-strong small business community."
To get involved, attend an event, or find out more about what's on this Queensland Small Business Month, head to business.qld.gov.au/qsbm.
