The Queensland Small Business Advisory Council (QSBAC) has met for the first time this year in Stanthorpe to address small business resilience in the face of drought and recent bushfires.
Businesses in the Granite Belt that are still recovering from the drought and bushfires are now also starting to feel the impact of the coronavirus outbreak.
Minister for Employment and Small Business Shannon Fentiman said that the Palaszczuk Government is determined to help small businesses stay resilient during tough economic conditions.
"Many Queensland businesses suffer through more than their fair share of natural disasters and regional businesses are doing it tougher than most.
"Businesses in Stanthorpe have been doing it tough but they're definitely open for business.
"What these businesses really need are local tourists and day-trippers to head out to regional Queensland and support them.
"Small businesses employ almost one million Queenslanders and it's imperative that we provide them with the support to ensure people are kept employed.
"We want people to holiday at home, drive out to regional towns and support regional businesses."
Some of the businesses affected by a downturn in trade due to coronavirus are only just starting to recover from last year's devastating natural disasters.
The Palaszczuk Government announced a $27.25 million assistance package and payroll tax deferrals of up to $20,500 per month until July 2020 to help businesses impacted by the coronavirus outbreak.
"We are providing immediate assistance available to help Queensland deal with and mitigate the impacts of the coronavirus," Ms Fentiman said.
"This includes a dedicated small business hotline to direct small businesses to support options and provide updates and advice.
"Localised support provided by regional officers and workshops, which start today, will be delivered in partnership with local peak bodies to build the financial resilience of small businesses.
"Our package enables eligible businesses with an annual Australian wage bill of up to $6.5 million to self-assess whether their economic indicators like turnover, bookings, contracts or profit have been impacted by business conditions associated with coronavirus."
Today's council meeting was also given an update on development of the new Queensland Small Business Strategy, the feedback from consultation and the plans for the release of the strategy in May during the first Queensland Small Business Month.
The Minister also welcomed two new council members, Ms Karen Phillips and Mr Taj Pabari.
Ms Phillips has a strong background in brand management, strategic marketing and communications. Ms Phillips also launched a national program in 2013, to inspire and mentor for women in business.
Mr Pabari is one of Australia's youngest and most successful social entrepreneurs. He is founder of FiftySix Creations which helps young people develop skills for the future. Since 2014 FiftySix creations has educated over 55,000 students across Australia and New Zealand.
