We have had a huge start to the beginning of the financial year – engaging with small businesses across the state, via their industry bodies, chambers, councils, and face to face. We have even come across some of the rarely spotted locals as well.
This month, we visited West End, Logan, Innisfail, Mission Beach, Ingham, and Lucinda. We are off to Carpentaria, the Southwest region, Central Queensland, and North Queensland in the coming months. If you would like us to pop in or if you have a group of businesses looking for support, please get in touch with us.
We love hearing from as many small businesses as possible, because it helps to inform our advocacy position, and no one knows better than small business just what they need, especially when they live and breathe their community’s economics on a day-to-day basis. Our call volumes continue to rise, and recently we have seen a prevalence in disputes arising in the construction industry and retail, shifting from the food and accommodation industry previously.
Overwhelmingly, bond returns and rising costs (across the board) continue to feature, and we are seeing an increase in businesses being unable to pay their rent or attempting to reduce the amount they are required to pay. If you would like more information about bond returns or rent negotiations, please contact us Monday to Friday 8:30am to 4:30pm at 1300 312 344 or submit an enquiry.
Despite the challenges, there are some big and very real opportunities on the way – if you live in Queensland, it is hard to get away from the noise that is the Olympics and Paralympic games. It is now officially 9 years until Queensland hosts the Games, and whilst the Games itself will be a celebration of all that we have achieved in the lead up, the investment and all the steps it takes us to get there are the most important. This is about leaving a legacy for the community once the Games come and go. The best way to create an outstanding legacy is to ensure that Queensland business is front and centre when it comes to procurement.
Last week, the Queensland Government announced that Queensland businesses will share in $180 billion in government procurement contracts between now and 2032. If you have had a look at the Q2032 Procurement Strategy, you will see there is a heavy focus (including targets and policies) to maximise the involvement of:
- Small business
- Indigenous business
- Regional and local business
- Businesses with clear plans for lower emissions.
This strategy is aimed to get businesses “match fit” to win supply contracts before, during and after the Games. Since 2017, the Buy Queensland strategy has seen $57 billion shared by 70,000 Queensland businesses, including more than 31,000 regional businesses.
If you have never participated in a government tender before, Business Queensland has got you covered, or you can connect with one of the mentors from the Mentoring for Growth program.
Remember, no matter the question, or the concern, your passion is our business, and we are here to help you.
If you are new to our newsletter or would like to learn more about our services, resources, initiatives, and projects, visit the QSBC website. If you are ever unsure and are looking for more information, give us a call at 1300 312 344 or submit an enquiry.
Photo (from left to right): Gina Papp, Mary Szollos, Cr Mary Brown, and Dominique Lamb at the Lucinda Point Hotel.
Dominique Lamb
Queensland Small Business Commissioner
For more details, read the QSBC newsletter July 2023
