SMALL BUSINESS FRIENDLY

CONFERENCE

Held at the end of May each year, the Small Business Friendly Conference provides an opportunity for members, government, industry, and small business community leaders to explore, showcase, and be inspired by innovative and leading practice ideas and initiatives to grow and sustain healthy small business ecosystems and vibrant, attractive communities across Queensland.

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2024 - Accelerate

The 2024 conference ‘Accelerate’ theme builds on the SBF Accelerator framework helping members put simple, yet powerful strategies in place to better support their local businesses. Held in Cairns from 29-30 May, the event included four workshops, welcome reception, and full day conference with opening address provided by the Minister for Employment and Small Business and Minister for Training and Skills Development.

Hear from the Queensland Small Business Commissioner, Dominique Lamb

The SBF Program conference, its importance to members, their local small businesses and communities and hear from attendees who share their conference and SBF Program experience.

Small Business Friendly Program Awards

The Small Business Friendly Program Awards honour members who have gone above and beyond in supporting and uplifting small businesses in their local areas. Every member nominated is commended as an inspiration of creativity and commitment to their local small businesses and communities. The Awards are based on member activities, showcases, and annual reports in the previous year and proudly presented by the Queensland Small Business Commissioner at the SBF Conference.

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The 2024 Awards finalists

Watch this short video about the finalists and winners of the following awards and their achievements:

  • Member of the Year
  • Regional Member of the Year
  • Innovator of the Year

Congratulations to all our nominees.

Play the Video

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Meet the 2024 Award winners

Read about this year’s winners who have demonstrated exceptional commitment, innovation, and community spirit, setting the standard for what it means to be a true ally to small business and energising their local economy. These stories of success are just the beginning. The Small Business Friendly Program is more than just an award—it’s a movement. If you’re a member, we encourage you to stay active and continue to strive for excellence. If you’re not yet a member, now is the perfect time to join a network dedicated to the growth and success of small businesses in Queensland.

Innovator of the Year 2024

Winner

Ipswich City Council

Regional Member of the Year 2024

Winner

Balonne Shire Council

Member of the Year 2024

Winner

City of Moreton Bay

Let's continue to build a brighter future for small businesses together.

2024 Awards Gallery

The SBF Program Awards winners and finalists. These photos capture the pride and joy of members who have made a real difference in their local areas by helping to get better outcomes for small businesses. Each image tells a story of hard work, community, and success.

2024 Conference Gallery

Our Conference Gallery takes you into the heart of our annual gathering, where ideas are exchanged and new networks are formed. These images reflect the dynamic discussions and drive to support small businesses. Whether you’re spotting familiar faces or seeing what you missed, these photos are a testament to the power of coming together as a community within the SBF Program.

Testimonials

“We really appreciate the SBF program acknowledgement of our contributions. The team certainly did exceptional work this year, and I am very proud of them for it. Thank you for recognising all of our efforts, it inspires us to continue to strive for excellence and I hope we exceed your expectations next year.”

Awards Finalist – Isaac Regional Council