I hope everyone had a great Queensland Small Business Month! We had an exhilarating start to May, travelling to Charters Towers, Townsville, Ayr, and Home Hill—connecting with businesses from a variety of sectors including motor traders, cleaning, retail, manufacturing, education, and hospitality.
Our travels did not stop there. Throughout the month we also visited Mackay, The Whitsundays, Bowen, Brisbane, Redlands, Beaudesert, Bribie Island, Pine Rivers, Mareeba, Herberton, Ravenshoe, Atherton and Cairns. Everywhere we went, we were welcomed warmly and enjoyed many frank and fearless conversations about the challenges being faced and the support that is needed.
Some of the common challenges included the rising costs of electricity and insurance. To help address these concerns, we’ve joined the Insurance Council of Australia’s Business Advisory Committee, and we are also working closely with the Energy and Water Ombudsman Queensland to ensure that small business concerns are heard.
At the Queensland Small Business Commissioner (QSBC), we believe feedback is the breakfast of champions, and we are often humbled when a small business owner takes the time to show us what they have built, their pride and joy, but also to share how vulnerable they feel when times are tough!
Thanks to this candid feedback we have successfully advocated for the reversal of some unfair fees charged by big businesses. We have also connected many small businesses with the Small Business Financial Counsellors and Wellness Coaches, to get specialised support alongside our dispute resolution service.
Last week, we were thrilled to see so many chambers of commerce and councils at our 4th Annual Small Business Friendly Conference in Cairns. It was heartening to see such an engaged group of individuals, all working hard to improve outcomes for small businesses, and fantastic to see everyone sharing their journeys, ideas, and achievements for being more small business friendly. It was an inspiring way to round out Queensland Small Business Month!
Where the Commissioner will be in June:
17-21 June – Tropical Innovation Festival, Cairns
Connect with us
If you are new to our newsletter or want to learn more about our services, resources, initiatives, and projects, visit the QSBC website. If you need more information, call us on 1300 312 344 or submit an enquiry.
Main photo: Dominique Lamb chatting with Elle, Maker and Owner of Elle’s Balcony Garden at the 2024 Meet the Makers Markets.
Dominique Lamb
Queensland Small Business Commissioner
For more details, read the QSBC newsletter May 2024