Posted on October 16, 2024
Rockhampton Regional Council celebrated its achievements as a Small Business Friendly Council during a visit by Queensland Small Business Commissioner Dominique Lamb.
In the last financial year, the region’s lead economic development agency, Advance Rockhampton, has supported small businesses through:
- Prosperous Precincts Grant Program, offering up to $5,000 in matching funding to support business improvements in the Central Business District
- Continuous promotion of important projects to use local content.
- Mentoring program Maximizing Jobs and Local Content in Large Projects, aimed at increasing bidding capacities
- Conducting tendering and contracting workshops and digital skills workshops in partnership with state and federal governments.
- Ongoing relationships with the Capricornia Chamber of Commerce, CBD Progress Alliance and Mount Morgan Promotion and Development Inc.
- Free Small Business Month celebration lunch, which included tutorial-style presentations and was attended by 150 people.
- Promoting small businesses in marketing material for Advance Rockhampton and its associated brands, including Explore Rockhampton.
- Local preference policy used by Rockhampton Regional Council
Deputy Mayor Drew Wickerson said Advance Rockhampton has also increased engagement with local businesses, including personal visits to CBD stores by the economic development team.
“Small businesses are the lifeblood of the Rockhampton region and Advance Rockhampton works tirelessly to support them by hosting industry events, funding programs and strong promotion to attract local investment,” Deputy Mayor Wickerson said.
“Advance Rockhampton works in all corners of the region, whether working on irrigation schemes with agricultural businesses in South Yaamba or implementing initiatives such as the Buy Local program in Mount Morgan.
“Today’s visit from the Queensland Small Business Commissioner is another opportunity for Council to understand the challenges and opportunities facing small businesses so we can direct our efforts where they are needed most.”
Queensland Small Business Commissioner Dominique Lamb said small businesses were an essential part of Rockhampton’s economic future.
“There are 482,000 small businesses in Queensland employing more than a million people and contributing more than $117 billion to the economy. But more than that, it’s the people who support our community, charities, sports clubs and help out. Small businesses are at the heart of all Queensland communities,” Ms Lamb said.
“There is a misconception that the Council is funded for economic development. When a council decides to invest, it does so for the benefit of its community. “Rockhampton is committed to becoming more small business friendly and continues to test new and improved ways to engage, understand and create a better experience for small business owners.”
“We all know a small business owner, they are part of the fabric of our communities and depend on our support. When you are making decisions about where to spend your hard-earned money, choose them, because they always choose you.”
Advance Rockhampton Economic Development Manager Wade Clark said healthy small businesses will be essential to achieving the Rockhampton region’s growth goals.
“Our team’s goal is to increase the value of the Rockhampton region’s economy to $12.9 billion by 2041, and it’s vital we include small businesses on that journey,” Mr Clark said.
“Today Council has the opportunity to meet with Queensland Small Business Commissioner Dominique Lamb, the Capricornia Chamber of Commerce, the Queensland Indigenous Business Network and local traders to discuss what is working and hear first-hand where We must focus our efforts on the future.
“Advance Rockhampton will continue to champion and support small businesses, but it is clear that we have made significant improvements since we became a Small Business Friendly Council in 2021.”
You can find more information about Advance Rockhampton here: https://www.advancerockhampton.com.au/Home
You can find more information about the Queensland Small Business Commissioner here: https://qsbc.qld.gov.au/