We often hear from small businesses that industry experience matters greatly, and every business faces unique challenges at different times. That’s why we’ve been busy connecting with industry bodies at key events like the Australian Small Business Enterprise and Family Ombudsman’s ESG symposium in Canberra and the Council of Small Business Organisations Australia’s summit for 2024.
No matter the industry, small businesses across Queensland continue to voice concerns with us about rising electricity costs and insurance premiums, difficulty accessing a skilled workforce and challenges related to workplace security and crime prevention. Rest assured we’re actively collaborating with organisations like the Insurance Council of Australia and the Energy and Water Ombudsman and the other small business commissioners nationally to ensure Queensland small business voices are heard at all levels of government.
We’re especially focused on amplifying the voices of our regional, remote, and rural small businesses. In late April, we were thrilled to welcome Longreach Regional Council to the Small Business Friendly family, and we were heartened by the positive reception from small businesses we met along the way in Longreach, Isisford and Ilfracomb. Despite being impacted by rising flood waters, small businesses in these areas were upbeat and eager to work closely with their council for better outcomes for their local government area.
A big congratulations to our Assistance team for winning the National Winner for the Alternative Dispute Resolution Awards – Commissions and Ombudsman category. This accolade recognises their outstanding work, alongside a panel of 17 expert mediators, helping small business resolve disputes efficiently. They’ve also been busy creating informative fact sheets on common dispute topics and practical tips – take a look!
As we celebrate Queensland Small Business Month (QSBM) this May, we’re excited to be visiting locations across the state where small businesses can join us for education sessions, celebrations, and collaborative opportunities. Explore the 73 free events happening during QSBM – you don’t want to miss out! Here are some events I will be attending during QSBM.
Where the Commissioner will be in May:
- 1 May – Burdekin Shire Council Small Business Breakfast (QSBM), Ayr
- 2 May – 2024 Women’s Plumbing Alliance Small Business Lunch, Brisbane City
- 8 May – National Lotteries and Newsagents Association (NLNA) 2024 Queensland Industry Awards, Brisbane City
- 9 May – Mackay Chamber of Commerce Lunch (QSBM), South Mackay
- 13 May – The digital challenge for small business – panel session and workshop, Fortitude Valley
- 14 May – Redlands Coast Retail Toolkit Launch (QSBM), Cleveland
- 16 May – Networking Event with Queensland Small Business Commissioner (QSBM), Airlie Beach
- 20 May – Partnering to achieve Small Business Success (panel session) 2024 National Franchise Convention, Cairns.
- 21 May – Navigate the Legal Maze of Industrial Relations, Kallangur
- 24 May – NAWIC business lunch: Transforming challenges into opportunities, Brisbane City
- 25 May – Pine Rivers Small Business Awards Celebration (QSBM), Pine Rivers
- 28 May – Business After Dark (QSBM), Mareeba
- 29-30 May – 4th Annual Small Business Friendly Conference (QSBC), 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: The Big Yellowbelly greets you on your arrival to Isisford. Measuring 12 metres long and standing five metres high, it is a celebration of the region’s favourite annual fishing competition – held the last weekend of July. Book your tickets now!
Dominique Lamb
Queensland Small Business Commissioner
For more details, read the QSBC newsletter April 2024