Celebrating Balonne Shire's Achievement:
A Beacon of Small Business Support
The SBF Program Regional Member of the Year 2024 Award recognises the Balonne Shire Council’s exceptional efforts and excellence in creating a vibrant business ecosystem, marked by an increased focus on small businesses, active community engagement, and continuous improvement.
Defining Characteristics of Regional Member of the Year
Empowering Growth
Balonne Shire is empowering local businesses with personalised mentoring and advisory services. The mentoring programs have facilitated workshops and project funding, enhancing business efficiency and growth.
Red Tape Reduction
Balonne Shire is facilitating smoother operations and local procurement through efficient digital platforms making it easier for local businesses and government to work together. Council has also successfully implemented over $4 million in digital connectivity projects, significantly enhancing business operations and online sales capabilities.
Transformative Planning
Balonne Shire is revitalising the local economy and public spaces with creative initiatives and grant-funded programs including the Business Improvement Scheme, Buy Balonne Gift Card program, and investment in extended reality (XR) technologies to support business diagnostics and training.
The Benefits for Small Business Owners
Balonne Shire’s initiatives solve key challenges faced by small business owners:
Tailored Services and Grant Funded Programs
Helps to boost business efficiency and growth.
Digital Capability
Helps to boost online sales capabilities.
Community Trust
Simplified administrative processes and smoother tendering processes makes it easier to do business with government.
Economic Revitalisation
Transformed public spaces and a revitalized local economy enhances the operating environment for small business.