I’m pleased to step into this role while the recruitment process for the new Small Business Commissioner is underway and it was wonderful to come into the role in Indigenous Business Month, with the theme this year of ‘Strength through Collaboration’.
Queensland’s small business community is known for its resilience, collaboration and innovation—and that spirit will continue to shape our state’s economic future.
The Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games will unlock a pipeline of opportunities for local, diverse suppliers, empowering Queensland small businesses to grow and thrive on the world stage. The launch of a dedicated Games Supplier Portal makes it easier for small businesses to discover procurement opportunities, register interest, and access expert guidance. Now is the time to get your business ready—check compliance, meet sustainability standards, and connect with the 2032 Small Business Procurement team.
The Queensland Government is continuing to provide support for Queensland small and family businesses to start, grow, and thrive through the delivery of the Small Business First Action Statement, including over $130 million over 4 years in funded activities and measures to help reduce red tape, support innovation, and make it easier to do business. As part of this agenda, I was pleased to see the launch last week of a $19 million pilot program to help train and retain apprentices in small and family-owned construction businesses.
If you need help accessing government services, programs, or support the Queensland Government Business Concierge offers tailored advice to help you navigate business challenges, connect to resources, and capitalise on opportunities. To access the service, you can visit the Business Queensland website or call 13 QGOV (13 74 68) for general small business enquiries.
If you have a commercial or retail shop lease enquiry or a dispute involving your small business, you can call the office of the Small Business Commissioner on 1300 312 344 or contact us online.
It promises to be an exciting journey ahead full of opportunity so let’s stay connected, get ready—and work together to help create the right settings for Queensland small and family businesses to succeed.
Nicolle Kelly
Acting Small Business Commissioner
For more details, read the QSBC newsletter October 2025