Small business will be given support to start, grow and employ under a new strategy launched by the Palaszczuk Government.
Member for Algester, Leeanne Enoch said $22.7 million State Budget commitment to the Advancing Small Business Queensland Strategy 2016-20 was part of the government’s $405 million Advance Queensland agenda to create jobs now and the jobs of the future.
Ms Enoch said the focus on small business would play an important part in boosting employment opportunities for thousands of Queenslanders.
“Small businesses are vitally important to our regions and communities,” Ms Enoch said.
“The Strategy has a strong regional focus to help small businesses and will work with key stakeholders to deliver programs in regional areas that will help small businesses start, grow and, most importantly, employ.
“There will also be a focus on helping small businesses prepare for, and participate in, the digital economy.”
The Strategy will be delivered by a new Office of Small Business which will coordinate services and connectivity across Queensland Government, work closely with key stakeholders and help small business create jobs, drive business growth, harness innovation and build digital capacity.
Within the Office, Queensland’s new Small Business Champion will advocate to all levels of government; represent Queensland at a national level on the Small Business Commissioners’ forum and support small businesses to access information and opportunities.
The Strategy also includes ongoing support for the popular Queensland Small Business Week.
Ms Enoch said the Advancing Small Business Queensland Strategy clearly showed the Palaszczuk Government’s commitment to diversifying and strengthening Queensland’s economy.
“The Palaszczuk Government is committed to creating a supportive environment that assists businesses when they start through to growth and employment,” Ms Enoch said.
“That is our vision for small business in Queensland and what our Advancing Small Business Queensland Strategy will achieve.”
For more information visit www.dtesb.qld.gov.au/small-business.