Small business owners across the Bundaberg Region are encouraged to attend the next Bundaberg Business Breakfast event on Tuesday 13 February, celebrating Bundaberg Regional Council’s first anniversary of participation in the Small Business Friendly program.
Event attendees will hear from Small Business Commissioner Dominique Lamb on what her team does to champion small business in Queensland, and from Professor Tim Miller from the University of Queensland on how AI can work for small business.
Council signed the Small Business Friendly Charter in January 2023, joining over 40 other councils across Queensland in a commitment to enhance the operating environment for small businesses and provide the opportunities they need to thrive.
As part of the initiative, Council ran business breakfast events throughout 2023 to provide a platform for the region’s business community to network, collaborate and learn from experts across a range of industries.
Small Business Commissioner Dominique Lamb said the events gave Council an opportunity to gain key learnings that could be shared with the wider community and other Small Business Friendly members.
“It is wonderful to see a strong representation by small business operators at the monthly ‘Bundaberg Business Breakfast’ events,” she said.
“I urge any person with an interest in the local community whether this be a small business operator/owner, or those with commercial tenancy interests to attend.”
Commissioner Lamb said her presentation would highlight the Commission’s work providing alternate dispute resolution services, and their advocacy for small business at local, state, and federal government levels.
“I will give the attendees a snapshot of what we see economically when it comes to small business across the state,” she said.
“I will also outline what support we can provide to small businesses and what we do on a strategy and engagement level to champion small business in Queensland.”
In late 2023, the Office of the Small Business Commissioner launched a refreshed Small Business Industry Roundtable, a new Regional Roundtable, and a new Landlord Roundtable.
“These groups have been incredibly generous with their time and their insights, which inform our strategy, engagement, and assistance work,” Commissioner Lamb said.
“We will be able to share some of these insights with the attendees.”
February Business Breakfast
When: Tuesday 13 February at 7 am
Where: Bundaberg Multiplex
Cost: $30
Book tickets here.
Small Business Friendly program progress
In the first year of participation in the Small Business Friendly program, Council have introduced and endorsed a number of initiatives to engage and support small business in the region including an online survey to help develop a Small Business Friendly Action Plan.
Highlights from the year include:
- Created a “one stop shop” web page, where small businesses can find hints, tips and free resources to help run their businesses.
- Development of “Doing Business with Council” webpage and coordinated workshops throughout the year.
- Monthly meetings with region’s Chambers of Commerce and Business Women’s Network.
- Lead a working group to deliver Small Business Month activities and created an event calendar for all stakeholders to share.
Commissioner Lamb said she encouraged Council to continue to be mindful of small businesses issues and priorities when making decisions for the community.
“You need to consider small businesses when you make key decisions that impact them, such as purchasing and payment practices, tender processes and legislative or policy decisions,” she said.
“It is imperative that Council work closely with the Chambers of Commerce and other small business organisations to right size this journey for the Bundaberg region.
“The Promoting Sustainability Award is an excellent initiative created by the Bundaberg and District Chamber of Commerce celebrating businesses who can demonstrate the principles of ‘circular economy’ and who ‘produce locally’ an action that will improve outcomes for the environment and create a legacy for the community.
“The celebration of small business should not be underestimated because they are largely underappreciated considering how much they contribute to community.”
