Last month, more than 200 small businesses gathered in Logan to learn about making vital connections with government, industry and consumers.

The Logan Business Links seminar, hosted by the Logan Office of Economic Development for Queensland Small Business Week, brought together key government agencies to speak about how they can support small businesses.

One of the businesses at the forum was Barefoot Fish Spa, which opened at the Hyperdome last year.

Since opening, thousands of customers have taken their shoes off and put their feet into a bath filled with fish to nibble away dead skin.

Owner Simone Trueman said she benefited from the forum. “I learned about the ‘back office’ part of running a business,” she said. “It was interesting to find out about marketing statistics and what is the best way to spend money promoting the business.”

The forum also addressed the rights and obligations of a business owner, free low-cost programs offered by the federal, state and local governments, and online resources and information on grants and funding.

Acting Mayor Cherie Dalley said the forum threw the spotlight on the vital contribution small business made to the state.

“It delivered a range of opportunities for small business owners to network, connect, and learn new skills that will help them succeed now and into the future,” she said.

“Small business owners are the engine room of Logan’s economy, which delivers an output worth almost $22 billion a year.”

Logan is home to more than 21,000 businesses which have created more than 89,000 jobs.

The Logan Office of Economic Development provides free and low cost support services for small businesses. To contact the office, go to Loganjobs.com.au