How council is backing small businesses fighting back after COVID

Small businesses around the region have received a pledge of support from their local councils as they continue to recover from the impacts of the pandemic.

As small businesses across Queensland fight to come back from the damaged caused in the wake of COVID-19, the Scenic Rim Regional Council has pledged ongoing support to their local business owners.

The Small Business Friendly Councils Charter has been signed by Small Business Commissioner Maree Adshead and Mayor Greg Christensen, and has served as a pledge on behalf of both parties to commit to enhancing small businesses in the region.

“Small business is a cornerstone of the Scenic Rim economy and community, making up more than 98.5% of the region’s businesses,” Cr Christensen.

“Joining the Small Business Friendly Councils initiative reinforces the importance and relevance of the many activities and programs that Council already has underway to support small business.” he said.

“This commitment to buy local is having a positive impact on small businesses, in financial terms, Council has already spent $9 million with local suppliers in the first six months of this financial year on contestable materials and services.”

Ms Adshead said it was a vote of confidence for small businesses in the region.

“Small businesses are still trying to recover from the impacts of COVID-19; we hope Council’s commitment to this initiative will help remind the local community to go local and support small businesses in their ongoing recovery.” she said.

The charter has been developed in conjunction with Councils and is flexible to their local needs.

It includes a commitment to:

– communicate and engage

– raise small businesses profile and capability

– support resilience and recovery

– simplify administration and regulation (red tape reduction)

– ensure fair procurement and prompt payment terms

– promote place-based activities.