Innovation key to business success in 2020, says Toowoomba Chamber of Commerce

2020 was a tough year. Now the Toowoomba Chamber of Commerce is calling on businesses to share their success stories.

I predict there will be a lot written about 2020 in the years to come.

Whether that be the findings of research papers from Australia’s leading education institute the University of Southern Queensland, from social commentators to the everyday stories from our small business community.

All important as we piece together the year that was.

And, it is my view, it will be the storytelling, from university lectures and students, the mums and dads, siblings and friends who run businesses that will resonate in the years to come.

We probably all heard some of those stories on Christmas Day.

The joy and sadness, the relief and the stories of hope.

The year has been polarising, that is for sure.

There have been winners and losers. Brave small business owners, grasping new opportunities to open innovative business ventures, to those who made the hard and difficult decision, in their best interests either to, hibernate or close their doors.

Let’s not forget, the Toowoomba community faced more than the Big “P” in 2020.

There were droughts and bushfires which tested us all.

And now, the predictions of flooding rains.

It would seem the famous words of the great poet Dorothea Mackellar, “Of droughts and flooding rains”, will ring true.

As we brace ourselves for the new year, after about 275 days of complete uncertainty, two things have rung true to me.

Firstly, regardless of the tough decisions made, we did survive.

And secondly, we innovated.

Let’s call 2020, the Year of Innovation.

And there was plenty on show, from businesses everywhere.

So just maybe the research papers and the social commentators and the business storytelling should focus on the innovations of many and how these were embedded in the new way of doing business.

We know practices have changed, workplaces have changed, and we changed what we called local.

Technology was embraced, digital platforms created.

Home became not only the haven, but also the workplace.

We visited and bought locally from our shops, farms and when we were allowed to travel, we supported our region by travelling within it.

In some way, in 2020, we all changed.

We know it is the business community that leads change.

The private sector is the engine of growth.

In the developed world, it is the private sector that generates 90% of jobs, funds 60% of all investment and provides government 80% of all its revenue.

The chamber would love to know your stories of innovation to share with each other, as your story may ensure another business survives and thrives in 2021.

If you want to share your story, please email admin@toowoomba chamber.com.au.