Small businesses in the Banana Shire are set to benefit from less red tape and more opportunities thanks to the latest Small Business Friendly Council (SBFC) signing this week.

Queensland Small Business Commissioner Maree Adshead, who yesterday co-signed the SBFC Charter with Mayor Nev Ferrier, CEO Thomas Upton, Callide Dawson Chamber of Commerce, and Biloela Enterprise, said the signing of this charter marks a commitment to the Banana Shire small business community.

Minister for Employment and Small Business Di Farmer welcomed Banana Shire to the growing list of councils that have joined the Small Business Friendly program.

“Small businesses are the heart and hubs of our local communities and are crucial to our $14.5 billion COVID-19 Economic Recovery Plan,” Minister Farmer said.

“They are our families, our friends, our neighbours and they keep our communities strong.

“It’s fantastic to see so many councils have committed to the small business friendly program, with many others lining up to join them.

“When a council joins the Small Business Friendly family, they are pledging their commitment to support small businesses in their communities and help to reduce red tape.”

Banana Shire Council Mayor Neville Ferrier said Council was looking forward to joining the Small Business Friendly family.  

“Small business is at the heart of regional areas across Central Queensland. Banana Shire Council is committed to working with our region’s small businesses to help them succeed, create local jobs, and improve our economy,” Mayor Ferrier said.

CEO Tom Upton said Council is excited to join the Small Business Friendly family and have access to the network of like-minded people who are all working together to create transparent opportunities for business growth.

“Signing the charter will help demonstrate Council’s commitment to small businesses across the Banana Shire and this proactive approach will strengthen our relationship with small businesses within our community,” Mr Upton said.

Queensland Small Business Commissioner Maree Adshead, who yesterday co-signed the SBFC Charter with Mayor Neville Ferrier, CEO Thomas Upton, Callide Dawson Chamber of Commerce, and Biloela Enterprise, said the signing of this charter marks a commitment to the Banana Shire small business community.

“The signing of this charter marks a commitment to put small business needs and priorities front of mind when making policy and regulatory decisions.

“I look forward to working with Council and the Banana Shire business community to create opportunities for business growth.” Ms Adshead said.

The Commissioner said the Small Business Friendly program aims to build a community of like-minded people who want to ensure their small business community is flourishing.

“When a council joins the SBF family they learn what other councils are doing to serve their small business community.

“We’ve recently set-up our communities of practice, which is helping all SBF members share their knowledge and key learnings, and to fortify their connections.”

The SBFC charter has been developed by the Palaszczuk Government in conjunction with councils and aims to recognise and encourage the support of local councils to actively support small businesses to recover and build resilience following disaster and economic challenges.

There are currently 24 SBFCs across Queensland. When a council signs the SBFC charter they are pledging 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

Find out more about the Small Business Friendly (SBF) program at www.business.qld.gov.au/qsbc or by phoning 1300 312 344.

ENDS

Media contact: Ben Brew 0468 839 551