Queensland Small Business Commissioner, Dominique Lamb, has acknowledged Toowoomba Regional Council’s commitment to the Small Business Friendly Business (SBF) program.
The Commissioner met with Council, small businesses and Chambers of Commerce members as part of a tour of SBF program members in the Darling Downs and South West.
Toowoomba Region Mayor, Geoff McDonald said Council’s commitment to the program was paying dividends for regional suppliers with a target of 60% local spend and a 14-day invoice turnaround undertaking.
“Small businesses are at the heart of our regional communities as major employers and providers of essential goods and services. Through the SBF program Council demonstrates our commitment to our local small business community,” Mayor McDonald said.
“A critical part of our commitment is to find opportunities to streamline the burden of administration and regulation for small businesses by improving Council processes.
“We are also committed to engaging with small businesses and ensuring fair procurement and prompt payment terms for our local small businesses.
“The Commissioners visit signals our continued commitment to supporting small business in our community,” he said.
Commissioner Lamb said the Toowoomba Region was one of 47 Queensland Councils signed up to the Small Business Friendly Program, accounting for 97% of the state’s small businesses.
“The 473,000 Queensland small businesses contribute more than $120 billion to the state’s economy, and we must support this significant sector,” Ms Lamb said.
“The Small Business Friendly Program provides the framework, support and tools required to help local governments, Queensland Government agencies and large enterprises realise their role in supporting small business.
“The program is driven by each Council’s commitment to the simple yet powerful SBF Program charter focused on improving how members transact, interact, and support small businesses across Queensland.
“The SBF program is not just a box-ticking exercise. It is designed to create tangible and practical outcomes that help participants deliver on their commitments to local businesses and provide more efficient and effective processes,” she said.
To find out more about Toowoomba Region’s involvement in the Small Business Friendly Council initiative, go to https://www.tr.qld.gov.au/community-business/business-support/starting-growing-a-business/14787-small-business-friendly-council.
