Scenic Rim Council has joined a small but growing group of Queensland councils, to sign the Small Business Friendly Council (SBFC) charter, actively supporting small businesses in their area and helping them recover and build resilience following disasters and economic challenges.
Mayor, Greg Christensen said, “Small business is a cornerstone of the Scenic Rim economy and community, making up more than 98.5 percent of the region’s businesses.
“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.”
Queensland Small Business Commissioner, Maree Adshead co-signed the SBFC Charter with Mayor Christensen, with support from the region’s five Chambers of Commerce based in Beaudesert, Boonah, Kooralbyn, Tamborine Mountain and Canungra.
“This is a vote of confidence for small businesses in the Scenic Rim and I am excited to see the positive effects this initiative will bring to the small businesses within the local community,” Commissioner Adshead said.
“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.”
Minister for Employment and Small Business, Di Farmer, said, “Whether it’s buying local or reducing red tape, we need to work together to support our small businesses and the Small Business Friendly Councils initiative is great way to progress this.”
Commissioner Adshead said signing the charter was
‘a commitment by Scenic Rim City Council and its partners to be mindful of small businesses, their issues and priorities when making decisions for the local community’.
“I have spoken with many Councils who are eager to embrace this initiative and hope as we build momentum, we can amplify the support for small businesses across Queensland.”
The SBFC charter has been developed in conjunction with councils and is flexible to their local needs.