THE Fraser Coast Regional Council has signed up to a special charter geared towards supporting small businesses to be prosperous and sustainable.
Mayor George Seymour and CEO Ken Diehm signed up to the Small Business Friendly Council Charter initiative being led by the Queensland Small Business Commissioner yesterday.
The charter 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, and;
- promote place-based activities.
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The initiative was established to recognise and support Queensland councils that are actively assisting small businesses in their area and helping small business to recover and build resilience following natural disasters and economic challenges.
“Small businesses are at the heart of the Queensland economy and regional communities,” Cr Seymour said.
“Council is committed to working with small businesses to grow the local economy, keep people employed and create new jobs.
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“We recently announced a $500,000 COVID-19 Economic Stimulus package with a wide range of programs designed to help businesses improve shopfronts, increase sales, reduce costs and share knowledge.
“In the past year Council also extended regulated business licences and permits for six months for free to help businesses through the COVID-19 pandemic, introduced the Buy Local Fraser Coast Gift Card initiative and worked with the Queensland Government to secure direct Jetstar flights to and from Sydney.
“Signing the charter opens the door to Council to receive more support from the Queensland Small Business Commissioner and will strengthen our relationship with local chambers of commerce and the small business community.”
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Queensland Small Business Commissioner, Maree Adshead said the Charter was a vote of confidence for small businesses.
“I am excited to see the positive effects this initiative will bring to the small businesses within the local community,” Ms Adshead said
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“The signing of the charter marks a commitment by Council to be mindful of small businesses, their issues and priorities when making decisions for the local community.” More information about Council’s support for businesses, and how to do business with Council is available, here.
