We are proud to have recently delivered the 3rd Small Business Friendly Program Annual Conference from 27-28 April held on the beautiful Sunshine Coast. Here are some key highlights...

A highlight was welcoming Noosa Council into the SBF Program (pictured above). With the addition of Livingstone, at the beginning of May, we now have 45 of 77 councils across Queensland as members of the program.

I would like to thank all the councils, small business leaders, and speakers who gave up their time to come together and participate in our conference. The quality of connections and information sharing was outstanding and I have no doubt that it will result in big things for small businesses across Queensland.

During the conference, Julia Spicer our Chief Entrepreneur and small business owner said, “Fear doesn’t create sustainable change, passion does”. The passion of our small business communities is hard to replicate and it is critical to driving change across Queensland.

The conference provided some great opportunities to hear from small business owners and industry leaders, supporters, and change-makers. I’m sure that all our attendees and speakers left with some tangible strategies to put in place.

The top 10 things I took away from the conference were:

1. Nothing happens in isolation – we are part of an ecosystem
2. Listen
3. Connect
4. Collaborate
5. Tell your story and tell theirs too
6. Fail fast (and try again)
7. Make magic happen
8. Embrace co-opetition – work together
9. Right size - support, services, and investment for your community
10. Create awareness so no one is left behind.

We look forward to putting these lessons into action as we continue enhancing the operating environment for small businesses across Queensland.

Below is a short synopsis of each presentation with links to view the presentation and download the transcript. We hope you enjoy.

Keynote speaker, Margot Cairnes showed us just how fast the world can change. In an age of regionalisation, small businesses will drive the economic engine. Are you;

• Ready to capitalise on these opportunities?
• Going to be a winner in this time of disruption and opportunity?
• Personally change hardy?

Paul Martins and Kerrianne Haggie asked and then answered, What does being ‘small business friendly’ really mean? Moreton Bay Regional Council has worked hard to help small businesses by streamlining local laws, improving economic development activities, and providing insights through their Ask Morty application.

Edward Ross and Dan Allen showed turned personal tragedy into a business idea. Five years on, they have established a social enterprise that encourages people to have a conversation about mental health and funds a not-for-profit mental health support service. Wow.

Chief Entrepreneur, Julia Spicer shared her thoughts and experiences on how small businesses are driving the economy through innovation and entrepreneurial thinking. Julia reminded us that it is passion, not fear, that creates sustainable change.

The Small Business Big Results Panel focused on the small business experience of putting 'ideas into action'. Drawing from their chamber viewpoint, the panel demonstrated how to succeed using networks, engaging with the council, and navigating roadblocks. Thank you to our panel members:

• Brady Sullivan, Caloundra Chamber of Commerce
• Naomi Spence, Greater Caboolture Chamber of Commerce
• Margaret Smith, Childers Chamber Queensland

A fraction of the Sunshine Coast Council's Place Activation team, Tim McGee and Mandy Day shared their top 5 tips for working with the business community to drive economic activation and build community connection and participation.

Chrysalis's Rebecca McIntosh and Carmel Haugh demonstrated how co-designed projects can deliver transformational arts and culture and build a visitor economy. Think landmark murals, opera in unexpected places, and tightrope walks in surprising spots.

Is your CBD, main street, or business precinct struggling with high rates of commercial vacancy, neglected shopfronts, and dwindling foot traffic? There is a silver lining - you're not alone. Renew Australia explored several case studies that showed how to engage property owners to use empty shops for start-ups and emerging businesses.

Queensland Small Business Commissioner

Level 18, 53 Albert St, Brisbane, Queensland, 4000
qsbc.qld.gov.au | 1300 312 344