The small business sector's vital contribution to the state will be celebrated during Queensland Small Business Week (2017 QSBW) from 15 – 20 May.
In partnership with Vodafone Australia, the week will highlight the importance of technology, promote a culture of entrepreneurship and reinforce to small business owners it's their time to thrive.
Minister for Small Business Leeanne Enoch said more than 5000 people were expected to participate in 2017 QSBW, with key events in Brisbane, Gold Coast, Cairns, Townsville, Bundaberg and Mackay already scheduled.
"The time has never been better for Queensland small businesses to start, grow and employ. At 2017 QSBW events, business owners, managers and small business advocates will discover the tools and resources available to help make their businesses thrive," Minister Enoch said.
"I encourage small business owners and operators to register for the many events to be held across the state as part of Queensland Small Business Week."
Vodafone Australia Chief Executive Officer Iñaki Berroeta said the telco chose to sponsor the week because it would highlight the importance of technology and promote a culture of entrepreneurship – values shared by Vodafone.
"Technology has the power to fundamentally change businesses, allowing smaller businesses to compete with the big guys across the globe. We know that small businesses are the backbone to not only the economy, but their communities, and we want to help power them with the technology to succeed," Mr Berroeta said.
Australia Post General Manager Small Business Rebecca Burrows said Australia Post was excited to be participating in many activities during 2017 Queensland Small Business Week.
"Our small business team will be out and about during the week and can't wait to meet some of Queensland's small business entrepreneurs at events including the regional masterclasses and our popular Go and Grow Online events," Ms Burrows said.
One of the week's highlights will be a $10,000 social media competition proudly sponsored by Australia Post and open to Queensland small business owners and operators aged 16 years and above.
Minister Enoch announced the $10,000 challenge today at Australia Post's GPO, Brisbane.
"I am delighted to announce that as part of 2017 Queensland Small Business Week (2017 QSBW) there will be a social media challenge for small businesses," she said.
"To enter, small business owners need to film an innovative, unique and efficient idea that details 'how you can make your business thrive'.
"The week's theme, 'Time to Thrive', seeks to reignite enthusiasm and celebrate the small business sector's massive contribution to the Queensland economy."
Ms Burrows said Australia Post was delighted to partner with the Queensland Government to support 2017 Queensland Small Business Week.
"I'm really looking forward to seeing the great ideas Queenslanders share in our social media challenge – and to announcing the winners of some great prizes," she said.
"We're genuinely committed to helping all small businesses thrive and become the business they want to be. There are some amazingly innovative small businesses in Queensland and I can't wait to meet some of them."
Entries in the social media challenge will be shared via Business Queensland's social media and digital platforms throughout the competition leading up to Queensland Small Business Week.
A panel will judge the entries, with a winner to be announced on Friday 19 May.
Entries for the 2017 QSBW social media challenge should be no longer than one minute in length and no more than 4GB in size.
To enter, small businesses can upload videos to Instagram, Twitter and/or Facebook, and include two hashtags: #QLDsmallbiz #Time2thriveQLD.
Entries close on Friday 5 May.
To discover more about 2017 QSBW, register your interest in hosting a 2017 QSBW event, or to learn more about the social media challenge, visit business.qld.gov.au/smallbusinessweek, or download the 2017 QSBW app.
