The Queensland Government's 2016 Queensland Small Business Week has kicked-off with the aim of providing small business owners and operators with the tools to boost growth and create jobs.
Small Business Minister Leeanne Enoch today marked the start of QSBW (16-21 May) with a women's business breakfast on the Gold Coast before the official launch at the Gallery of Modern Art (GOMA) in Brisbane tonight.
Events around the state will provide small businesses with access to experts providing guidance through workshops, panel discussions and webinars on digital innovation, customer growth and human resources challenges.
"Today marks the start of a week-long event to celebrate our state's more than 406,000 small businesses and the enormous contribution they make to Queensland's economy," Ms Enoch said.
"Small businesses are key economic drivers and the lifeblood of our communities, especially in the regions.
"The Palaszczuk Government understands this and is developing a plan to create a dynamic environment for small business to thrive.
"Consultation recently closed on our Advancing Small Business Queensland Strategy which will help small business to start, grow and employ.
"The strategy will be released later in the year."
Ms Enoch said the Palaszczuk Government's positive work in restoring support to small business was in stark contrast to the actions of the former LNP government.
"As Treasurer in the Newman Government, the current Leader of the Opposition's budgets slashed more than 20 per cent of staff from the small business department," Ms Enoch said.
"His first budget abolished the Queensland Small Business Commissioner and made cuts to the hugely popular Small Business Mentoring for Growth program.
"In contrast the Palaszczuk Government is putting in place programs to help small business grow, innovate and take advantage of the digital economy."
Queensland Small Business Week follows April's highly successful Advance Queensland Innovation and Investment Summit as the Palaszczuk Government prepares the state for the shift to the economy of the future.
"To deliver the maximum impact for small businesses our Advancing Small Business Queensland Strategy will be closely aligned with the Palaszczuk Government's $180 million Advance Queensland innovation and jobs plan," Ms Enoch said.
"Our policies are designed to put Queensland at the forefront of these new economy at a crucial point in history and ensure future generations benefit from a strong economy."
Toowoomba will host the first Queensland Government-hosted major regional event tomorrow (17 May), followed by other government events in Cairns (18 May); Rockhampton (19 May); and Logan (20 May).
There are more than 100 other events hosted by local chambers of commerce and small businesses, with the week's celebrations supported by Suncorp.
Suncorp's Head of Business Customers John Debenham said the company was proud to support the growth and success of Queensland businesses through its sponsorship of Queensland Small Business Week.
"Suncorp is a bank built on customer connections, so it's important for us to help small and medium businesses equip themselves to operate against the rapidly changing and often complex environment," Mr Debenham said.
"We're at a crucial juncture where Queensland has the ability to be a key economic player in Australia, and we're throwing our full support behind small businesses with initiatives like this to ensure they can take advantage of the opportunities."
Registrations are still open at www.business.qld.gov.au/smallbusinessweek.
