Council’s Economic Development Team finalists in the Small Business Friendly (SBF) Program Awards 2025!
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Council is proud to announce it has been named a finalist in two prestigious categories — Regional Member of the Year and Initiative of the Year — in the Small Business Friendly (SBF) Program Awards 2025.
This recognition highlights Council’s continued commitment to creating a supportive and innovative environment for the more than 3,400 small and family-run businesses that form the backbone of Livingstone’s local economy, which is currently growing at a strong annual rate of 5.8%, well above the state average of 3.9%.
Mayor Adam Belot said the nomination is a testament to the collaborative approach Livingstone Shire Council takes in supporting its small business community.
“This recognition is a fantastic acknowledgment of the proactive steps Council is taking to connect, support and empower local businesses,” Mayor Belot said.
“We are proud to work alongside our regional partners to deliver practical, high-impact initiatives – from agritourism development to business networking events – that help businesses build resilience and thrive in a changing economy.
“Being named a finalist reinforces the value of the relationships we’ve built and the outcomes we’re achieving together.”
Livingstone Shire Council’s nomination reflects a broad suite of initiatives aimed at fostering capability, confidence, and collaboration among small businesses.
These include:
• Ongoing engagement through business visits, workshops, and the “Business Boost Drop-In” sessions.
• Supporting major events like the Unleash the Business Power seminar, attended by nearly 150 people, and featuring international speakers.
• Partnering with Regionality Pty Ltd to deliver a scalable, place-based Agritourism Development Program.
• Active involvement in regional workforce planning through the CQ Jobs Committee and formal training via the University of the Sunshine Coast’s Workforce Planning for Regions course.
• Enhancing visibility and trust through direct engagement with business operators and cross-departmental collaboration within Council.
The winners of the Small Business Friendly Program Awards 2025 will be announced at the upcoming SBF Awards Conference on 29 May.
Council extends its sincere thanks to all business owners, community partners, and stakeholders who have contributed to this success.
For more information about the Small Business Friendly Program, visit: https://www.business.qld.gov.au