Council Wins Initiative of the Year at Small Business Friendly Program Awards 2025

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Published
30th May 2025

Livingstone Shire Council is proud to announce it has won Initiative of the Year at the Small Business Friendly (SBF) Program Awards 2025 and was also named a finalist for Regional Member of the Year.

This honour highlights Council’s commitment to delivering high-impact, locally focused programs that support the more than 3,400 small and family-run businesses across the region. With Livingstone’s economy growing at 5.8% annually (well above the state average of 3.9%), the award recognises Council’s efforts to help small businesses thrive through capability-building, collaboration, and community engagement.

Mayor Adam Belot said the award is a proud achievement for both Council and the wider community.

“Winning Initiative of the Year is a fantastic recognition of the hard work being done to support small businesses in our region,” Mayor Belot said.

“This award belongs to our Economic Development Team, our partners, and most importantly, the business owners who show resilience and drive every day.”

This recognition highlights a comprehensive suite of initiatives designed to strengthen local business resilience, capability, and confidence, including:

  • A scalable Agritourism Development Program delivered in partnership with Regionality Pty Ltd.
  • Regular business engagement through workshops, events, and “Building Business Connections” site visits.
  • Cross-departmental collaboration and active participation in regional economic development networks to enhance visibility, responsiveness, and outcomes for local businesses, while leveraging broader support and investment opportunities.
  • Access to tailored support and local insights through the Discover Capricorn Coast website and Council’s Business Concierge Service, helping businesses access resources, and connect with opportunities.
  • Support for local business digital adoption and marketing through social media promotion, business features, and regional campaigns, including Why Livingstone.

Hosted by the Queensland Small Business Commissioner, the SBF Program Awards recognise outstanding efforts by councils across the state to support and celebrate small business success.

This morning’s Business Breakfast at Keppel Bay Sailing Club, attended by more than 100 local operators and stakeholders, was a fitting finale to Small Business Month. The event brought the community together to celebrate this exciting win and reaffirm the region’s commitment to supporting small business success. It was also wonderful to welcome Queensland Small Business Commissioner Dominique Lamb and share the occasion with key supporters of our small business community.

Council extends its sincere thanks to all local business operators, community partners, and stakeholders who helped make this recognition possible.

For more information about the Small Business Friendly Program, visit: https://qsbc.qld.gov.au/sbf-program/