Council reaffirms its commitment to the Small Business Friendly (SBF) Program
Council is proud to renew its commitment to the Small Business Friendly (SBF) Program, after it resolved to endorse and sign the new commitment during the June Ordinary Council Meeting.
Council joined the program in March 2023, which aims to better support member councils in fostering a vibrant and resilient small business community across Queensland.
Mayor Adam Belot said as the program continues to evolve, Council was committed to strengthening the small business ecosystem across Livingstone Shire.
“This updated commitment strengthens the program’s collective impact by providing clearer expectations and a more streamlined, practical, and measurable framework – representing a positive step forward for all involved,” Mayor Belot said.
“The initiative also encourages councils to help small businesses recover and build resilience following disaster events and economic shocks.
“It’s important to acknowledge that 98% of Livingstone Shire’s economy is made up of small businesses.
“The region’s business community is the backbone and driving force of Livingstone Shire’s economy, and it’s imperative that as a Council, we continue to support local businesses however possible.
“Council continues to look for positive outcomes in its decision making that will assist our business community that may be small by name, but are hugely important in their significant contributions to the local economy and wider Livingstone Shire community.
“Council would like to thank the Queensland Government for launching this initiative through the Queensland Small Business Commissioner, which acknowledges and supports local councils dedicated to actively assisting small businesses in their communities to drive meaningful change.”
As part of the recent program refresh, a new SBF document has been introduced, featuring enhancements designed to better reflect how councils can embed small business considerations into their planning, operations, and decision-making processes.
Through a dedicated working group and member surveys, valuable insights were gathered to shape the future of the program.
To find out more about the program, visit https://qsbc.qld.gov.au/sbf-program/
Key Enhancements
1. A Shift to a Small Business Friendly Commitment
To reflect our renewed focus on accountability and continuous improvement, we are transitioning from a ‘charter’ to a Small Business Friendly Commitment. This change reinforces the importance of an active, ongoing pledge rather than a static agreement.
2. Stronger Strategic Foundations
For councils who have an Economic Development Strategy, we encourage them to align the strategy with small business needs.
An annual Small Business Action Plan will replace the existing Accelerator Action Plan, ensuring clear and structured steps for improvement.
3. Simplified and Clear Commitment
The revised program will ensure that the commitment remains accessible, straightforward, and practical, making it easier for councils to adopt and implement.
4. Measurability and Accountability
The commitment must include measurable actions, allowing members to track progress and demonstrate tangible benefits to their small business communities.
An enhanced reporting framework will support councils in showcasing their efforts through performance tracking, meaningful metrics, and real-world case studies.
5. Encouraging Continuous Improvement
The program will not be a static framework but will encourage members to consistently elevate their small business support efforts, pushing for innovation and excellence.
6. Scalability for Different Organisations
Recognising the diversity of councils, the program will be adaptable to suit varying sizes, capabilities, and resources, ensuring every member can participate effectively.
By embedding these enhancements, we aim to create a program that not only supports small businesses more effectively but also provides councils with a clear and structured pathway to drive economic development and community prosperity.