BUSINESS LAUNCHPAD TOOL COMING TO THE SUNSHINE COAST

The Palaszczuk Government is supporting small businesses to start and grow on the Sunshine Coast with a new online tool that makes understanding regulatory requirements of starting a residential construction or hospitality business a piece of cake.

Minister for Employment and Small Business Di Farmer said the Palaszczuk Government is delivering on the COVID-19 Economic Recovery Plan’s commitment to back small business.

“During my Small Business Roadshow earlier this year I spoke to thousands of businesses right across Queensland,” Minister Farmer said.

“One of the things raised with me was that making sure you’re ticking all the different regulatory boxes when starting a new business can be confusing and time consuming.

“That’s why we created the Business Launchpad: a one stop shop online tool for those wanting to start a residential construction or hospitality business to find what they need to do, instead of having to search multiple websites from a range of government agencies.”

Member for Nicklin Robert Skelton said it was a great example of different levels of government working together to support small business.

“The Business Launchpad provides all the information people need to know about federal, state and local government regulatory requirements for the Sunshine Coast to start a residential construction or food and beverage hospitality business,” Mr Skelton said.

“The tool also prefills standard details, which means people don’t have to repeatedly enter the same information each time they start a different application. This saves on time and frustration!”

Sunshine Coast Economic Development Portfolio Councillor Terry Landsberg said he was extremely pleased that people wanting to start a small business on the Sunshine Coast would be among the first to benefit from the expanded use of the Business Launchpad.

“This is a great opportunity to build on the work that our council is currently doing to encourage and support small businesses in our region,” Cr Landsberg said.

Craig Kelly, the Team Leader of Environmental Health at Sunshine Coast Council, said it was a great experience for Council to work with the State Government to deliver this innovative solution for local businesses.

“It was an excellent experience working with the Business Launchpad team. The final product is a great resource for our business community, a real win for our council and the broader public,” Mr Kelly said.

Member for Caloundra Jason Hunt said other support was available from the Palaszczuk Government, and that more established Sunshine Coast small businesses should get ready to apply for Business Boost grants that are opening soon.

“Sunshine Coast small businesses should get ready to apply for the new Business Boost grants of up to $15,000 each which can be used for upgrades and organisational improvements for more established businesses,” Mr Hunt said.

“Information is already available online to help businesses prepare their applications in readiness for the opening of applications at 9am on 30 July.”

Minister Farmer said there was a range of other support for small businesses from the Palaszczuk Government.

“We have new online resources for businesses thinking about recruiting an apprentice or trainee which help businesses sign up and understand their training contracts, which includes receiving personalised SMS reminders for employer obligations,” Minister Farmer said.

“Time is also running out for small businesses to put their hand up and be part of our Queensland Small Business Advisory Council, so they can guide and advise government on the implementation of the Big Plans for Small Business Strategy.

“EOIs close this Tuesday 27 July at 5pm.”

Over 1,700 people have accessed the existing Business Launchpads in Townsville and Logan.

The Business Launchpad project is funded through the Australian Government’s Small Business Regulatory Reform Agenda and is available from launchpad.business.qld.gov.au

Information about the Business Boost Grant program is available at business.qld.gov.au/business-boost

To access information to manage apprentices and trainees visit www.business.qld.gov.au/running-business/employing/taking-on-staff/apprentices-trainees/manage

To submit an EOI for the QSBAC visit www.advisoryboardcentre.com/qsbadvisorycouncil and complete the online nomination form before 5pm Tuesday 27 July.

For further information on support for small business visit www.business.qld.gov.au or call the Small Business Hotline on 1300 654 687.