Cairns Regional Council Reinforces Commitment to Small Businesses
In recognition of the indispensable contribution that small enterprises make to the local economy and community fabric, the Cairns Regional Council has reasserted its involvement in the Small Business Friendly Council Program by endorsing an updated Small Business Friendly Commitment.
This renewed Commitment continues the original Charter initiated in 2021 in collaboration with the Cairns Chamber of Commerce, adopting a more agile, pragmatic, and adaptable approach.
Implemented through the Office of the Queensland Small Business Commissioner’s Small Business Friendly (SBF) Program, this revamped framework is poised to evolve in tandem with the shifting needs of the business milieu, presenting enhanced resources, definitive commitments, and an emphasis on perpetual growth.
By alleviating bureaucratic hurdles, fostering connections, and stimulating local expenditure, this initiative is already engendering a palpable impact on small enterprises within Cairns.
Key accomplishments from the previous year include:
- Cairns 2025 Meeting the Buyer: Successfully connected 88 local small business suppliers with major buyers and procurement teams, facilitating the discovery of new opportunities and the cultivation of invaluable partnerships.
- Indigenous Small Business Networking Event: Hosted in collaboration with local stakeholders, this gathering attracted over 80 representatives from First Nations-owned businesses throughout the region.
- Moving Pictures Nights: In partnership with the local nonprofit EndCredits Film Club, seven complimentary outdoor movie nights were organized across the area, providing entertainment while supporting local vendors.
- Major Events Support: Through the Council’s event sponsorship scheme, 14 major events generated an estimated $7.29 million in revenue for local suppliers.
- Fast-tracked Development Applications: The broadened initiative enables the assessment of more low-risk applications within a ten-business-day timeframe, streamlining administrative processes and bolstering local planning and consulting firms.
The Council remains steadfast in its mission to cultivate a flourishing small business ecosystem, ensuring that the region’s entrepreneurs, creators, and service providers are well-positioned for success, ultimately contributing to a vibrant and resilient Cairns.
Source link: Miragenews.com.
