Rockhampton welcomes Queensland Small Business Commissioner

Published on 16 October 2024

Queensland Small Business Commissioner Dominique Lamb and Deputy Mayor Drew Wickerson during a visit to Rockhampton

Rockhampton Regional Council has celebrated its achievements as a Small Business Friendly Council during a visit from Queensland Small Business Commissioner, Dominique Lamb.

In the last financial year the region’s lead economic development agency, Advance Rockhampton, has supported small businesses through the:

  • Prosperous Precincts Grant Program, offering up to $5,000 matched funding to support business upgrades in the Central Business District
  • Ongoing advocacy to major projects to utilise local content
  • Maximising Local Jobs and Content in Major Projects mentoring program, aimed at increasing tender capabilities
  • Delivery of tender and contract workshops and digital skills workshops in partnership with the State and Federal Governments
  • Ongoing relationships with the Capricornia Chamber of Commerce, CBD Progress Alliance and Mount Morgan Promotion and Development Inc
  • Free Small Business Month Celebration lunch, which included tutorial-style presentations and was attended by 150 people
  • Promotion of small businesses in Advance Rockhampton marketing material and its associated brands including Explore Rockhampton
  • Local Preference Policy utilised by Rockhampton Regional Council

Deputy Mayor Drew Wickerson said Advance Rockhampton has also increased engagement with local businesses, including personal visits to CBD shopfronts by the economic development team.

“Small businesses are the lifeblood of the Rockhampton Region and Advance Rockhampton works tirelessly to support them through the delivery of industry events, funding programs and strong advocacy to attract local investment,” Deputy Mayor Wickerson said.

“Advance Rockhampton works in all corners of the region, whether that be working on irrigation plans with agricultural businesses in South Yaamba or delivering initiatives such as the Buy Local program in Mount Morgan.

“Today’s visit by the Queensland Small Business Commissioner is another opportunity for Council to understand the challenges and opportunities facing small businesses, so we can direct our efforts where they are needed most.”

Queensland Small Business Commissioner, Dominique Lamb said small businesses are an essential part of Rockhampton’s economic future.

“There are 482,000 small businesses in Queensland who employ more than one million people and contribute over 117 billion dollars to the economy. But more than that, they are the people that support our community, charities, sporting clubs and lend a helping hand. Small businesses are the heart beat of every community across Queensland,” Ms Lamb said.

“There is a misconception that Council is funded for economic development. Where a Council chooses to invest, it does so for the benefit of their community. Rockhampton is committed to being more small business friendly and continues to try new and improved ways to engage, understand and create a better experience for small business owners.”

“We all know a small business owner, they are part of the tapestry of our communities and they depend on our support. When you’re making choices about where to spend your hard earned money, choose them, because they always choose you.”

Advance Rockhampton’s Economic Development Manager Wade Clark said healthy small businesses will be essential in meeting the Rockhampton Region’s growth targets.

“Our team’s goal is to grow the value of the Rockhampton Region’s economy to $12.9 billion by 2041, and it’s vital we include small businesses in that journey,” Mr Clark said.

“Today Council has the opportunity to meet with Queensland Small Business Commissioner Dominique Lamb, the Capricornia Chamber of Commerce, Queensland Indigenous Business Network and local traders to discuss what is working and hear firsthand where we need to focus our efforts into the future.

"Advance Rockhampton will continue to advocate for and support small business, but it's clear we have made significant improvements since becoming a Small Business Friendly Council in 2021."

More information on Advance Rockhampton can be found here - https://www.advancerockhampton.com.au/Home

More information on the Queensland Small Business Commissioner can be found here -  https://qsbc.qld.gov.au/

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