Small businesses in Ipswich are set to ‘Bounce Back Better’ during Queensland’s Small Business Month 2021, with a calendar of events that focuses on economic recovery across the state.

Minister for Employment and Small Business and Minister for Training and Skills Development Di Farmer said our plan for economic recovery is underway and Queensland is leading the way when it comes to job creation.

“This month-long celebration in May will focus on ways to assist the small business sector’s economic recovery from COVID-19, creating employment across the state,” Minister Farmer said.

“Our Small Business Roadshows, which wrapped up in March, provided direct feedback from small businesses who were eager to tell us what they needed to recover from the past 18 months, how to create jobs and keep our communities strong.

“Following on from their recommendations, the Palaszczuk Government is investing more than $100,000 to sponsor these activities, connecting small businesses with the information and support to help them to come back even better.

“Through our new Partnership Program, 17 organisations will host a range of events to help their local small businesses.”

Bounce Back Better welcomes a diversity of events which cover a range of business skills from applying for grants to digital capability.

Member for Ipswich Jennifer Howard said there are activities targeting specific industries, hardest hit by COVID-19 such as tourism and the arts sector.

“The Ipswich Region Chamber of Commerce will receive $10,000 to host their business expo, 2021 Business Expo Ipswich, to assist local businesses in connecting and promoting their products and services to a wide range of potential clients,” Ms Howard said.

“Free seminars will be given by many industry leaders, providing the latest business execution strategies to local business owners.

“Among the conferences, expos, seminars, workshops, forums, webinars and trade shows, throughout the state there are also events for targeted groups such as rural and regional   Queensland and female small business owners.”

Ipswich Chamber of Commerce CEO Phillip Bell said that the funding will go towards key events at their expo.

“Workshops will also be on offer, giving local entrepreneurs ideas and strategies for procurement, training, marketing and connecting with government,” Mr Bell said.

“This funding is welcomed by all of us at the Chamber – it has enabled us to plan a fantastic expo for local business owners.”

Queensland Small Business Month 2021 is an important part of the Palaszczuk Government’s commitment to deliver networking, awareness, promotion and collaboration opportunities that enable small business to build strategic partnerships and connect with government, industry and each other.  

To register an event or find out more about Queensland Small Business Month events visit www.business.qld.gov.au/starting-business/advice-support/support/small-business/qsbm/about