Local businesses #BounceBackBetter during Queensland Small Business Month

10 May 2021

Small businesses across the Southern Downs are set to ‘Bounce Back Better’ during Queensland Small Business Month celebrations throughout May.

Council is hosting an exciting program of events across Warwick and Stanthorpe, allowing local small businesses to upskill, connect and take their business to the next level.

Southern Downs Regional Council Mayor Vic Pennisi encouraged small businesses to attend as many of the events as possible and leverage the knowledge and networking opportunities available.

“Our small businesses play a vital role in our region’s economy and Queensland Small Business Month is a chance for them to learn from experts, connect and share knowledge and information with other business people, and take a moment to celebrate their achievements.”

“People need a hand up, not a hand out and with over 4000 businesses across the Southern Downs employing more than 15,000 local residents, Council’s support of the small business sector will be  instrumental in making Southern Downs a great place to live, work,  play and stay.”

“I commend Council’s Economic Development and Tourism team for the hard work they put into these events and their commitment to help businesses in Southern Downs, however small or big, succeed” Cr Pennisi said.

The calendar of events kicked off with the Realising out Potential business breakfast held in Warwick on 7 May. The event featured a regional panel of experts and was extremely well received by the over 70 attendees.

Focus now shifts to a workshops series, jobs and training expo, an evening networking event and the signing of the Small Business Friendly Council Charter.

The Creating Stories Workshop Series running throughout May, facilitated by Amy Walker of the Wife Creative and Jaimie McMillan from Wild Sage Collective, is aimed at upskilling and inspiring local businesses to maximise social media.

The Jobs and Training Expo scheduled for 19 May in Stanthorpe and 20 May in Warwick, will give locals the chance to explore career and training opportunities, and connect with local businesses.

On 20 May, Council will be welcoming Queensland Small Business Commissioner, Maree Adshead, to the region for the signing of the Small Business Friendly Council Charter, to signify Council’s commitment to small businesses and their needs. 

On 27 May, the Council and the Stanthorpe and Granite Belt Chamber of Commerce will host a wine and cheese networking evening to celebrate local small business.

For more information on all events and to register, visit investsoutherndowns.com.au. 

Queensland Small Business Month 2021 – QSBM 2021 – celebrates the small businesses that make a vital contribution to our state’s economy and play an important role in each region and community across Queensland.

For all the latest Council news and information download the ‘My SDRC’ App, call 1300 MY SDRC (1300 697 372) or visit investsoutherndowns.com.au