Ipswich City Council has signed a charter to become Queensland’s first Small Business Friendly Council.
Mayor Teresa Harding, Queensland Small Business Commissioner Maree Adshead and the Ipswich and Greater Springfield Chambers of Commerce Presidents signed the charter on Thursday, which will see council strengthen its relationships with small businesses across the city.
Council has also launched round two of its COVID-19 Recovery Small Business Funding Program, which will provide funding of up to $1,000 per eligible business, from a total pool of $130,000.
Mayor Harding said it was more important than ever for council to show its support to small businesses.
“Small businesses are the backbone of our Ipswich economy, creating local jobs and providing essential goods and services for our community,” Mayor Harding said.
“That is why we have worked closely with the Queensland Government to establish the Small Business Friendly Charter. It is fitting that today we proudly sign on to become the first council to join the Charter.
“We are committed to making it easier for small businesses across the city to do business with us and to strengthen our support to thousands of Ipswich small businesses going forward.”
Economic and Industry Development Committee chairperson, Councillor Nicole Jonic, said round two of council’s COVID-19 Recovery Small Business Funding Program was made available following feedback from local businesses.
“This funding will provide a welcome boost to those small businesses that we know continue to do it tough through COVID-19,” Councillor Jonic said.
“The majority of registered businesses in Ipswich employ less than 20 staff, and council is committed to supporting those small businesses by providing direct funding.
“Eligible small businesses will be able to access up to $1000 to help pay for accountants or solicitors, help purchase inventory, pay for Local Chamber of Commerce Memberships, or seek financial support towards adjusting to doing business through COVID-19.”
(L-R): Cr Marnie Doyle, Charis Mullen, Queensland Small Business Commissioner Maree Adshead, Greater Springfield Chamber of Commerce President Neil Coupland, Jim Madden, Cr Paul Tully, Mayor Teresa Harding, Cr Andrew Fechner, Jennifer Howard, Cr Sheila Ireland, Cr Nicole Jonic, Cr Jacob Madsen, Ipswich Chamber of Commerce President Phillip Bell, Cr Russell Milligan
To apply for funding, visit the Small Business Funding Program on council’s website or visit Fire Station 101 to find out more about accessing support for your business.
Eligible businesses can apply for up to $1,000 from a total pool of approximately $130,000. Funding will be available until 30 June 2021 or until it runs out.
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