THE spotlight is on small businesses in Somerset with the region’s local government authority throwing its support behind a range of initiatives designed to bolster the local economy.

During an industry specific breakfast, hosted by Somerset Regional Council, Mayor Jason Wendt spoke passionately about small business and how they are the fabric that helps keep rural communities connected.

“As most people are aware, Council is a proud member of the Small Business Friendly Councils and as a signatory to this charter, we made a pledge to support small businesses and that has never been more important than now with such challenging times,” Cr Wendt said.

“Council is committed to raising the profile and capability of small business and support business resilience and recovery. That is why we have engaged consultants to design and develop a Business Recovery and Resilience Plan that will assist recovery and bolster the resilience of our local business community.

“We have also employed a Business Recovery Officer who is actively delivering a suite of workshops and forums across the region to inform, engage and connect Somerset business owners with industry experts and more.

“I am also excited to announce that, through the Locally Led Economic Recovery Program, Council will be delivering a ‘Buy Local’ marketing campaign’ across the region with the aim to promote small businesses and encourage additional spend in Somerset.”  

More than 70 Somerset business representatives attended the free breakfast held in Esk on Wednesday, 15 May as part of Small Business Month.

Guest speakers included representatives from Small Business Commissioner’s Office, Southern Queensland Country Tourism, Coffee Club Founder and the Somerset Business Chamber.

Council has also extended the closing date of its Somerset Business Survey designed to understand the needs and desires of businesses within the region.

For more information on economic development in Somerset, small business initiatives or to complete the business survey visit www.somerset.qld.gov.au.

The breakfast was made possible with assistance provided through the jointly funded Commonwealth-State Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA).

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