CHRONICLE COLUMN |BACKBONE TO THE LOCAL, STATE AND NATIONAL ECONOMY | 02 MAY 2023
May is small business month and there is a lot to celebrate.
The Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman identified in 2020 that small business and family enterprise in Australia represent the ‘engine room’ of the economy and the heart of our community.
CommBank identified that small business contributed almost $418 billion to Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in 2018-19, equivalent to over 32% of Australia’s total economy. Small business accounts for 76% of value added in the agriculture, forestry, and fishing sector and 74% of value added in the rental, hiring, and real estate services sector. These two business sectors as outlined in the Toowoomba Business Sentiment Index delivered by McCrindle are number one and four in the Toowoomba region by business count.
The small business community makes a vital contribution to Toowoomba’s economic and social wellbeing. A powerful local cohort needs to be recognised and thanked for their contribution, not just in small business month, but year-round for delivering a diverse economy, taking risks, following dreams and shaping our great city and region, we all enjoy.
Small Business Month all of May 2023
This month, the Toowoomba Chamber are delivering a series of informative and practical workshops with local business leaders. Delivered thanks to the support of Regional Development Australia – Darling Downs and Southwest and Employ Toowoomba, a Toowoomba Regional Jobs Committee initiative which is proudly supported and funded by the Queensland Government.
The Lunch and Learn workshop series will cover critical challenges we face in the workforce as requested by our members. Workshops on recruiting and retaining employees, growing your own, managing mental health, what makes you an employer of choice, ESG as part of workforce strategy, connecting migrants to employers, role of employees in building business brand, and what the future of the Workforce looks like.
Our speakers will share their insights and expertise to help you navigate the current business landscape, providing valuable tips and tricks to help you succeed. You’ll have the opportunity to network with like-minded business owners and gain practical knowledge that you can apply right away.
Grab your tickets to the Small Business Month Workshop Series here
