Council
13 May, 2022
Somerset supports Small Business Promotion and Engagement
SOMERSET Regional Council has sought to further understand the needs of small businesses in the local government context by sending representatives to a conference focusing on supporting small business.
Somerset councillors, Kylee Isidro and Bob Whalley, together with council’s Business Recovery Officer, Paul Misipeka, attended the Small Business Friendly conference in Townsville at the end of April.
Councillor Kylee Isidro said it was great to attend the conference on behalf of Council after Council signed the Small Business Friendly Councils (SBFC) charter last year.
“It's clear there is renewed energy to help boost and grow small business especially after the prolonged impacts of the pandemic,” Cr Isidro said.
“We heard from many businesses who adapted and thrived during the heart of the COVID pandemic.
“Their stories were inspiring, and it was great to hear that despite the challenges there is strong economic growth throughout Queensland.”
Cr Isidro said there was also a strong focus on the benefits of good customer service.
“Personally, I found this topic to be the most important as it sets a clear path to allow businesses and organisations to put in place the necessary actions and energy to set them up for success, even Council,” she said.
Councillor Bob Whalley said the conference provided “invaluable insight” into small business.
“Small business is the heart of the local economy and plays a critical role in the fabric of rural communities,” Cr Whalley said.
“The conference was all encompassing from the do and don’ts of small business operation to how best to support and engage with small businesses.”
Council’s Business Recovery Officer, Paul Misipeka, said the conference also put the spotlight on mental health.
“Small business is about people, and the conference reinforced the need to focus on people,” Mr Misipeka said.
“As a local government we are here to serve the community and support them when they need it.
“That was a key take away from the conference which is relevant to what we are doing here at Somerset.”
