Small Business Friendly Council

• Continue "It's the people that make it" branding and tourism campaign.
• Partner with key stakeholders to deliver programs such as Protein Conference and Accelerate Manufacturing Conference.
• Development of Regional Workforce Plan, identifying and delivering key commitments for building a future-ready workforce.
• Endorsement of the Local Housing Action Plan(DOCX, 8MB), aimed at solving a key pain-point in workforce attraction.
• Partnering with industry professionals to deliver workshops and professional development opportunities.
• Supporting the delivery of Skills Summit, led by QMI.

• Work closely with Chambers of Commerce in Chinchilla, Dalby, Jandowae, Miles, 
  Tara and Wandoan and attend regular chamber meetings. 
• Send weekly emails to Chambers, and monthly Business in Western Downs enewsletter to subscribers, sharing grants, events, resources and other opportunities.
• Promote financial grants and support services available for people affected by disaster events.
• Delivery of the Disaster Resilience Project, with workshops and one-on-one support provided to small businesses in the region.
• New streamlined development assessment approval process under the Planning Act, with development assessments being completed within 13.5 days.
• The Economic Development team act as a single point of contact between businesses and Council and can liaise with relevant departments.
• The Economic Development team responds to all enquiries and provides advice for new businesses, small businesses and developer.

• Continue to support and partner with local Chambers of Commerce, TSBE, Business Navigator, BEST groups and other key stakeholders.
• Maintain progression and growth of the Local Business Directory by continued promotion of this platform to businesses and community as a resource to "Buy Local" goods and services in our region.

Join the Local Business Directory Find Out More - Buy Western Downs 

• WDRC procurement policy allows for payment of invoices by credit card, enabling prompt payment.
• Council maintains a maximum 30-day payment term, which is often achieved in 7-14 days.
• Council is in the process of preparing a range of resources to assist businesses with applying for procurement and contracting activities. These resources are designed to help businesses with the process and ensure their applications are complete and competitive.

• Council consistently advocates State and Federal government and other stakeholders to enable change outside the role and responsibilities of local government.