Logan City Council has thrown its support behind City of Logan’s business community during Queensland Small Business Month 2021 in May.
Economic Development Chair, Deputy Mayor Jon Raven, said the city’s economy was thriving, with a value of $13.32 billion and almost 24,000 businesses operating.
“Small businesses are the engine room of our city’s economy and are the backbone of local employment,” Cr Raven said.
“Council is proud to support local businesses through our Logan Office of Economic Development, which offers small business advice, workshops, assistance with relocation, expansion and redevelopment, as well as exporting and property selection advice.
“During Queensland Small Business Month in May, Council is also delivering a range of workshops, expos and networking sessions across the city to help Logan businesses learn new skills and to be more resilient.
“The theme of this year’s Small Business Month is #BounceBackBetter and it’s certainly fitting as our local economic recovery from the pandemic continues.”
One event on the Small Business Month calendar is a session about how City of Logan businesses can supply goods and services to Council. It will be held at Logan Entertainment Centre on Monday, May 24.
Procurement and Appropriations Special Committee Chair, Councillor Jacob Heremaia, said Council spends more than $500 million each year on goods and services and is looking to channel more expenditure into the local economy.
“Council has a responsibility to ensure it gets value for money in its purchases, but we’re also committed to using local suppliers,” Cr Heremaia said.
“We’re making it easier for those businesses in our city to make themselves known to us before we seek quotes or tenders to buy goods.
“The ‘Supplying goods and services to Council: what you need to know’ event will showcase the procurement processes and help local businesses understand what opportunities are coming up.”
Thom and Ann’s are a small business that has benefitted from Council’s efforts.
They were recently successful in winning the tender to provide a coffee and food outlet on the refurbished Logan Village Green.
“It’s been good to work with Council to be a part of the pilot program to see if this idea will work in their parks across the city,” said Thom and Ann’s co-owner Scott Roebig.
“We enjoy connecting with the community and employing local staff to develop and grow their skills.
“More money in the local economy means we can employ more locals.”
Cr Raven encouraged local business owners, or anyone thinking about starting a small business, to attend some of the local events, including a free Council-supported networking evening on Thursday, May 6 at Greenbank RSL.
“There are more than 40 in-person and online events to attend over the next few weeks, and most are free,” he said.
“The sessions will help small businesses learn new skills, network and grow.”
See the full list of events, including more details on the May 24 procurement event, at loed.com.au/qsbm
Logan City Council Libraries also is offering a range of free Small Business Month programs and online sessions through the Hive coworking spaces at Logan Central and Logan West Libraries.
