Somerset commits to being Small Business Friendly

The Somerset Regional Council cemented its support for the region’s small businesses by signing the Small Business Friendly Councils (SBFC) charter on 14 April 2021.

By signing this charter, we made a pledge to support small business which has never been more important than now with such trying and unpredictable times. Council is committed to raising the profile and capability of small business and supporting business resilience and recovery. We also vow to continue promoting and showcasing small business.

The Small Business Friendly (SBF) Program brings people together around a common goal to enhance the operating environment for small businesses and provide the opportunities they need to thrive.

As a Small Business Friendly Program member, Somerset Regional Council will:

✓ Actively communicate and engage with small businesses

✓ Raise the profile and capability of small businesses

✓ Promote and showcase small businesses

✓ Develop and promote place-based programs for small businesses

✓ Simplify administration and regulation for small business (red tape reduction)

✓ Ensure fair procurement and prompt payment terms for small businesses

✓ Support small business resilience and recovery

✓ Measure and report on our performance

We will actively communicate and engage with small businesses

• Actively engage and be mindful of small businesses, their issues and priorities when making decisions.
• Communicate clearly in a timely manner both formally and informally.
• Engage with statewide partners where appropriate on matters affecting small businesses.
• Publish clear service standards stating what small businesses can expect from us.

We will raise the profile and capability of small businesses

• Publicly recognise and value the importance of small businesses to our community and local economy.
• Encourage campaigns to promote small business and local spending.
• Help small businesses develop networks, access education, and increase their capabilities.
• Assist small businesses to access government, business and industry programs and resources.

We will promote and showcase small businesses

• Encourage and promote small business engagement via marketing and communication channels (e.g., engaging with local small businesses, collaborating with local chamber of commerce etc.).
• Create awareness by promoting the Small Business Friendly (SBF) program (e.g. using the SBF identifier online, in marketing collateral and in communication materials).
• Share successes, ideas and learnings with Small Business Friendly members and other stakeholders.
• Allow the Queensland Small Business Commissioner to promote our Small Business Friendly activities and

We will develop and promote place-based programs for small businesses

• Identify, develop, promote and deliver at least two existing or new placed-based programs to support businesses to start, grow and become more resilient.