In August 2024, Gladstone Regional Council became the 50th Queensland Council to officially join the Queensland Small Business Commissioner’s Small Business Friendly Program (SBF program).

Being a Small Business Friendly Council ensures that small businesses are provided the opportunity to thrive and are supported by their Local Government through a consistent framework and approach across Queensland.

Our Council is focused on improving how we transact, interact and support our region's small business community and fulfilling the SBF Program Charter commitments to:

• 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

• Ensure fair procurement and prompt payment terms for small businesses

• Support small business resilience and recovery

• Measure and report on our performance.

Council will take a planned approach and work alongside the region’s business community to ensure the program is meaningful and delivers the most value.