Media Statements

Collaboration building brighter future for Ipswich small business

15 August 2025

Ipswich City Council is reaffirming its commitment to encouraging small businesses by signing on to the Small Business Friendly Program for the second time.

Ipswich Mayor Teresa Harding, together with Economic and Cultural Development Committee Chairperson Councillor Pye Augustine and Queensland Small Business Commissioner Dominique Lamb signed the Small Business Friendly Commitment on Tuesday, 12 August.

“When small businesses succeed, our whole community benefits. That’s why we’re focused on making it simpler for small businesses across Ipswich to engage with council, while continuing to strengthen the support we provide to thousands of local operators,” Mayor Harding said.

“We value the strong partnerships we have with our local chambers of commerce and business leaders and proudly deliver events like Ipswich Business Expo, the Strengthening Business conference and Small Business Awards alongside them to celebrate the achievements of small businesses across Ipswich.

“Through our New Business Breakfasts to Business Booths, we’re creating real opportunities for connection, support, and growth.

“Some of the other achievements include reducing the time it takes to get a food truck licence from six weeks to 48 hours and delivering 37 workshops to 586 participants under the Creators of Ipswich initiative which led to a 30 per cent increase in grant applications,” Mayor Harding said.

Ipswich became Queensland’s first Small Business Friendly Council in 2020 and has won a number of awards for initiatives aimed at supporting the city’s small businesses since.

“Last year, Council was presented the 2024 Small Business Friendly Innovator of the Year award. This included Queensland’s first Street Patio program, hosted across four locations over 12 months to support small business and stimulate foot traffic in Ipswich Central,” Mayor Harding said.

“We’re building a council that small businesses can count on — one that listens, supports, and acts.”

The Queensland Small Business Commissioner’s Small Business Friendly (SBF) Program brings people together to enhance the operating environment to help small and family businesses thrive.

Economic and Cultural Development Committee Chairperson Councillor Pye Augustine said the program provided a way for council to provide practical support for the 13,049 local businesses who are at the heart of the Ipswich economy.

“From helping businesses access grants and training, to simplifying how they work with council, we’re taking real steps to support our small business community,” Cr Augustine said.

“It’s about making sure they have the tools and support they need to succeed.

“I’m proud that our city is signing on the dotted line to continue to support small businesses, and the thousands of local jobs that they create, at a time when our region’s economy is going from strength to strength.

“The latest data shows the city’s Gross Regional Product is at an all-time high of $15.08 billion.

“We are well positioned to maximise Ipswich’s position in the rapidly expanding western growth corridor and delivery sustainable growth for our region.”

Jessica Covele launched her artisan soy candle and curated gift business, Elim and Co, in 2021. She moved into her first commercial space in 2024, crediting a grant from the Welcome to Ipswich program with helping to get the homewares business up and running.

“It was great to have that support from council. The grant helped with eftpos and shelving and we were able to get the look and feel we were really aiming for. We get complimented a lot on the look, and the beautiful smell, of our space,” Jessica said.

Queensland Small Business Commissioner Dominique Lamb said Ipswich City Council was making a clear statement that small businesses matter and that they will be central to the city’s economic future.

“This commitment is backed by action – including developing an annual Small Business Action Plan to guide initiatives that help local businesses grow, adapt and succeed,” Ms Lamb said.

“Council’s pledge goes beyond any single department; it’s about working across the whole organisation to make it easier to do business, reduce red tape, and create opportunities for small business to thrive.

“By collaborating with local industry, the community and all levels of government, Ipswich City Council is ensuring that small businesses have the skills, capability and support they need to be resilient, innovative and a driving force in a strong local economy.”