TASMANIA is a small business state. Particularly in our regions, small businesses are the heartbeat of the local economy and the fabric of our communities. They are the family farms, the corner stores, the innovative start-ups, the tradies, the tourism operators and the professional services that employ local people, sponsor local footy clubs and keep our towns vibrant.
Right across New Norfolk and the wider Derwent Valley and Central Highlands, I see the resilience, creativity and determination of our small businesses. Their owners are some of the most resourceful people you will ever meet. They innovate; not because it is fashionable, but because it is necessary. They solve problems daily, and they adapt.
Supporting small businesses is a priority for our Government, and we recently took two important steps to back in their future. The refreshed Business Tasmania website has been relaunched. It is a modern, easier-to-use platform designed to give businesses the right information at the right time.
Behind the refreshed look is improved functionality and more extensive information to support businesses at every stage of their lifecycle, from those just starting out to established operators looking to grow. Two new features, the Grants and Funding Finder and the Tools and Support Finder, will allow businesses to refine their search and save valuable time.
In today’s economy, digital capability is no longer optional, it is essential. If you are not visible online, you are invisible to opportunity. Supporting small business is not just about providing tools. It is about listening. In this financial year to date, the team at Business Tasmania has already answered more than 600 calls.
That’s why we have also opened consultation on the next Small Business Growth Strategy. We want to hear feedback from small businesses in New Norfolk and the Derwent Valley to shape the priorities and action areas to guide government and industry over the next decade.
Importantly, we want to understand what has changed since our last consultation four years ago, what new challenges have emerged, and where the greatest opportunities are. That means hearing directly from small business owners, employees, representative bodies and members of the public with an interest in the sector.
The consultation process is open until Friday, May 15. I strongly encourage anyone with an interest in small business to take part. Good policy is not written in isolation; it is shaped by the people it is designed to support. Find out more about the strategy here: www.business.tas.gov.au/news-and-events/business-news/small-business-growth-strategy
Guy Barnett is deputy premier and one of the seven state members for Lyons. New Norfolk and Derwent Valley News invites each Lyons MP to write for the paper on a regular basis.
See more Derwent Valley and Central Highlands news online and read our print edition every second Friday.
Opinion: Small businesses the heartbeat of regions
TASMANIA is a small business state. Particularly in our regions, small businesses are the heartbeat of the local economy and the fabric of our communities. They are the family farms, the corner stores, the innovative start-ups, the tradies, the tourism operators and the professional services that employ local people, sponsor local footy clubs and keep our towns vibrant.
Right across New Norfolk and the wider Derwent Valley and Central Highlands, I see the resilience, creativity and determination of our small businesses. Their owners are some of the most resourceful people you will ever meet. They innovate; not because it is fashionable, but because it is necessary. They solve problems daily, and they adapt.
Supporting small businesses is a priority for our Government, and we recently took two important steps to back in their future. The refreshed Business Tasmania website has been relaunched. It is a modern, easier-to-use platform designed to give businesses the right information at the right time.
Behind the refreshed look is improved functionality and more extensive information to support businesses at every stage of their lifecycle, from those just starting out to established operators looking to grow. Two new features, the Grants and Funding Finder and the Tools and Support Finder, will allow businesses to refine their search and save valuable time.
In today’s economy, digital capability is no longer optional, it is essential. If you are not visible online, you are invisible to opportunity. Supporting small business is not just about providing tools. It is about listening. In this financial year to date, the team at Business Tasmania has already answered more than 600 calls.
That’s why we have also opened consultation on the next Small Business Growth Strategy. We want to hear feedback from small businesses in New Norfolk and the Derwent Valley to shape the priorities and action areas to guide government and industry over the next decade.
Importantly, we want to understand what has changed since our last consultation four years ago, what new challenges have emerged, and where the greatest opportunities are. That means hearing directly from small business owners, employees, representative bodies and members of the public with an interest in the sector.
The consultation process is open until Friday, May 15. I strongly encourage anyone with an interest in small business to take part. Good policy is not written in isolation; it is shaped by the people it is designed to support. Find out more about the strategy here: www.business.tas.gov.au/news-and-events/business-news/small-business-growth-strategy
Guy Barnett is deputy premier and one of the seven state members for Lyons. New Norfolk and Derwent Valley News invites each Lyons MP to write for the paper on a regular basis.
See more Derwent Valley and Central Highlands news online and read our print edition every second Friday.
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