New resources are now available to support people with disability to set up microbusinesses
People with disability can access new practical support to start up and run their own microbusinesses.
Queenslanders with Disability Network (QDN) has developed a range of videos and information packs for people interested in exploring microbusiness options through funding by the Palaszczuk Government.
Four Queenslanders with disability and their families who setup microbusinesses – including cleaning services, distribution of snack foods, and handmade gifts and jewellery – are featured in the videos.
The four microbusiness owners took part in a special presentation at Parliament House today, as part of Disability Action Week, which runs from 25 November to 2 December.
New information packs provide practical advice and tips on where to start, what factors should be considered, and where to find further support.
The theme of this year’s Disability Action Week is ‘Access Ignites: It’s good business’.
With nearly one million Queenslanders with disability, the new resources offer alternative income streams outside of traditional employment pathways.
The materials also complement Queensland’s Workforce Strategy 2022–2032, which focuses on maximising workforce participation.
The new resources, including videos, are available at www.qld.gov.au/inclusive-employment
Quotes attributable to Disability Services Minister Craig Crawford:
“Disability is not a barrier to great ideas and microbusinesses can work for people with disability at any stage of life.
“Self-employment can offer a great alternative and more flexibility than traditional employment pathways when it comes to applying their skills.
“The stories told in these videos highlight the possibilities that are out there.
“By developing their own businesses, these individuals have not only thrived, they have also met a need among other businesses and customers for the services and products they can offer.”
Quotes attributable to Clay Lewis, owner of Clay’s Cleaning Services in Brisbane:
“I’m 21 years old and I have my own cleaning business.
“I do bin cleaning, car cleaning, jet blasting, cleaning driveways and then sometimes I do dog walking.
“I have 25 of the same customers each month.
“It all started back in 2016 – I started a small job just taking people’s bins in and out back when I used to live in a unit complex.
“You just always believe in yourself and you can do it – just never give up.”
